Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1882-01-21
Memphis.

/ N11nNllo Ddhuoist
For years there has been a spirit Of
keen emulation between the two cities
of Tennessee, which at times almost
degenerated into rivalry. But nothing
could be more puerile. for neither can
interfere with the other, and each in
| iuences, in a marked degree, the
success of its sister. The citizens Of
Nashville should be, and the sensible
ones are, as proud OF the advancement
and improvement of Memphis as of
their own beautiful city. There can
be no competition, except to limited
extent, between them, and as sister
sister cities OF Tennessee, we may we'll
feel proud Of both, one as the Capitol
the other as the Metropolis.
1t was sore misfortune to
Memphis to have the yellow
fever, and no one can say that the
people of Nashville did not sympsthize
and aid her brethren in every possible
manner. At one time, in 1879, it did
seem as if the prosperity of Memphis
had attained its elimination aud all
the future would be decline. But
Just as the sun appeared to be sinking
below the horizon to set forever, 1t
struggled up, up, until, at last it be-
gan to blaze with all its old splendor.
And more, for the people showed what
pluck could dom wiping out the seeds
of that fatal disease by an uupar-
alleled liberality at a time when it
really seemed as if they could do
nothing more. From that noble act
Of self-taxation begun the advance,
and from present appearances it seems
to be bounded only by their wishes.
Memphis has more natural advan-
tages than any site for a city in Amer.
lea She sits like a Queen 10 the
healthy border Of the great cotton belt,
in easy reach Of sll. She has free
transportation route unsurpassed in
the world. She is the center of a per-
feet network OF railroads extending
from the lakes to the gulf, and from
the Pacific to the Atlantic. From
her bluffs the roads diverge in every
direction as the spokes surround a
hub. The cotton trade of Memphis
is only one Of the great factors which
is destined to be garnered
there to be thence distributed to
the world. The wheats and grains
of the great Northwest are sent there
to be purchased by the great planta
tions below, who in turn send up their
bales Of cotton to be exchanged for
produce Of various kinds. And
then look at the great and growing
West, all to be settled up and become
tributary to Memphis. Memphis not
only has system Of railroads destined
to rival Chicago, but she has way
equal, it not superior, to that city on
the Lakes, and with her genial soft
Southern breezes, far surpasses any
Northern city in point OF comfort.
We have seen the citizens have all
the pluck and snap which may be nee
essary to create a city, and we have
pointed out the natural advantages
she possesses, and we have only to
await the inevitable growth which
will follow as q natural sequence,
While Nashville will assuredly keep
pace with Memphis in many respects,
and surpass her in some Of the more
solid requisites for a great city, Mem
phis will assuredly oustrip her in
population and extension, and we may
as well make up our minds to it
Notwithstanding Memphis has spent
vast sums in the improvement
l Of her health she must spend
many more, aud vaster sums In the
same line. Nashville can clean up a
easily as boy can take his Saturday
| bath, and be as clean, but Memphil
has apOrous, spungy substratum, which
imbibes, sucks up and retains all tn,
| filth it comes in contact with, and one
in, is question Of time to get it out
| The people viii confess they have
doubtful reputation and an uueviabl
record, and it should be their aim L
amend it. They are fortunate in having
a very superior Health Officer, mai
who knows how to do, and they shout,
give him discretionary power to carr
out his conceptions. Few cities in tn
South have the advantage of sucl
an officer. and they should priz
him. With improved sanilar
regulations and the many an
diverse advantages possessed by gu
sister city. We may expect TO have
metropolis which, in few years, wi
snrpass the pride CT Missouri, an
acknowledge as her only rival tina
wonderous outgrowth of Western civ
> ilization, the Queen City Of the Lake
And as such, we as Tennesseeans vi
point 10 her as our city with as war
/, feeling and as just pride as if we wei
, residents in fact. But none OF thei
great advances will be made to spea
of until the State is pnrged Of the 81
of reputation. That incubus wi
rest too heavy on the whole people |
: permit oHtgrowth or prosperous al
vance. 1t should be the pride, as We
as the duty of Memphis. above q
other places, to aid in laying this o
:, goblin.
e co,a,.aT nohust,r C,,.ox4