Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1882-08-01

The following letter has been received by
q gentleman of this city from q former resi-
dent of Memphis, now citizen of the Queen
City, a place that has emerged from a mere
bog-killing town to the highest position as
the seat of literature, music and the fine
arts. II.
CIycIsSAII, July Is, 1852.
FRIEsD Hone of my labors of love
since leaving the Bluff City has been to do
all 1 could to relieve her from the asper-
sions of those who pointed to a lack of enter
prise and culture among her citizens. With
pride elaborated on the splendid achieve
ments wrought in the sanitary condition of
Memphis since the epidemics of 1878 and
1879, holding, as you know, 10 the opinion
that the average Memphian was the equal of
his fellow in Northern cities in intelligence,
energy and generosity. 1 confess TO you,
however, that my sanguine nature carried
me away, and, looking at things as they ara,
there seems to me no hope for your stricken
city until the reins fall into the hands of a
new generation, untramneled by traditional
prejudices and stunted views of social duties
which now prevail so largely, at least did
when 1 lived there. Discussing the letter
asking an extension of time from the gener-
GUS Mr.. Nash with gentleman of this city,
who has had large transactions with Mem
phis, the question arose whether Mr.. Nash
HAD NOT MADE A MISTAKE.
in the selection of his committee. The gen.
tleman referred TO remarked that it was be-
yond his comprehension why 30 small sum
could not be raised among a population of
10000, especially as a few had so literally
headed the list. / felt that I could en-
tighten him, yet refrained; but the thought
is still uppermost that possibly some of the
large subscribers did not want the enterprise
to succeed, being satisfied with the eclot at
tending their names attached to a thousand
or two, as published in the daily papers. i
know many of these people SO we'll; / know
their narrow views on public improvements;
l know how largely they talk of what should
be done, but never came forward and put
their shoulders to the wheel. Ny dear H,
your city will never be more than
A WINTER MECCA
for the worshipers of cotton, it will never
amount TO anything until broader views of
men and things become popular; until the
seller of the staple will look upon the pro-
Queer as something better than his shave.
Allow me to suggest plan (satisfied that
you are interested) which has succeeded
elsewhere and will succeed with you if the
right kind of men are at the head-men
with .brains, heart and soul, not leaden ma
chimes, who see the material only, even at
Sabbath service. Have a meeting called at
an early day of leading citizens-lawyers,
preachers, doctors, merchants and mechanics
(the press will always do its duty). Al, this
meeting appoint committee of three,
known for their public spirit and enterprise.
A FEASIBLE SCHEME.
Give this Committee full charge to raise
the specified amount; give it power to APP
point sub committees for each street; if
necessary, pay canvassers; take 500, S. or
81; sell life memberships for, say, $50
every reader will give something. Suppose,
on the estimate OF 5000 householders in
Memphis could he GOT from