Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1883-11-23
THE MEMPHIS EXCLUSION.
Why Springfield Was Left Out
I'm the Cold.

Under the above heading appears the
article that follows in the Springfield
MO- Leader of Wednesday, the 2lst
We know nothing of the matter com,
planned of, but hope that it is imaginary
rather than real. There were only six
cars, and these all came through from
Kansas City. There was great rush for
places, we are told, and under the circum-
stances It is not very strange that Kansas
City and the various points beyond there
which were represented pretty well filled
the tain before it started. All
who came were Welcomed alike
Memphis could have no motive
in making any invidious determinations.
1t is limited that there will be general
grand excursion of six or seven hundred
people over the same line in January. II
so, we hope to see Springfield and other
thriving cities on the road largely rep
resented. But here is the article;
why was Springfield snubbed by the
Gulf Railroad Company in its excursion
to Memphis2" asked the Leader of a
prominent gentleman Of this city.
II can't see any snub in it, The ex.
eursion was gotten up by Memphis and
Kansas City for their own purposes, and
Springfield people have no more cause to
feel 'snubbed' than | would if two socie-
ties, Of which | were not member,
should get up party or an excursion and
not ask me. However, Mr.. Leader | do
not wish 10 be interviewed-at least |
don't want my name used"
Ibid you read the indignation edi,
torial in the Herald of yesterday" asked
the inditer.
"No,b / heard of it, and, from what l
learn, it is a very foolish article, and
places the people of Springfield in false
attitude. Because Memphis did not see
fiji to invite Colonel Ravens and few
other leading fellows TO eat drink, ride
and riot at their expense they are in
suited, and ask us all TO be insulted.'
This is nonsense. The railroad company
is friendly toward Springfield, but if that
paper reflects the views of the people of
this city, or any considerable portion Of
them, the company will have good cause
for being fnsulted.f Please say in your
paper that only u few would-be prominent
men of this city are insulted because
they were not invited"
Are you going, Colonel2n
mo. was invited on account of some
influence which | know not
of. Possibly because there was one good
man in Springfield, sufficient, you know.
to save it from the wrath TO come. No,
have business that prevents my going, but
l am willing to entrust the honor Of
Springfield in the keeping of Milligan,
keet, Newson, Murray, Jones, and the
others"
Approaching another well known BUSH
ness man, not invited, the Leader asked,
suppose you're Off for Memphis tonight
You'll have good time. Sorry, can't be
with you.
you're mistaken" says the prominent
business man, IL don't belong TO the
circle. / did as much as any
man TO build the road, but for some rea>
son i have incurred the displeasure Of the
gentlemen who run the machine"
"Do you think the Gulf Company in
tended to slight, or insult as the Herald
calls i, the people of Springfield by not
themY'
"The company, as understand il, ten
dered transportation to such persons from
Kansas City and elsewhere as the Nom
phis people saw ilt 10 invite. The Mem
phis people raised money TO entertain
their guests and then said TO Kansas City,
come, and bring your friends, and break
bread and eat salt with US Kansas City
assumed that tho excursion was for them
alone, but were considerate enough TO ask
10 gentlemen of Springfield to 60 with
them. That's what understand. And
the company nor Memphis are in no way
to blame. That's all ] have to say"
Again we approached a gentleman who
knows itall. "You SEQ" said he, 'the
Gulf people are not pleased with Spring
field. When the road opened they ex-
pected our merchants to do all of their
shipping over their road, and buy all
their goods in Kansas City and Chicago
Just 10 give the road business. Well, for
some time our leading merchants did ship
over the Gulf, and greatly to their disad-
vantage. The rates were no lower than
the Frisco's, and the delays and annoy
anCes were much greater. After awhile
our business men had 10 lake care Of
The Frisco gave better
terms, and with few exceptions
our business men ship over the Frisco.
You may use this as a key to the situa-
ten, if you wish, but don't give me
away, as the boys say"
Another prominent gentleman gave as
a reason that Memphis had seen enough
Of the Springfield people. They dlnlt
have police force sufficient 10 watch
them. When the road opened a very
delegation went down there
and it viii take ten years for our people
to get over the reputation established by
them. Memphis, he continued, only ac'
tod in self-defense in not inviting Spring
field, NfL
When asked why he didn't join the
excursion to Memphis, DR.. Watterson re-
piled, 1--WE been thereln -