The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1886-11-13

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rem Of the quill and from the public,
without regard to those differences OF
opinion which enliven life and work
out wholesome results without mar
ring the symmetry OF good fellowship,
/ have been reminded OF another an
ecdoie. When / contemplate myself
as the recipient of pie aud swell with
the thought aud contemplate con-
graduating friends, ! am reminded Of
the msn who was elected Squire in
his district. As his friends sp-
preached him he drew himself up
with that severe and lofty dig
nifty, mingled with coDdescenslon,
which 30 well BELTS the tribune of the
people, and said: "That ia right, men;
draw near; for j still feel that am one
OF you" 1t would be pleasant to jest
through the hour OF parting, but this
kind honor calls for serious words. II
could would avoid them, for can
not express in words how deeply / am
touched. | cannot tell how profound
ly / am grateful. / would not say how
thoroughly l feel that l only deserve
1t, II at tall by sincere and honest effort
to ssrve the public, to adhere to the
high standard OF journalism main
tanned by my contemporaries and to
pursue convic ions of right. How far
shori | have fallen know. How often
l have done hurt TO the feelings of
others, how often unintsnded iDjus-
tice, or that which falls out in heated
controversy, l cannot know. can
only hope that leave little of this
recorded against me in this communi-
ty. This unexpected honor is deeply
felt because l know that it proceeds
from belief that l have intended
well and endeavoIed to do
well. l am not vain enough
to stretch its meaning beyond
that. When / 20 hence | shall always
remember my two years and two
months in Memphis as the greenest
and sunniest Of my newspaper ex'
perience. For fifteen years l have
bad unbounded confidence in this as
the seat OF a great city, the metropolis
OF the South. That confidence was
not for moment disturbed by your
calamities, which have only hardened
ard tempered the forttude and the NOR
al qualities of this community for the
working out of its destiny, and left it
list Of heroes and martyrs in the
cause OF humanity to emulate. Now
that l am leaving Memphis, l may
without bad taste or the suspicion
that am recalling words said In the
past, when favor should rest upon
dee Dis done in the present, that such
expression OF confidence nay be found
in the files OF the Nashville american
OF date when the night settled down
darkest for Memphis. may also say
that the same files will show that, in
all my earnest advocacy of public
credit aud faith, / was able to see and
to say that Memphis wss burden ed
with debt and taxes beyond the power
OF any community to bear. They will
also show that / heartily advocated
before the Legislature the measures
for the relief OF Memphis. 1t is sim
cere pleasure to me to recall this upon
such occasion, before the representa-
tives of that public which met me 30
cordially, which has looked upon my
shortcomings so chsritably, and which
parts with me with such expressions Of
good will as l would be an migrate and
unworthy should 1 ever forget them.
II is with the sincerer pleasure that
more intimate acquaintance has only
strengthened confidence and expanded
my faith in the destiny OF this COM
munity. To watch your growth and
your glory, as you expand 10 fill the
measure OF your opportunity and to
fulfill your destiny, will be a sweet
care. Your cosmopolitan people
their broad liberality, your genial
hospitable and sincere welcome to the
stranger, your lofty ASPIRATIONS, your
commercial travellers, exploring ham
lets, cross ros de, VILLAGES and cities
your noble ambition, the sound judy
ment OF your business men, the enter
prise and energy of your people, tht
solid moral worth Of this community
the indomitable resolution end forti
tuie, and with these all that proper
confidence in your own destiny which
is NJ ore than half the battle, are an as
surance Of triumph. | will not cal
you thu Chicago of the South. will
net so hack to find snlque compare
son in tho ancient mar 8. There il
implied insult aud suggestion o
more imitation in such comparisons
Here upon this great arm OF the sea
With a field about you which is your
from Mobile Bay to ST. Louis, from the
western borders OF Kansas and from
the Gulf to the Ohio, you are entitled
to be called simply the Memphis O.
America, sui generis, unique, incom
parable in that future which 1 fse
sure will rapidly expand before you
beyond any expectations you may
have formed or dreamed, / came tC
you expt citing much, part with you
expecting more. ] came with GOOD
will; row that l know you nearer, ]
part with you with deeper regret.
After Col. Doak, who concluded his
speech with great feeling, had seated
himself his health YVES proposed by
Mr.. Heating and drank standing.