The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-05-13
SHOULD REACH TO TEXAS.
xHE MEMPHIS q LITTLE ROCK ROAD
TO BE EXTENDED.
An Enthusiastic Meeting Held at the
Merchants Exchangs Yesterday to
Urge on the Projeot-The Excellent
Address OF Mr.. John Martin.

Address OF Mr.. John Martin.
The meeting held In the Merchants ex-
change yesterday morning to consider the
proposed extension Of the Memphis & Lit
tie Rock TO Paris, Tex, was an enthusiasts
tic one. The meeting was called TO order
by President Martin, Of the chamber, who
introduced Mr.. John Martin, OF Paris,
Tex, pleasing speaker, who addressed
the meeting as follows:
This enterprising and growing city lacks
one factor necessary to complete its COM
mercial greatness, and that Is direct rail
connection to Texas by road friendly to
Memphis, and not interested in hauling
its traffic TO rival city. Such connec-
ton, am happy TO announce, Is projected
and has been determined upon by an ex-
tension OF the Memphis 4 Little Rock
railroad from its present western terminus
at Little Rock through Hot Springs, south
western Arkansas and the Indian Terri
tory 10 Paris, Tex, where II will connect
with all the great railway systems OF
Texas. say am glad TO announce the
assured prospect Of such a contamination,
for besides my interest at the other end OF
the linc-a material Interest," also have
an interest here-a sentimental one. A
half block from where | now stand, on a
spot now covered by the grand Masonic
temple, which we see through the win
dows my eyes first saw the light. My
father was one Of the early settlers here,
coming to Memphis in 1910, when II was
Ill -. Ill Ia. ...t..
prising and public spirited citizen, with
faith In the future OF Memphis and
willingness 10 take part In any
enterprise which promised TO inure TO lis
benefit. He was one OF the projectors,
and, believe, enc OF the earliest directors
OF the old Memphis 4 III Paso railroad,
early seeing the advantage 10 Memphis OF
such a road as am talking 10 You OLA
road which, but for the war, would have
been built long ago, and which, had Il been
constructed twenty years ago, would have
put Memphis far ahead OF any rival In the
race for commercial supremacy.
The Memphis 4 Little Rock railway
which Is properly Memphis line, now
terminates at Little Rock, and has no con-
nection there independent Of the Gould
lines. It's prosperity depends on an extern
sion TO Texas, and its management have
determined ON such an extension. 10 con.
meet nj Paris with various roads built and
building which ramiiy the greater part OF
that vast and fertile State. In order 10 as
sist IN the work, we at Paris have sub
scribed literally and have organized n
company, In which am director. We
have secured charter for the road from
Paris 10 the border Of the State. and will
ask Congress for right Of way through the
Indian Territory, and as no similar ne
quest has ever been refused no trouble Is
anticipated on this score.
Now, as 10 the benefits that such an cx.
tension would be TO Memphis, surely they
are 40 palpable that they need not be
pointed out, and only few OF the most
Important need be touched on. II will
make largely tributary 10 this city an im-
mense and populous section with which
you now have no commerce, though nearer
TO II than either 81 Louis or New Orleans.
You all know about Texas, It's area, ia
rich soil, It's enterprising people, liza grow
ing ciiicA You know that n IN lnrvcr than
the German empire with It's 4O,OOO,OOO Of
people, TINT IL an,a i greater than that Of
The New England aud the middle States
combined with Ohio and another State or
two thrown IN for good measure. You
know that our population increases In geo
meirical progression every ten years; with
about $50, 600 in 1870, We had over 800.
90 Ia 1850, and will guarantee more than
100000 In 1890. The choicest kind OF
immigration Is flocking there from tho
southern aud western States "a people
will 20 TO new and prosperous
section where lands are cheap and
rich, the climate most desirable, 40.
cicty settled and taxes low. The
Legislature Of Texas Is now In extra sos
zion, called together for the purpose Of
reducing taxes already light, relieving an
OVERLOOKING treasury and disposng ol an
immense surplus. The State tax Il now
- cents on tho 500, on light nsscss.
inenl, aud II Il proposed 10 reduce that 10
IL cents. The county In which ! live,
With 5000 population and $1,000, 900 In
property, pcciveslfrom the State each
wear for the education OF lie children In
the public free schools moo money than
II pays the State In taxes.
Now, gentlemen, IN tho trade Of such
an empire, Of n State that can land this
year probably win raise 2,OO0, 600 bales Of
cotton, worth reaching altcr7 II isalmost
IN your grasp and with proper effort you
can get Il when this exclusion "a made 10
Paris There direct connection will be
made with flic Texas 4 Pacific. the Atchi.
pon. Topeka 4 Santa fc thcSt louls6 San
Francisco aud the Houston 4 Texas Con.
tnl. which h part OF the Southern Pacific
system. The Galveston Air line, from
Galveston to Paris, Is being located and
will probably be- finished In time t0 meet
the Memphis & Little Rock. Still anolh.
cr road building IL the Paris, Marshall 4
sabine Pass.
irus, have said enough 20 interest
YOU Ia this enterprise, and that the day II
not Ear distant when Memphis and Texas
will be connected by this proposed line.
Memphis Is the natural market Tor northern
and eastern Texas, and should control
that trade.
Mr.. Martin concluded his remarks by
saying that they asked for no pccunlnry
nil from Memphis, but only for tho moral
support OF the commercial community.
The following resolution was then intro.
duccd and unanimously adopted.
Whereas, The Memphis Mcnhants' cx.
change has learned with pleasure Of the
prospect Of nm early aud direct rail com.
nnnication 10y way Of n Memphis railroad
between Memphis and the great and grow.
ing State Of Texas such connection max.
ing tributary 10 this city n rich and pros.
porous section which will be OF immense
benefit TO the trade Of Memphis. Therefore;
be II
Resolved, Tha, We heartily indorsc the
a a. 80