The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-02-04


believe, is chairman of the committee be-
fore which the Phelan bill is having
hearing, and this is certainly one point in
our favor"
"You spoke OF Senator Harris being
unable 10 check the progress of the bill.
Did you observe closely the report OF
Messs. Clapp and Mallory as to the
senator's position?"
81 did, but do not understand it. SEN
ator Harris, in his first telegram TO us,
stated plainly that he had offered an
amendment as to the hight OF the bridge
contemplated by the Phelan bill. Now
there comes an official report, apparently
well founded, TO the effect that he had not
only not offered an amendment but had
actually favored the passage of the
original bill. There is a variance here
that can only be reconcied in one
way--the senator Withdrew his amend
ment before the committee. Senator Har-
ris has not increased his number of friends
by his course in this matter. We can
probably account for his course by the
presence OF Mr. julie A. Taylor, counsel
for the Ford party, at Washington. There
are not two warmer friends in Tennessee
than the senator and Mr. Taylor, and this
relationship naturally has an effect. But
as said before, the popular and wide
spread enthusiasm in favor OF the Phelan
bill will, | believe, carry il through as
originally offered in the House."
"You are aware, | suppose, that there
are Memphis men interested in the Ford
charter; have you learned of any changes
OF sentiment"
eyes, knew there we're gentlemen OF
this city interested with Mr.. Ford, an in
tercst acquired, Of course, when the COM
pany was first formed years ago. Icannot
state positively that they have relinquished
their faith in that company, be-
cause / had not thought OF investi-
g,ting but have heard not one
word in its favor as against the Phelan
bill, and am constrained TO believe they
have surrendered their former trust. The
gentlemen are Al well known as deeply
concerned in everything pertaining TO the
welfare and advancement OF Memphis,
and are consequently in favor OF the
bridge. They have by this time seen that
there is little chance 10 secure II from the
old company, and it is but natural that
they should favor the granting of new
charter, rs proposed in the Phelan bill"
MR. JOHN u. SULLIVAN,
superintendent OF the Kansas City, Mem
phis & birmingham railroad, is well-in-
| formed, clear-headod business man. lie
IL also the recognized agent at this point OF
Gen. Nctileton and the Kansas City road
officials. Whatever there Is Of importance
in matters affecting these lines, II proper
for newspaper publication, can always
be learned from him. The reporter
visited him at his Office, and inquired il
there was anything OF private nature fresh
from Washington. Mr.. Sullivan was In
conversation with General Superintendent
llcame. OF the Iron Mountain road, and
the two were discussing the subject Of
reportorial inquiry. lie turned, introduced
the scribe and Maj. Hearne, and took him
into the general confidence. said Mr..
Sullivan:
"Gen. Nettlcton left this morning for
home. and II Mr.. Leonard, his Washing
ton agent, has anything TO communicate,
il will be sent Gen. Nettlcton at Kansas
City. However, II there had been any
thing special or Of moment, would have
bceniniormed. have heard noihingat all,
and therefore reasonably conclude nothing
hasbeen communicated TO Gen. Nettleton."
Mr.. Sullivan then changed the direct re-
ply 10 talk OF general character touching
the matter under discussion. at is diff
Rcult 10 understand how such formidable
opposition could bo worked up in the com
mitiee," said he. "Where is there any
foundation for the presumed confidence
in the Van Bcnthuysen company's ability
or intention TO build the bridge? Without
the cooperation OF the railroads, cspeci-
ally the Kansas City and Bald Knob
branch Of the Iron Mountain, they could
not hope TO be otherwise than swamped.
Mr.. Van Bcnthuysen knows this,
and We have received propositions
10 20 IN with him. / can readily
see and appreciate why the committee de-
sired AN investigation, as they did not wish
10 grant a new charter without repeating
the old. Two chdftcrs are not healthy
things for such q mammoth enterprise.
hut II appears 10 me that the members OF
that committee should be convinced by
this time that the old charter will never
build the bridge"
Suppose they grant the charter CON
tcmplaied by the Phelan bill, " interrupted
Mai. IIearne, would the Van Benthuyscn
company build another bridge, provided
their charter was not rcpcalcdg'
There Is no danger OF that, because the
outlay would bt too great for the prospec-
tive returns. The bridge could not posi-
bly, cost less than 5000. 600, and II will
take lively work TO complete II In les
than two years. We have the sympathy
and promised cooperation Of all the
railroads here, and where would
the other company look for patron
age2 But suppose, again, that
the Van Bcnthuysen party succeeded In
,hrotiling the bill, and by some manner OF
means builds the bridge. We can get
along without using the bridge alioeether.
Our passengers and pcrishable ffcights
could be brought over the bridge, while
everything else could be transported rs at
present. We have as good service OF
this kind as there Is on the river,
and could continue II unless directly in.
tcrcstcd IN the bridge. This would curtail
the bridge company's revenue TO n com.
pafauyely nominal sum, and prove d
formidable barrier 10 any great success"
AN OLD TRICK.
fayorite trick and amusement Of the
Ford company, ever since Us charter was
! obtained, has been 20 down the
rising rebellion by taxing sound
ings Of the river Just prior q
the meeting Of Congress The people
tumblcd 10 this sharp device some timS
ago, and pronounced II a genuine chest
nut. II was knowledge of this fact, ant
an earnest desire 10 better his interests ant
those Of Memphis, that prompted the or
} ganization OF the new bridge company b.
Gen. Nettleton and his associates. Their
I II no foolishncss about thom, and II IN,
l Phelan bill goes through the bridge Is on