The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-09-12

The sphinx aud the Fair.

To the Editor OF The Appeal
Sir-I desire 10 correct an error in your
Sundays issue referring to the fall display
1t says, THE proprietors, Messrs. Leubrie &
Galloway" etc. The proprietors are the
Sphinx. | should not have noticed the error
but from the fact that some of our citizens
think there are millions in it, for some
one. Therefore l wish to say that the soci-
ETY. known as the Sphinx is chartered one
under the laws of Ten nessec, and clause in
1t says that no personal gain can accrue to
any member. The bylaws say its object is
to give entertainments, etc, TO induce visit
ors, ETC., to the city Of Memphis. 1t has
board Of directors a finance committee of
five who shall take charge of its financial af-
fairs, hold its funds and property in trust for
fut attractions, etc. Not cent will be
received by any member for services (al-
though some of them have spent of their
private means freely nor can any member
borrow any Of its funds.
The Sphinx have tried 10 pattern after the
"Cincinnattus," a society which has been
very successful. Its hand can be seen in
nearly every move made in Cincinnati 20
attract visitors. 1t is quite evident to those
who have heretofore taken an active part in
our Mardi Gras festivities that the days Of
street pageants are past. Thousands of dol
lars were spent for an hours amusement,
provided "Old Prob furnished fair weather,
which he often failed TO do. For two days
our visitors amused themselves between the
acts provided there was more than onel by
walking around town examining our granite
payements.
The exposition Memphis was TO have, It is
said failed for want Of name, although sew
eral meetings were held 90 try and select
one. The Shelby County Fair Association
failed for want Of support, the fairs at Kerr
vile, Aberdeen and other points being
too much for IL. They are still In the field
and paying dividends
The Sphinx, II they can get the support OF
those interested, propose 10 combine rs many
Of these attractions rs possible and have a
fair in 1859 a credit to our town. A Mem
phis fair will do for name, IL is big enough
The name "St. Louis Fair" seems TO draw
paying crowds. No doubt, Montgomery
park could be had for the place. None better
could be found. Oiler premiums for the
best display OF manufactured articles, groCers
and fancy goods, novelties Of all kinds, as
are usually seen in expositions; for best dis
play Of vegetables, fruits, flowers, stock, ETC.;
admit exhibits from Tennessee, Alabama,
Arkansas and Mississippi on equal terms;
advertise all premiums In January, 1889, 20
rs to give the farmers, florists manufacturers,
ttockmen, and everybody, time 10 prepare
have daily races by the best professional
stables to be had, and between these races
our amateur trotting horse owners from the
surrounding cities and Memphis could de-
eide who owns the best trotter. At night a
display something ON the order Of that 10 be
given October4. by combining the forego-
Ing your attractions are varied enough 10
please all and make the fair a success. EN-
positions have not paid expenses except In
Two or three places in the United States.
Fairs must be cosmopolitan, not too straight
laced. our country cousins will bring the
best bale Of cotton and largest turnip, but
many Of them like n good race Make the
committees up Of young business men, they
will work.
Therefore We ask the support Of the public
II the attraction is success the profits ART
theirs and by n hearty cooperation Mem
phis will be able 10 attract part Of the lcgit
Innate trade annually going 70 her compel
itors. X. GALLOWAY.