The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-03-01
QUESTION OF PRIVILEGE.
GAN THE BLUFF BE PROPERLY GIVEN
TO THE CHICKAsAw auARDsp
Might Not Conflicts Arise Which Would
Precipitate Serious Complications and
Result Disastrousiy to the Enterpris-
ing Company?

Capt. I. +, Tobin's proposition with ref
erence to the improvement OF the city's
river front and addition TO tho custom
house was generally commended. II is
conceded by all who know anything about
the matter that the present custom-house
is entirely too cramped for tho increasing
demands upon il. II is also acknowledged
that were tho government given posses
sion OF the remainder of the bluff upon
which il stands, an adequate sum could DO
secured to beautify and improve the pres
ont disiiguring spot and protect II by re-
tanning wall, Capt. Tobin proposes to en-.
list, II possible, the two exchanges in the
project, aud hopes thereby to accomplish
his object
AS to that portion Of the bluff between
Monroe and Union streets, that is more
directly matter for the public. II IL IL
ever improved at all the citizens will have
10 bear the expense. Whether or not IL
shall be turned over to the Chickasaw
Guards for drill ground, or any other or
ganization, is question that should be
seriously considered before definite action
is taken. The stop has already boon par
tally taken by the council. The iron fence
surrounding Court square was sold TO that
company for that purpose. Only one con.
dition was imposed, that being that the
expense attending tho removal Of the
scales and Babcock engine.house located
thereon should be borne by the company.
This condition served 20 check further
proceedings, and the matter has since re-
manned In atatu quo. IL IN said that tho
city contemplates erecting, at some future
day, q more stately building TO supersede
the present shanty disliguring that bluff.
III undertaken, II In limited that aggrayat-
ing legal complications will cnsue, Ms an
injunction will he sued out against IL.
Ono objection raised by those who OPP
pose the proposition TO allow the Chicka-
saw Guards TO improve the bluff In ques-
ton rs drill ground is that its control
should remain absolutely with the city
government IL would be unjust 10 that
company TO allow Il 10 cxpend large sum
OF money on the improvement contom-
plated without giving certain powers and
privileges ~ against all others. The i'm
pncticubilily oi this would become mani
Test when other organizations wished TO
use the ground for similar and perfectly
legitimate purposes. There IN likcli-
hood that the revival OF the military spirit
throughout the state and country will
cause the organization Of more military
companies. II N, Memphis will loom up
In this particular, and conflicts might arise
M to the use Of the bluff for practice drills.
In all such cases the Chicks would carry
the day, having the weight OF authority
attending their outlay and Endorsement
from the council. The question, there
fore, turns upon this view Of the case.
There Is no doubt that the Chicks would
put the blun In rs attractive a condition M
any private organization, and maintain II
40. Aferward, the company would natu.
rally aud necessarily expect 10 exercise su.
pervision and control and the doubt arises,
pany equally with the public.
. "