The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-02-28
PRESIDENT R. T. WILSON.
RETURN FROM A PERIODICAL IN
sPEOTIoN OF THE VALLEY ROAD.
What He Thinks of the Land Title Agi-
tation In Misslssippi-Poss for
Memphis to Rival st. Louis In Every
Respect

An AprEAL reporter, learning that Mr..
r. Il. Wilson, president OF the Louisville,
New Orleans 4 Texas railway, had re-
turned to this city after an inspection OF
his line between this place and New Or
leans, called upon him last night at his
rooms at the Gayoso hotel to see him in
regard to that and other matters.
eyes" said Mr. Wilson in response to
the reporters inquiry, 81 have retu rned
from my regular tour Of inspection, and |
must say that am pleased with the inn
provements which have been going on
since was last here. They are many and
substantial. The building up Of what was
few years ago wilderness is something
truly wonderful"
"What have you TO say in regard TO the
question Of your title TO the 500, 900 and
odd acres OF delta lands at present before
the Mississippi Legslature?" asked the ro-
porter.
"Well. we are not the only ones inter-
ested in that matter All of those TO
whom | have talked, and / have seen a
good many on my present trip, seem to be
agreed that there should be proper legisla-
ton 10 definitely settle that question, and
that there should be no dispute us to the
right OF the present owners to that prop
erty. II is generally conceded that that
question was only raised by few lawyers
in Mississippi who wanted TO make some
thing out or II.
"llave you had in contemplation tho
building OF any new branches ?"
None that | am prepared to speak Of
now"
"lIow about your Helena branch
when will that probably be built2"
That matter will. be definitely decided
in the spring"
"Will the proposed line of the Illinois
Central from Cairo 10 Memphis affect you
in any way2'
81 have not heard OF that"
The Illinois Central people say they
will build a line from Cairo TO Memphis II
they conclude the business will warrant IL.
Will that affect your line in any way II II
Is built?"
81 think not. I'lltell you what think"
said MIR. Wilson presently, 81 think il is
singular that, with all the advantages that
Memphis has, you have not more manu-
factories Of cotton goods. II strikes me
that with such a good location NJ this city
has, and with its opportunity for buying
the raw material first hand, that you
have not more manufactures OF cotton
goods. ! should think that il would pay,
and pay well. With coal at S2.25 ton
here, and the labor Of women and others
who could not well work at anything else,
II does strike me Ms singular that you have
not more establishments, and successful
ones too, Of that kind here"
"You evidently consider yourself fortu-
nate in having Memphis for one OF the
termini OF your road" the reporter ven
turcd."
81 have always been a believer in Mem
phis," was the reply; even in 1873 did
not lose faith in her future; and think
now that II the st. Francis river basin were
lcvecd, and with the help Of our opening
APP OF the Mississippi valley, Memphis
would soon rival st. Louis"
eve rather think we get away with ST..
Louis on some things already" remarked
the reporter, dryly.
ayes; on cotton" wns the reply; "but I
mean in a short time you would rival st.
Louis on population and everything else.
II strikes me you have n good chance here
kNVa iuNflftAN
Have you any manufactures for the ma
king Of plows and agricultural implo-
menls7"
The reporter told him that Memphis was
supplied in that way, but that there was
room for more.
swell, should think" said Mr.. VII.
son, THAT enterprises Of that sort would
pay well at this place. | don't think. F"
said he, describing a miniature circle on n
well shaped leg. chat there is richer agri.
cultural country on the face Of the globc
than there is within a radius Of 200 or 300
miles OF Memphis. ] undertake 10 say
that do not think that there is n city OF
its size in the United States that promises
as good n return for the investment OF
money in mercantile or manufacturing in
lcrests as Memphis does today"
Mr.. Wilson was accompanied on his
tour Of inspection by his brother, Mr.. Is.
r. Wilson, and together they will return
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