The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-06-01
THE MIDLAND.
Continued from FRS, Page.

Ladies and Gentlemen--I could not give
more fitting response on behalf Of the
visitors and stockholders than to briefly
review the history of the Midland road.
Eighteen months ago. or in the fall OF 1886,
that young man who has no equal in en-
terprises OF this character, 4, G.. Leake, jr.,
in conjunction with Mr.. Temple, one OF
the best engineers in the country, sat down
in the Cotton exchange room and began to
study the problem OF a through railroad
from the river at Memphis, 500 miles in
length, crossing the Allegheny mountains,
reaching tide water and connecting
with the Baltimore & Ohio 1t
was the grandest conception by
the brain of any man since the
war. The more the problem was
studied, the character of the country and
its resources, the more they were convinced
OF its magnitude and importance, provided
the people of Tennessee could and would
see il as they did. They determined TO
popularize the road and enlist the people
OF the State in its behalf by appealing first
to the Legislature last winter and a dele
CATION from Madison county contributed
Its valiant services 20 the cause Then
they appealed to Nashville. They were
told by that city that its charter prohibited
the granting Of any subsidy TO railroad or
other public enterprises. Then they APP
pealed to Shelby, but the opposition in
the county was so great that the applica-
ton was withdrawn. II was critical pc
Rod dark cloud overshadowed the
project II was known TO the gentlemen that
unless the people became interested the
scheme would fail. IL was at that critical pc
Rod that the promoters turned to Jackson.
Their appeal for aid was responded to In
manner that did infinite credit to the city.
Out OF total Of 1855 votes, 1888 were to
burden themselves with debt Of 1925 900
IN aid OF the enterprise. No matter what
the history of this enterprise in future, or
what its fate. j do not hesitate to say that
Jackson has the good fortune TO be the
first city to move in its behalf. II is with
great pleasure then that the stockholders
come here and it is a sufficient guarantee,
that the people Of Memphis and those OF
jackson will be good friends Permit me
10 say that Jackson has great future be-
fore her no community is more refined,
public spirited and healthier, no one 80
well provided with purest water and with
ali the other excellent advantages. There
is no reason why Jackson should not
take rank as the fifth city in Tennessee. /
suppose that the citizens OF Jackson and
fate ol the Midland road. All that ! can
positively say at present is that after Jack
son had voted, there was no serious diff
Guilty in building the road TO this point;
not one cent has been borrowed. II was
built by the promoters out Of their own
pockets. II Is the longest line OF railroad
constructed since the war by southern
people out of their own pockets. ! am
not authorized to lay before you the plans
OF the railroad company, but they have
never hesitated 10 declare their intention
90 extend the railroad 10 tide water. II will
be done. IL can be built with less
money than ever before. While the brain
that conceived the idea may be- paralyzed,
yet the Tennessee Midland will be an ac-
complishcdsinCt and sooner than antci-
patcd. Eighty-tive miles are now in oper-
alton. It's Importance has been demon
siated, and IL is so popular in Tennessee
and Virginia that It's final contamination
is certain. Every man connected with the
enterprise might be palsied, yet there
would be some one else 10 do IL.
II demonstrates the fact that the south
and southern people are rcsuscitating. A
new era has dawncd. We have in our
midst men OF courage, enterprise and
ability 10 conceive and carry out great
projects. There is not single stakeholder
who is not living and identified with IT.
This H. truly gratifying, not that foreign
capital is not desired or wanted, but our
own people are reviving.
The railroad from Memphis 10 Jackson
marks the dawn Of a new err for the cities
OF jackson and Memphis. II brings US
closer togelher-makes US neighbos Our
families can visit and see more OF each
- 40
on H. feet does not intend 20 pause here.
II has lis face turned toward the eastern
iron and coal fields, the rich agricultural
districts, beautiful valleys and great re-
sources Of Virginia and tide water al
Richmond. We appeal 20 lis friends "a
stand by il. II Is not owned and con
trullcd by strangers, and IL dcyolycs upon
the communities through which IL passes
90 treat Il M their institution. Its
final success depends upon thC
good viii Of the people living along the
line. and the fairness Of It's managers to
ward those people. expect TO scce both
good friends in this case. The Tennessee
Midland, II properly controlled and man.
aged Is destined TO do more for Tennessee
and its people, their grandeur and glory
than amy other enterprise
cot. BARNEY HUGHES.
Loud calls were then made for Col
Barney Hughes and he responded in hii
characteristic happy style, as follows
Ladies and gentlemen. lexpccted this
aud M ! am Informed that II will be two
hours before lunch. | will endcayor I,
occupy that much time. an
fond Of opening railroads. ] hay,
been connected with them al
my life, and II the railroads hay'
not pruspcred, have. consider the lint
y Of the greatest Importance, and We should
be only grateful. The history OF the spirit
who have made this connection may b
summed up in three words-land, con
struci, complete.
In the city Of Memphis n stranger wa
passing along principal avenue. lie wa
attracted by means OF anguish, an'
promptly rendered hissympathy and aid L
The bcrcayod family. on entering tn
door the words struggled through his lips
"llow long since death claimed the loves
onc?" "No one Is dead" was Tia
startled reply, ''tho old man IL going L
Jackson" jackson was the hardest plac
on earth 10 get At, and the hardest TO ~
from. Nothing was more necessary thai
connection between Memphis and Jack
son We may congratulate each other
Although your little city did not get tn
insane asylum, yet We shall see a grca
deal Of each other
Mr.. Burkctt then announced that IN
lndn.s of Jarkson were ready 10 serve