The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-02-23
BOUND FOR THE TROPICS.
A LARGE PARTY OF ExcURsIoNIsTs
PASS THROUGH THE CITY.
First Fruits OF Liberal Policy on the
Part Of a Railroad Company-None
of the People Will Prospect in Ten
nessee,

There passed through the city yesterday
a party OF some $50 cxcursionists, bound
for various sections Of the sunny south, "
with its soil OF unsurpassed fertility. Fol-
lowing so closely in the wake of THE Ar
PEAL's article, yesterday morning, on
efforts to develop the delta lands along the
lines Of the valley road, it established the
correctness Of the statements and prophe-
cics set forth. Several members Of the
party were bound for that region, others
went to Alabama via Birmingham, others
to Grenada and Mississippi points, while
others will proceed rs far south as Florida.
Few If any Of them will stop in Tennessee.
The excursion train started from Kan
sas City Tuesday evening, over the Kan
sas City, Fort Scott & Gulf railroad. Its
object was set forth at the time. The idea
with the roads managers was put into
practical shape. Excursion rates were
made at SIS for the round trip from Kan
sas City TO Birmingham. This was at the
rate OF about cent per milo each way,
good for thirty days. Parties taking adj
vantage Of the liberal arrangement were
given the privilege OF stopping off wher-
ever they pleased south OF Springfield, Mo.
1t was q noticeable fact that all on board
crossed to the east side OF the Mississippi
river. While l04 through tickets were
sold at Kansas City the buyers came from
n large number OF western States, and in
clude many leading men OF means and in
telligence. There are lawyers, doctors,
bankers, and well-to.do farmers and stock
men, prospecting for opportunities for in
yestment and location.
An APPEAL reporter met one OF tho most
intelligent members of the party at the
Peabody, and had an interesting inter
view with him in reference 10 the party,
and why they were prospecting. The gun-
tleman was DIR. s. II. Sawyers, OF Union
vile, la. who is surgeon for the Chicago,
Rock Island * Pacific Railway company.
The doctors remarks were 10 this effect:
The winter now drawing TO n close has
been one OF the sevorest ever known in
the western States. The people living out
there arr growing very tired OF II, both on
account Of discomforls and expense.
Length and severity OF the seigcs render Il
impracticable TO make farming and stock
raising successful capitalists and prolos
sional men do not fancy the rigidity, and
| therefore, are getting in shape 10 pack up
and move south. said the doctor: you
people down here are going TO receive a
heavy tide Of immigration this year, and
| from class who are eminently desirable
rs citizens and neighbors. As for my dcs-
dnation and the motive power behind me
u Is soon made plain. In my practice |
have been moderately successful, and nc
quircd handsome supply OF stock. As
these are compelled 10 he housed
and fed at least six months In
the year, IL doesn't pay 10 own
them. In order to do 80, ! determined
10 look for q southern location, upon
which II found will settle and devote part
OF nv time and attention TO farm produce
and stock raising. am going to Jennings,
La, not far distant from the Gulf, where
there Is already flourishing colony from
Iowa. Il was built up through the efforts
| OF the Southern Pacific Railroad company,
which corporation had great deal OF land
along its line and resolved 10 settle II up.
The advertising was extensive, sysiemaiic
and effective"
"IIaye the people Of your State been
made familiar with the resources aud nd
vantagcs OF Tcnnesscc?"
"Not 10 any great extent. Mono OF the
excursionists with whom am acquainted
tcntions are adhered TO"
During the stay Of the party In the city,
which was only until the departure Of ai.
tcrnoon trains, local real estate men and
other public spirited citizens took charge
OF them and showed them as many courtc-
sizes ~ possible.