The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-04-17
EVANSVILLE EXPOSED.
BoAsTING HER OWN GREATNESS TO
THE DETRIMENT OF MEMPHIS.
Mountainous Discrepancy In tho Bank
ing Capital OF the Two Cities Author
itatively Corrected 1t Teaches q
Timely Lesson.

Timely Lesson.
Evansville is rising rapidly in the scale
az an enterprising forge-ahead city. Her
people have aroused TO the. spirit Of prog
rcss and are striving 20 rivet attention
from the outside world upon her nnmer-
Gus advantages in point OF location, sur
roundings aud resources. In her enthus-
iasm she has lost sight Of an important
factor, viz: accuracy in the statements and
inducements spread broadcast TO anxious
prospectus. The latest report in the d-
roction Of advertising, is little pamphlet
Of fifteen pages, on the title page of which
are handsomely executed cngrav-
mgs, representing zinc, fire and
poitcr's clay, wheat, silver, hard
wood and coal, her principal re-
sources. At the head OF this appears
Southern Illinois. southern Indiana,
western Kentucky tri-Statc metropolis,
Evansville, Ind, on the Ohio river, popu-
lation, $4,000" All this is very attractive,
highly commendablc, and Memphis
would feel proud Of her sister city but for
the little discrepancy alluded TO. That is
this
In the reference 10 Evansville banks the
following appears: Evansville has four
national, one savings and several private
banks, all OF which are doing large bust
ness. The combined banking capital Of
these is 50, 100, 55622 Memphis banking
capital Is 50, 1903, 900; Atlanta's, 81, 500, 900;
Birmingham's. 500, 000 Kansas City's,
Si,7Sj, 600 Louisville's, $4,000, 600; Nash
ville's, Si6s0,000. From this compam-
tive statement IL will be observed that
Evansvllo's banking capital Is consider
ably greater per capita OF population than
any OF the above cities, taking their own
estimate OF population" etc.
There appears 10 he an irresistible de-
sire on the part of some people 10 under
estimate the strength and merit OF every.
thing pertaining 10 Memphis. An APPEAL
reporter found himself in possession Of one
OF these pamphlets, and upon examination
found the foregoing figures. Their accu-
racy was doubted extremely, and for the
very substantial reason that Memphis Is
known and rcognizod rs head and Shout
dens above Evansville in everything city
like. Application was made 30 Bradsireets
mercantile sgcncy for a revision, based
upon facts Mr.. James W. Richardson, the
efficient superintendent. stated that he had
also nsncived onc q the pamphlets through
courtesy q Mr. J. II Walker. chairman OF
the sdyerGS9s An printing committee,
and h,t urii;.a him letter on the sub.
jet, Of which the fOliowing Is = copy
NrsrHIs Tc1n-. April 10, isSS
J. n WalteT. POI. rvsnsviiis lni:
Aly Dear Sir-The little pamphlet adyer
tising your city received. Accept my
thanks for il, bu, would like TO call your
attention 10 n slight discrepancy In the
figures regarding the banking capital OF
Memphis, rs compared with that OF Evans
vile. II you will refer b. the authority on
such matters namely, Briddrod's, you
will find that the actual banking capital Of
Memphis exclusive Of surplus and n large
amount Of current deposits. Is -, 35j, 900,
while that OF Evansville in 81 $50, 600; Bir.
Sl,73j, 900, Atlanta, II, 100, 900,
Nashville, $i,0S0,OOO. All We want down
this way Is n lair chance, and for our rivals
10 stick 10 facts. Yours with regards.
JAMES W. RICHARDSON, Supt
Tho reply Of Mr.. Richardson stamps
him Us an unflnching upholder Of the in.
tcrcsls Of Memphis when Il COMES 81 an at
tack upon the solidity OF her commercial
and banking institutions. Asked as 10 his
opinion Of how the mountainous diacrep.
ancy occurred, Mr.. Richardson said he
supposed the committee had conc 10 work
and added up the columns of current de.
posiis and reserve funds Of the Evansville
banks, combined the totals with the actual
capital and promulgated Il in the shape Il
appears In the pamphlet When II came
- IL lhs.
have mbimclcd these totals from the
actual capital, thus creating the special
showing for n special purpose. At all
events the whole scheme II unneighborly,
unfair, and In the highest sense condomna.
tory OF those who originated II. II Evans
VILE cannot stand on her own bottom,
then she should break up housekeeping
and cmigratc 81 a progressive, civilized aud
honest city such M Memphis.
In this connection II Is ominently propcr
To remind the citizens OF Memphis that
they ARC away behind in the timely efforts
20 attract northern and western capital and
brains. The movement Is in this direc.
ton, aud ncighhoring cities, towns and
Villages are working the opportunity Tor
all u Is worth Memphis can increase her
capital and population tcn.f fold IN the next
comparatively lev years with only mod.
icum Of the cndcayor put firth by Chatta.
nooga, birmingham and other southern
! cities. All II requires IL organization and
push. Tho advantages and inducements
are here In abundance, but the trouble r.
the outside world " not aware oi the fact
10 tho same extent II those living hcrp and
in the immediate vicinity. They should
bo fully posted, aud this can be- done In
a.. =