The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-02-18
MORE MANUFACTURERS.
THE CRY EARNESTLY RAISED BY
PUBLIC-sPIRITED MEMpHIANs.
Three Leading Reasons Why Smoke
from Many Furnaces and Other In
situations Does Not Enveiop the City
An Advance Guard.


An Advance Guard.
= "More manufacture" is the cry raised
by the people of this city who yearn for
steady and long strided advancement Of
Memphis to an enviable rank among
American cities. The cry proceeds from
the great heart, and signifies continued
effort until the object is attained. With
all tho Inducements Astounding in and
around the city, this does not appear
very difficult task, and yet it must be adj
mitted that there has not been as full an
accomplishments of results rs desired. With
the contiguity of raw material in abund-
ance, the facilities for handling both imports
and exports, both by rail and river, the
question is universally asked, but never
satisfactorily answered: Why do the
manufactures not come? 1t can hardly be
said, with any show Of reason, that the
people Of Memphis, as whole, are liable
TO the charge OF GOODNESS in receiving them,
or otherwise contributing to the causes
keeping them out. Yet it may, in part,
be traceable to eagerness and greed on the
part Of individuals holding real estate adj
mirably suited TO sites. During the con-
tinued activity and promised business
enterprises OF last summer and fall, sub
urban property, improved and unim-
proved, doubled and, in some cases,
trebled in value. Some OF il found pur-
chasers; the other very naturally remained
in stock for the succeeding season Of ac-
tivity. And at the wonderful appreciation
in value the chances are the holdings will
be carried over for several seasons to come
They want to acquire fortunes too rapidly
So much for that part of it.
IL is not altogether improbable that the
prospectors are 10 a certain extent entirely
too heavy in their demands for "encour.
agement." Instances are not unknown OF
men with an abundant stock OF promises
and patents but little cash, asking for the
earth and money 10 inclose II with u
barbed wire fence, 10 locate their plant
here. Others with plenty OF cash and an
established business elsewhere consent TO
establish branch concern here, provided
they arc required TO give nothing
but their time and attention by
proxy. They want the capital stock
subscribed, the grounds donated, and re-
tain one.third or one-half interest, mostly
for their name. These were the expert
enccs OF last summer, and some enthusiasts
tic promoters OF general prosperity devoted
no little time and labor 10 efforts 10 add
them 10 local enterprises. The public has,
however, about settled down 10 the con-
viction that Memphis has many adyan-
tages entitled 10 recognition from manu-.
iacturcs. One Is in a measure essential
| 10 the other, and each should concede and
assist. To the man of enterprise and a
mcritorious concern, who is willing 10 give
more than promises and an empty patent,
local capitalists stand ready 10 share
the expense and tho reward But
they cannot be expected 10 bear
the former without the latter, merely
TO give the city the honor OF counting
among its enterprises manufacturing estat.
lishments the original proprietors OF which
reap the bulk OF the reward for doubtful
merit and service. Let n proprietor Of Q
foreign enterprise, who means business
and is willing to carry his portion Of IN,
expense and responsibility, offer a branch
OF his establishment 20 the city, along
with n reasonable amount Of the where
with 10 show good faith, he will soon dis
|
stantially encourages manufactorics.
Still another great obstacle in the way o
additional manufactures for the city Is the
high rate OF taxation. This IL in all proba
| bility the greatest barrier against which
Memphis has TO strive. Under q total
| State, county and city tax Of 1896 on the
500 Of valuation, there can be small hope
OF an overwhelming success. The state
ment Of fact that property is assessed al
only onc.iifth OF its real value does moi
carry conviction, and as a matter Of TACT
that inducement cannot longer be held
out. The new law and new assessor dis
poses Of that, and gives promise OF relief IN
another way. by increasing the assess
ment, taxes can and will be lowered 10 1
minimum. The frst proof Of this is prom
ised In April next, when the levy will be
made under the improved valuation. Tn,
remaining evidence will doubtless follow
within year, as all existing leyios, botl
State and city, will give place TO new ones
Herein lies the greatest ray OF promise fol
additional industries.
The season for a revival OF mandatory
and general improvement talk Is again II
the near future, and the advance guar,
has already appeared. For a day or TIVE
past Mr.. Il. u. Eddy, ofthc Columbus, o.
Steel Wire Nail company, has been in ih'
city. His mission was prospecting for
desirable site whoreon to locate a bnncl
OF his establishment. After casting abou
here a day or two, he left last night 20
Fort Smith. Ark. Before leaving Mr.
Eddy stated 10 gentleman whom he me
here and consulted with on the subject 0
his business, that he would return In
short time aud enter into negotiations 70
an establishment here. II given the prope
welcome and encouragement, he will
So far NJ known, the gentleman does no
ask unreasonable subsidy, II any nj all
lie only desires fair treatment all around
with equitable inducements M 10 propert
prices. II he even contemplaies organiEin
n stock company by aisociating local cap
talisis with himself, he did not announc
II beforehand. Even with this arrangemor
he could and would probably be acoomm,
dated. His concern at Columbus Is quit
an extensive one, manufacturing ste'
wire, nails. buds, tacks, etc. An ey
should be kept open for his return, and