The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-08-09
NOT THE PROPER CAPER.
DESTRUCTION TO PROPERTY AND
DANGER TO CHILDREN.
Outrageous Abuse Of Shelby Street by
Wild Droves OF Texas Ponies, Led and
Driven by Cowboys-People Standing
Guard with Clubs.

THE APPEAL, few days since, contained
an account of drove of fiery Mexican
mustang or Texas ponies breaking pel nell
into the hardware store of j. b. Parent Il
Co., on lower Main street.
The ordinances governing the driving OF
mules, horses or other animals through the
streets were also given that the city
authorities might see the violation, and
also comprehend the dangers to life, limb
and property from such practices.
1t appears, though, that there is heavy
traffic in these mustangs at present, and
Shelby street is rendered dangerous daily
by the passage of droves over it in the
most reckless style.
On this point the following protest from
Shelby street citizen may arouse the
authorities to action and bring about the
desired relief il there exists way:
To the Editor of The Appeal
1t is with feelings of becoming pride
that | note the final settlement OF the
bridge question, and the tendency of
press and people To rejoice over the CON
summation. But the tom toms may
sound and the cloud bugle blow from
now until the time when Gabriel will give
us his promised too. before Memphis will
be great city, unless she leaves oil her
country ways and learns how TO protect
the lives and property OF her citizens. !
am led TO those remarks 10y being an eve
witness TO daily occurrence on Shelby
street that would not be tolerated in any
civilized community outside OF this city.
| allude TO the disgracciul and outrageous
practice of driving wild Texas ponies ut
break-neck speed, led by hoodlum ring
ing big bell and driven 10y
lot of yelling cowboys, through
street 40 thickly settled rs
Shelby. The citizens Of this street have
stood this outrage until "iorbeaance has
ceased TO be virtue" The accustomed
sound Of the cow-bell is the signal for
mothers, nurses, cooks and all adults OF
the HOUSEHOLD 10 fly 10 the rescue OF the
children. II is daily occurrence for
these wild and untamed steeds" To take
possession Of the sidewalks, Jump fences,
enter at open gates and tramp down ev-
erything and anybody in their way. To
make il still more heinous, the fellow on u
big horse, popping a big whip and using
language that would shock the scnsbilitics
OF a Comanche Indian, follows directly in
their wake, riding down sidewalks and
terrorizng women and children. Surely
there must be remedy for this evil. /
am told that in other cities this traffic in
trade" in carried ON entirely at the stock
Yards Should purchaser buy but u few
head they are battered and led through
| the city decently and in order, while car
| load lots are loaded ut the yards and
switched to their respective roads. Why
can this not be done here2 We have a
stock yard that affords ample facilities for
| handling all the stock that comes 10 this
market. IL is accessible 10 the street cars
| and directly on n line Of railroad with
switches running TO every road entering
our city. ! grant you IL might take some
little time for stock dealers TO get used t.
this radical change, aud 10y them ther
will be vigorous kicking" yet neyerthe
less the fact still remains that this Is ia,
way TO stop this outrage. In conversation
with an ex-city official, he said that thi,
was a knotty question and had agitated
the council on more than one occasion.
Why should this question "agitate III,
| councir' more than any other tina
comes before them. Surely there il non,
~ iraught with danger to life and propert.
nor appeals more directly TO the well be
ing and good government Of our city
What think you is the impression the tol
Grafton Of this outrage makes upon
stranger who happens 10 be within on
gates" That we are n country town, an,
40 We will remain until this evil is RENE
died. The attention OF Mr.. MADDEN ]
called to this crying evil
SnrInN STnrrT CI1IZEN