The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-01-13
President Mnrtin's Address.


As the presiding officer OF the MGR
chants exchange am called upon by lis
custom TO make youa short address setting
forth such facts as may prove Of interest TO
its members.
The past year has been one OF great
activity in the exchange, and the marked
interest manifested by YOU in its welfare
has been a constant incentive to improve
our facilities OF information from all points,
10 foster every means OF benefting its
members and improving the commercial
interests OF the city.
The membership has been well sus-
tanned, and all dues on certificates OF last
year have been paid up in full except one.
The expenses have been considerably en-
larged by increased Geographic market ne.
ports and an elegant sounding board and
other much desired improvements during
the past year. Yet by good management
our surplus fund remains intact, and there
is no debt due by the exchange, all OF
which will be shown moro fully by reports
oil the secretary, treasurer and finance
committee.
The inauguration OF the stock call board
hAtAAlk bh' HtnN N'aA llAAn h'NtANIfu lNl
greater interest than was anticipated,
bringing among us daily capitalists whom
We would not otherwise meet on this floor,
and who fix prices ON values that other.
wise would be- almost n sealed book except
10 the favored few.
The completion Of the Memphis, Bir-
mingham 4 Atlantic railroad 10 Bir.
mingham, the nearly completed Bald
Knob railroad, and the rapid building Of
the Midland railroad are matters Of con.
graduation 10 the exchange and 10 the
city nj large, opening up 10 usnew avenues
OF trade OF immense value and great im-
portance.
We are also much encouraged by the
reports from our representatives ut Wash
ingion City Of speedy action being taken
looking 10 nm early beginning OF work upon
great railroad bridge across the Missis-
sppi river at this point. This enterprise
has been the desire Of every citizen OF
Memphis for years, and all feel It's i'm
poriancc as being second 90 none which
has ever been brought before this body.
Another great scheme Of vast import
ance to our commerce was iorcibly i'm.
pressed upon us by that splendid body Of
men known as 'thc western waterways
improvement committee, which convened
In our city last October. The effect OF Ia
work IL now being felt in the halls OF our
national legislature, and the best results
arc confidently expected. Within the past
year real estate In and around our city has
advanced In value with such rapid strides
ns 10 staggcr belief by those who knew but
little Of our magnificent location for great
commercial city. And that same spirit Of
enterprise among our people, coupled with
our natural advantages and Of railroad and
river facilities for transportation, still
pushes M forward to greater increase In
real estate values and vastly enlarged
volume Of trade.
Our annual report will show immense
increase In all manufacturing enterprises,
all OF which are prosperous and making
large returns 10 capitalists Of brain and
nerve for their investments. Yet them u
need for morc manufactures, and with
unlimited supplies Of coal, iron and timber
at our very doors success must follow ouI
every effort In that direction, aud the
great increase In the population Of our city,
the large number al line business aud
dwelling-hOuscs, aud many cottages erected
during the last year, show uncxamplcd
prosperity, aud MI such enterprises should
be nurturcd aud fosicrcd with steady care
and unwaycring fidelity by our whole
people
With all these encouraging ouilooks
based upon solid foundations, Il il incum,
bent upon the members Of the Merchants
exchange 10 strike into the new year will
more force, more activity, aud greater
fcli-fcliance than ever, aud gutsping the
opportunity furnished us and welding Il
with strong hand, force the power Of ON
exchange by the benefits " affords upor
every metropolis Of trade In this bioas
land Of ours.
During the past year We have ha,