The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-02-21
THE EXPOSITION MOVE.
JOINT MEETING OF THE INCoRPo-
RAToRs YESTERDAY AFTERNOON,
The Gentlemen Resolve Themselves
Into Ono Body Corporate--A New
Name of General Significance Proba-
ble-An Enlarged Charter Likely.


ble-An Enlarged Charter Likely.
A majority Of the incorporators OF the
Memphis and Six-State Exposition com
panies met yesterday afternoon, in the
back room of the Security bank, No. AZ
Madison street. There were present
Messrs. George Arnold, I. ]. Graham, r.
b. Snowden, w. M. Harrington, Il. Iowen.
stein, r. J. Black, John w. Cochran, IL,
j. Forsdick, Napolean Hill and II. q.
Craig. AS the members came in, one by
one, they glanced around the room, noticed
the array of colonies and captains, and
made appropriate remarks. One gentle
man said, "This looks like the last rem
nants Of the Confedcracy." Another said,
"Where is the enemy now?" Mr.. Hills
exclamation, on falling heavily into a
chair and catching his almost escaping
breath, was "This is the most popular
thing We have undertaken in years. Two
charters for the same thing" Mr.. Arnold
finished the sentence rs follows "And
afraid that ii we don't get to work some
one will come along and get ahead OF MS. 7"
Prior TO the meeting, the gentlemen spent
about half an hour in informal discussion,
over the name and scope Of the proposed
enterprise. IL was finally agreed, on tho
outside, that neither OF the names sug-
gested would fill the measure, MS "Mem-
phis" was too local, and "Six-Stato" OK
cIuded Louisiana and Texas, two Of the
States from which substantial encourage
ment could reasonably be expected.
The meeting was organized by again
electing Mr.. John w. Cochran chairman.
He explained that the meeting was an adj
journed one, its object being TO consolidate
the two existing charters, and give all his
associates the privilege OF full and free
discussion rs TO name, plan Of operation
and other essential elements to make the
exposition grand success.
Mr.. III. j. Forsdick moved that the two
charters be consolidated. Mr.. Geo. Arm
old seconded the motion, and II prevailed
unanimously.
Mr.. Tom j. Graham suggested that n
committee OF threo from each body Of in
corporatos be appointed TO take the two
charters, investigate which was the most
desirable under which 10 operate, and re-
port back 10 a meeting TO be held Tuesday,
February %, same place. Mr.. Graham
also stated that the gentleman who arrived
iirst had discussed a variety OF names, and
IL seemed that n new one would be adopted.
II was also learned that number OF gen
tlcmcn were under the impression that
stock WINS to DO issued. To do all this II
would he necessary 20 get charter under
q special act OF the Legislature. lie be-
lieved that TO give the committee full scope
and opportunity for investigation il should
be allowed two or three weeks.
Mr.. Hill desired information on the
point raised. They had two charters al.
ready, and he didn't catch the idea idea OF
importance for another one.
Mr.. Graham explained that Il would DO
necessary, in order TO make the company
n stock concern.
Mr.. Frayser 4. Edmondson, the ntlor-
ney, stated that IL was legal impossibilty
TO consolidate charters. lie presumed the
gentlemen merely intended 10 consolidate
themselves under one common charter,
decide which that shall be and allow the
other TO perish by non.user. This they
could very properly do. The object Of the
new charter would be 10 acquire authority
to issue stock, and could only he obtained
by special act OF the Legislature. The
company could organize under one or the
other now IN existence, do all the prclim-
mary work possibly and get the enterprise
under good Roadway. When the Legis
laturc meets next winter, they could then
have the special bill passed, have the Gov.
ernor sign IL, after the lapse Of forty days,
Il would become law, and the conditions
were then in fine shape. They could,
then, he said, u they 30 desired, apply for
charter, issue stock and incorporate
themselves. Tho legal number OF sigma
lures 10 an application for charter was ten,
and these constituted the int board OF
directors; but when the time for final
organization arrived the ten could increase
the number oil directors 10 eighteen, and
thus include all now actively Interested.
| Mr.. Edmondson further stated that lac
found diversity Of opinion among
the incorporntors "a 10 the character
Of the proposed exposition. While some
favored the agricultural and industrial
idea, Others were for art, music and kin.
drcd icaturcs--a sor Of ball exposition.
To his mind Il should incorporate both
ideas and bc OF general character. In
order 10 get tho whole subject up for dis
cussion, MIR. Edmondson propounded a
running series Of questions. M follows
Il II q feasible plan 20 organize under
either OF our present charters, and ask for
subscriptions under the promise Of Issuing
stock nj some future timer Can there be
sufficient confidence under such contin.
gcncy2 Would the gentlemen hero feel
safe In and willing 10 subscribe with those
conditions2 Can we influence legislation
In behalf Of the exposition and make u
practicnlf
Mr.. w. NJ. Harrington was called upon
for views and suggestions, and responded
by saying that no was glad the two organi.
zations had been merged and all efforts
were hcnccforth 10 be united. lie found
| In his previous conversations q difference
Of opinion M TO the character 81 the en-
tcrprisc. One was for fair, another expo.
sition. Both should b. included. Neither
would draw forth exhibits aud money like
q general exposition. Stock would have
TO he issued, and takers must have No..
curity. Tho question was, Is there indi-
vidual liability
Mr. Edmondson answered that there
was not.
Mr.. Harrington resumed by SAYING lac
understood tho law created individual liz.
bility when stock WIS issued. lie favored
tho committee looking into that part oI
the question as well ~ the name. which
he thought should be ono Of general sig
nihcancc.
Mr.. IIill asked Mr.. Edmondson II there
was no general law under which the com
pany could organize.
lie wns answered that there was, and
that the charters held were obtained under
| that Iaw Hut they could not iasite aioel