The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-05-28
THE CITY OF MEMPHIS.
ExcRLLENT ESSAY BY A YOUTHFUL
HOPE NIGHT SCHOOL PUPIL.
Master F. Lent Prepares and Reads o
Brief History Of the City. the Su-
periority OF Which Entities 1t to
Publication and Preservation.

At the recent exercises Of khe Hope
night school for boys an essay, prepared
and read by +. Lent, quite youth, is
deserving OF special mention, and is there
fore published by THE APPEAL as an evil
dence Of the good work being done toward
teaching boys who are unable to attend
school during the day, having to work for
living. The theme selected was Men,
phis, upon which young LENT discoursed
as follows:
"How grandly the city Of Memphis is
situated. Nature has gwen to her loca-
tion which she should never have occa-
sion to regret. Majestically situated on
the towering bluffs which form the most
western part Of the State OF Tennessee,
she can well afford to bid defiance to the
annual floods accustomed by the rising OF
the grand river that sweeps beneath the
walls. Year after year is recorded the
damage caused by overflow, but never is
IL recorded that Memphis was damaged
also. Mol never will Memphis bend her
pride To the Father OF Waters" until her
magnificent and commanding bluffs cease
to exist. Then, too, other evidences of
her splendid location are the fertile and
rich lands that for thousands OF miles
surround her. The fertility Of the banks
OF the Nile is often spoken OF by travellers
and historians, but IL would not for mo-
-ment compare with the matchless quality
OF the soil that surrounds the Bluff City;
in fact, it is stated by those fitted TO Judge
of the quality Of lands that the land
that surrounds the city Of Memphis
Is the richest of all the lands OF
the earth. Then, too, the fact Of its being
situated midway between st. Louis and
New Orleans is another evidence OF its
commanding and favorable location.
The city of Memphis was originally set
tied by party OF pioneers hailing from
Middle Tennessee in the year 1918, and is,
therefore, sixty-nine years OF age. Its
fareer since then has been varied, ut times
prospecting, trade in fiourishing condi-
lion, population increasing Then, again,
we find her depressed, commerce slacken-
ing, and a general case OF dejectedness
prevailing the city. But in this hour of
despair what did the citizens Of Memphis
do2 R;d they give up all hope? No; on
The contrary, undaunted by the discour-
aging circumstances, they went 10 work
with characteristic energy 10 rebuild tho
allen fortunes Of the city. The old form
81 municipal government was abolished
and the present form installed In its place;
board OF health was established a per-
feet 81 stem Of drainage secured, and other
vigorous reforms were introduced that re-
suited in making Memphis what she is to-
day. So, how Justly can we say, all honor
10 these faithful men 10 whom is really due
the credit of inauguraling and carrying TO a
successful ending the grand projects that
have since resulted in giving TO Memphis
her present prosperity.
The population OF Memphis today Is
variously estimated put Il at 50, 900,
some $1,000 while Others nj 10000, al
though all unite in saying that II is nothing
less than the latter figure.
The trade Of Memphis is in hourishing
condition. It's exports compose all sorts
II products, although the largest and most
important is the cotton and grocery bust
u pess. Our cotton business, which forms
>cur chief occupation, Is increasing every
gear. no vast Is the amount OF business
N this product that Memphis Is entitled 10
she distinction OF being the largest inland
,otton market In the world.
II also transacts large grocery business.
Its exports in this line can be found all
over the southern States-statistics show
that Memphis, according TO population,
ranks fifth In the amount OF grocery bust
ness transacted.
The RIVER and rail facilities engaged in
the transportation Of her products are all
that could be desired. Nine railroads en-
ter Memphie from all directions, making
Il one OF the most important railway CEN
tiers in the south. To these roads Mem
phis is largely indebted for her present
commercial importance. The roads from
the northwest bring 10 US the grain that
forms the staple product Of that country.
The roads into Arkansas, Mississippi and
Alabama carry rs our cotton, while the
road to Birmingham enables us 10 get the
coal and iron products OF that country. In
addition there are two roads, the Tennes-
see Midland, rs far as Jackson, and the
Bald Knob, that are fast nearing compile
ton, and IN a lew days will be ready for
business. There are also five other pro-
jected lines, that extend in all conceivable
directiona These, In addition To thosc al
ready built, make sixteen roads.
The citizens Of Memphis are live, pro-
greSivc and energetic In their endeavors
f. 10 secure trade. The world moves, 90
does The Memphis merchant" This Il
fully hibstantiated by the fact that Mem
phis goods are now found IN places whore
they have never beiore been seen. Then
they are public spirited. benevolent and
hospitable; always willing 10 help In public
enterprise, especially those that concern
Memphis. They love their city, and arc
proud 10 tell OF lis prosperity and
brilliant future. In bcnevolcnce they are
no les Distinguished; they are always
ready 10 azsisi a worthy cause. and NJ
proofs, the numerous charitable institu-
ions can DO cited. Their hospitality
knows no bounds, visitors always receive
a Joyous welcome, a striking example OF
this IL the generous reception accorded TO
the visiting members OF tho Tennessee
Press association.
Then, too, our ladies' must not DO over
looked, for to them IL also In part due the
present prosperity OF our city. Many a
noble deed Is recorded in tho annals OF
history. They are. a. a rule, intelligent
and cultivated thoroughly acquainted
with tho questions Of the day-they are
always doing something. whether Il be
charitable work, OF in advancing the TEN.
pcnncc, or woman suffrage causes.
Improvements In the way of buildings
have rapidly multiplied In the last few
years. Among the most prominent We
ind the Oliver building. tho Gayoso hotel,
,he Hill building, the Langstad building,
Luehrman's hotel, the cotton exchange
and the Iowensicin building all triumphl
of architectural skill, especially so the
I'll. Hall ..sI.l .L III q