The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1889-05-26

rious illusions to them. On the contrary,
it has given me pleasure to sec to what an
extent they have gone in throwing the
safeguards of morality aud OF social re-
finement about tho institution with which
they are connected, excluding intoxica-
ton. gaming and Sabbath breaking But
the least reflection will show that their
building can never supply the place OF the
one which | have been discussing, and
that any attempt to unite the two enter
prises must be productive only of injury
to both. OF this | am sure that those
Young gentlemen are thoroughly aware,
and that any proposition to them looking
toward a union of the two would be very
politely, but very positively, declined. II
should not be nude, and il would not be
accepted.
3. But il may still be urged, why not 20
10 the theater? My answer is two-fold.
First, il often occurs that when you want
the theater the theater does not desire
you and will not have you, as has lately
been shown. But, secondly, what meas
urc OF humiliation is there in this very
suggestion The church OF Protestant
Christendom in Memphis, the bride, the
lambs wife, standing suppl.ant, her
crown in the dust, knocking for admit.
lance at the door OF the worlds theater or
opera-housol And worse still. turning
away denied, because the worlds business
makes il inconyenient to receive herl Will
not our religious men OF large means see
to it that no necessity OF this kind shall be
laid upon us?
IL. This brings me TO the second gen.
eral proposition, which shall simply
affirm as utterly undcniablc. That the
united wealth OF the Protcstants OF Mem.
phis can give us this building in magnif.
cent proportions, admits OF no dispute.
To assert TO the contrary would be
TO close our eyes 10 the multiplying
evidences OF prosperity all around US
and stiile our own voice of self
congratulation. We have properly pro.
claimed our progress, so that all the world
might hear. We have told OF our thirteen
miles OF city steam railways; of our inn
proved streets, and our fine system OF
sewerage, together with our abundant
supply Of pure water. We speak with
commendable pride Of our location M q
grand center OF railroads, of the 70O,OOU
bales OF cotton, which make Us the largest
inland cotton market in the world. We
are proud of our constantly improving
public schools, ana We rejoice In the
growing taste for literary pursuits which
our private educational institutions arr
silently but powerfully developing Now,
with all this, one thing We yet lack. We
need TO draw TO ourselves, nnder auspices
not anti-ChHstian, the very best OF musl'
cal entertainment for our children; the
very highest form Of education through
the most gifted lecturers In the United
States; the influence Of the grandest bodic,
OF Christian workers and speakers, and
the visits OF the noblest orators OF the
land. That these ends may be sub
served, and that our city may progress IN
true culture and in spiritual prosperity,
/ regard building with large assembly
room as absolutely Indispensable. Such
an cliilrc, 80 used, would serve as u mOsl
powerful band OF union among our OWL
people, AMI would pay Tor itself u thou
sand fold by attracting TO Memphis th'
people OF the towns and OF the country al
around u.s. We ara able 10 erect H. NJ
excellent committee Of gentlemen OF bust
ness has already been appointed for th
purpose. The resources are yours; thu
only question is ~ 10 the best means o.
making those resources available.