The age-herald., 1901-06-09

IkNNI politician. be he Democrat. t\V/II Populist or Republican,
 4S should come to Meridian
 now and ask for an audi ence he might be received with that spirit of courtesy and hospitality for which the people of the "Queen City, are noted, but he could not draw house" half SO large as could man or woman who might come to speak upon business, so- cial, educational of religious matters.
 The reason for this is that Meridian people do not seem to feel an interest in politics just now. They appear to be either satisfied with conditions as they exist, or have their minds turned in the direction Of material progress and de- velopment.
 Meridian gives cordial welcome and greeting to the stranger who enters her gates, and showers him with the spirit of hospitality. giving all time and atten- ton If he seeks to learn of those things which mark this city as a place for prof itable investment a place for permanent abode--a home where culture. refinement and morality hold sway and reign su- preme.
 Public spirit and city pride beams upon the counternances of this people, and surely this is commendable. They have a goodly city and they know it.
 Today the writer asked one of ''the oldest inhabitants" what made Merid- fan. What constitutes the basis of her wealth and progress? And the laconic answer was: "The unity of purpose, the energy and faith of her people" Fur ther investigation shows that there is much truth in this suggestion. But other conditions give abundant impetus to the growth of Meridian. For instance, this city is the center of vast territory, rich in agricultural lands and forests of timber and without an immediate com petitor for the trade of the people who inhabit this territory. Mobile is 13O miles away, New Orleans 19S miles, Jackson 95 miles and Birmingham 152 miles. Few cities in the South enjoy better railroad facilities, as Meridian has five of these highways stretching out toward every point of the compass and penetrating the heart of the richest agricultural and timebr lands in the South. quickly reach ing deep water and affording valuable competition for freight and travel.
 Historical.
 Meridian is a young city as yet, and her growth for the past twenty years has been marvellous. The city was char tered about the year 1857, when but a way station on the Mobile and Ohio Rail- road, that road having reached this point the preceding year. It is said that several names were given the little ham let before the present name was adopted but the flag station was called Sow ashee' by the Mobile and Ohio people, until, at the suggestion of a pioneer, the authorities at Washington established postoffice here, naming it Meridian" and the State granted charter for the "City of Meridian However, the purpose of your corre- spondent is not to write history of Me ridian, but to speak of its growth, it's importance and it's strength of today.
 Growth in Population.
 The population by the Federal census of 1880 was 4OO0; 1890, 10.e24; 19o0O, 14O5o. Chittenden's Directory this year gives it at 19,5o4; and the happy people of Me- ridian confidently boast that they have population of 20.0O0 two-thirds of which is white. They hope for a 30 per cent. increase by 1910. and it looks much like they are to have. it. if we are to judge by the number of new buildings in course of erection, and the few unoc- cupied houses here at this time.
 Climate and Health.
 The climate and health of Meridian constitute another important basis of her wealth. She is in the hill section of Mississippi, one hundred and forty miles from the Delta. The elevation of the above sea. while the resident section is 100 feet higher.
 Cleanliness and Beauty.
 Meridian is cieanly city, has good water, and no extremes of temperature The residence portion is beautifully blooming flowers, just now so rich in fragrance. at once attract the attention of the visitor as city of homes. The residences are not gorgeous or palatial in appearances. but are handsome. sub stantial and cozy looking. While there are no long established, well developed public parks in Meridian. the home prem ises of the people are park-like in appear ance, cool, shady and restful.
 Sanitation.
 said Meridian was a ceanly city. It impresses one as being eminently SO. First, there is nothing here to render it otherwise. The natural drainage is excellent; then the city has the Waring