Читать книгу Atlanta And Its Builders, Vol. 2 - A Comprehensive History Of The Gate City Of The South - Thomas H. Martin - Страница 7

The compiler of this work is indebted to Col E. Y. Clarke's valuable little history of Atlanta for many of the facts contained in this chapter. This author deals exhaustively in personal movements during the period indicated in the foregoing title, and as the city waxes greater and early memories grow dim, it is well to preserve such interesting reminiscences.

By 1870, Atlanta — whatever may be said of Georgia — was pretty well "reconstructed." Atlanta had reason to feel rather kindly toward the reconstructionists, for the city was their headquarters during the period of military rule, and after the civil machinery was in motion, the capital of the state was permanently located in Atlanta.

The beginning of the decade of which this chapter treats witnessed unprecedented activity in Atlanta. The town was booming, to borrow a westernism, and real estate in desirable localities was held at fancy figures and transfers made on that basis. One of the finest buildings of a public nature erected at this time was the De Give opera house, now known as the Columbia theatre. Atlanta was immensely proud of her new opera house, which Forrest, Booth and other great actors who have retired from life's stage, pronounced unsurpassed in acoustic properties. With the grandeur of De Give's grand opera house before us, the following description of what was regarded as the finest play-house of the early '70's in the South, taken from an illustrated pamphlet on Atlanta of that period, will interest many:

"From the days of the Roman and Grecian amphitheaters, when the plaudits of the people greeted the productions of the ancient playwrights, the stage has occupied an historical place in the annals of nations. The names and works of men who have become eminent in the world of letters from Sophocles to Shakespeare, have been perpetuated not more by the intrinsic merit of their genius, than by the influence and popularity of the theatres and the effective presentation of their drama. There is as much ability, good judgment and business knowledge requisite in the management of a first-class opera house, so called in modern nomenclature, as in any other business pursuit in life. Most cities in Europe and in this country of any metropolitan pretensions consider an opera house a necessary institution, and one of the best evidences of culture and refinement, and a certain indication of commercial progress and wealth. Among Atlanta's public buildings the opera house occupies the place of honor in the front rank. It is at once a credit and an ornament to the city, and is regarded by its citizens with justifiable pride. The house was built in 1869, and remodeled and enlarged in 1871. It was again enlarged and the front of the building changed in 1882. The interior arrangements are admirable. The auditorium is divided into parquette, balcony and gallery, and has a seating capacity of 2,000. The seats are comfortable, and the decorations elegant and attractive. The stage is complete in all its appointments, its area being 37 x 67 feet. The dressing rooms are nine in number, supplied with every convenience, water, gas, etc. The building is four stories high, and has a frontage on Marietta street of 100 feet, extending back on Forsyth street 105 feet. It is disconnected with any other building on three sides, and is provided with five exits, affording every facility for the speedy evacuation of the building in case of fire. It is lighted by gas and heated by hot air throughout. In fact, everything is elegant, pleasing and attractive. A series of entertainments are given, which embrace all the leading artists in all departments of the histrionic art, presenting a round of amusements which never fail to draw crowded houses and give entire satisfaction to the patrons of the theatre. M. L. De Give, the owner and manager of this handsome and attractive place of amusement, has resided in Atlanta for twenty-five years, and among his fellow citizens is highly esteemed for integrity, reliability, liberality and enterprise. Socially, he is the best of companions, and in business he has attained an enviable reputation for honorable and upright transactions. He takes great pride in the profession, and superintends in person the entire business of the theatre. A visit to his opera house cannot fail to be productive of much pleasure and enjoyment."

It was in 1870 that H. I. Kimball built the first Kimball House — a magnificent six-story structure, in few respects, inferior to the present beautiful building built on the same site. In the same year, the corner-stone of the Catholic church was laid by Father Ryan; the Fourth Baptist Church was built by John H. James, and among the more pretentious residences erected were those of Richard H. Clark, on McDonough street, and B. F. Wyley, on Washington street. The famous Republic Block, in its day the finest business block in Atlanta, was built on Pryor street by ex-Governor Joseph E. Brown, Judge O. A. Lochrane, and a number of other prominent Atlantans, in 1871, during which year some four hundred buildings went up in the city. Among them was the present decrepit "car-shed," then the magnificent "union passenger depot," the pride of the Atlantese. Historian Clarke referred to the effete structure as "one of the largest and finest iron depots in the United States, jointly constructed by the railroad companies." The first "Austell Building" was built on Decatur street that year; also the beautiful residence of Judge John L. Hopkins, on the corner of Gilmer and Collins streets; that of Z. D. Harrison, clerk of the Supreme Court, on McDonough street; those of A. G. Howard and W. A. Hemphill, on Pryor street. In 1872 another church — the Fifth Baptist, was built by John H. James; a three-story building on Broad street by ex-Governor Brown; a splendid 52 by 140 feet, slate bank-vault, agricultural warehouse, by Mark W. Johnson; a building for his hardware business, by Thomas M. Clarke; and residences by John N. Fain, on Pryor street, J. T. Eichburg, on Forsyth street, Rober & Clarke, on Houston street, and W. B. Cox, on Ivy street. In 1873 James R. Wylie built a two-story brick on Broad street; Daniel Pittman one on Wall street; Julius L. Brown a residence on Washington street; J. T. Glenn one on the same street; James R. Wylie one on Peachtree street; and Joseph Thompson, jr., and others, erected residences.

"In 1870 came W. C. Dodson, the job printer, now at the head of Dodson's Printers" Supply Co., doing an extensive business in every Southern state east of the Mississippi; the Wilsons — -W. S. and J. C. — the latter becoming the largest coal dealer in the city; also John B. Goodwin, from Cobb county, who was admitted to the bar in 1871, and three times elected to council. In 1871 came James H. Low and Clarence F. Low, from New Orleans, leading insurance agents, and E. H. Thornton, of the firm of Lynch & Thornton, booksellers. This year also brought us valuable citizens from the North and West, among them W. G. Goodnow, from Wisconsin, a man of great energy and business capacity, who planned the Republic Block, got up the stock of and organized the Citizens' Bank, and was at a later date made general business manager of the Atlanta Rolling Mill. Among valuable citizens from the North may be mentioned W. C. Morrill, a gentleman of large means and liberality, and who has contributed greatly to the success of the Library Association."

In 1873 the local census showed a bona fide population of 30,869. This was the dark "panic year" that brought so much disaster to the entire country, and of which Colonel Clarke says: "The Air Line Railroad was finished, and many improvements, under way at the beginning of the year, were completed. But in this year a great monetary crisis befell the country, and the financial panic swept like a whirlwind over Atlanta. Building stopped, the wheels of progress were clogged, the prices of real estate tumbled tremendously, and business was prostrated. Of course, this state of things caused general damage, and all suffered; but to the great credit of Atlanta, and of the sound foundation of its business prosperity, few large houses were seriously affected, and though the crash of great houses and banks was resounding in all cities of the land, not a single bank in Atlanta fell, though there was a run on all of them. It is true that Mr. James' bank suspended, but the suspension was only temporary. With his characteristic judgment and decision, he threw a hundred thousand dollars of his real estate immediately upon the market, which, though sold under the auctioneer's hammer at a great sacrifice, furnished him ready money, and tended to restore to him public confidence. In less than sixty days his bank was all right again. Thus no bank in Atlanta was crushed. Business, however, was prostrate; but a people whom fire and sword, and consequently monetary bankruptcy, could not destroy, would not be kept down by a financial panic and its effects, however disastrous. Progress soon began to manifest itself; indeed, as always in the career of Atlanta, there was not an absolute halt in its onward march. St. Luke's Episcopal Church and a German Lutheran Church were added to its houses of worship, and a Cumberland Presbyterian Church was organized.

"Progress soon again became quite noticeable, new hotels, factories, banks, and other enterprises appearing. Immense fires only made way for nobler structures, and so continued the march of improvement.

"There is a tendency in all cities to create public debt, especially where there are few or no charter restrictions upon the municipal authorities. This arises in a great part from the importunities of the citizens themselves for subscription to this or that enterprise on account of alleged public interest or utility, and in some measure from the incompetency and venality of officials. The citizens of Atlanta are wide-awake upon all matters touching the welfare of the city, and also incited by the monetary stringency and steady decline of values, had detected the accumulation of the city indebtedness, and becoming alarmed in 1873. set about devising means to save the city from future bankruptcy. The police system was also a source of great complaint and dissatisfaction on several grounds. Under the existing system a high state of efficiency and discipline were impracticable; and the police force was a powerful element in every municipal election, exercising an undue influence over the result. The public interest sternly demanded a change; the policemen must be taken out of municipal politics and be made more efficient. A petition signed by J. H. Callaway, J. A. Hayden, Amos Fox, and some one hundred and fifty other citizens, was read before the city council November 1, 1873, alleging that the charter, though often amended, had never been thoroughly revised, and urging that this was greatly needed and should be done to insure future prosperity. This petition was referred to a special committee, who reported on the following Friday night, November 8th, recommending the appointment of forty-nine citizens, seven from each of the seven wards. The report was unanimously adopted, and "the committee of forty-nine" was appointed, including such men as L. P. Grant, G. W. Adair, George Hillyer, N. L. Angier, J. P. Logan, L. J. Gartrell, John H. Flynn, John L. Hopkins, N. J. Hammond, John H. James, A. Murphy, W. G. Gramling, L. E. Bleckley, J. A. Richardson, W. B. Cox and John T. Grant. On the night of November the 18th, this committee met at the Recorder's room. L. E. Bleckley was made chairman, and one from each ward was appointed to report subjects to be referred to sub-committees of three each. The subjects reported were City Government, Finance, Elections. Sanitary Regulations, Police, Water Works, Public Schools, and Streets, and they were referred to separate sub-committees. On November 26th, a committee was appointed to consolidate the various sub-committee reports. The consolidated report was submitted and adopted. The ensuing Legislature passed the charter thus revised, and it was approved by the Governor February 28, 1874.

"No event of more vital consequence ever occurred in the governmental policy of Atlanta. No municipal reform was ever more thorough, as will be seen at a glance at some of the new features of the charter and their operation. In the first place, it puts a stop to the creation of debt. Section 32 of the charter says that no bonds shall be hereafter issued, except by an affirmative two-third vote of two successive councils, the approval of the Mayor and a majority vote of the citizens in a popular election.

"In all appropriations of money for the increase of indebtedness or expenditure of revenue, except for salaries, the councilmen and aldermen must vote separately and agree. For this purpose, the general council was constituted of three aldermen for the city at large, and two councilmen from each ward; the aldermen and councilmen separating into two bodies in all matters of finance. It is also stipulated that the annual expense shall be so restricted as not to exceed the annual income, after certain payments on the public debt, and that no General Council shall borrow money, save in the management of existing indebtedness. As an additional safeguard, a clause was inserted enacting the personal liability of mayor, councilmen and aldermen for the refunding of all amounts appropriated in violation of the charter, and it is made the imperative duty of the clerk of council to institute recovery suits.

"Advancing a step further, provision is made for the constant annual reduction of the public debt by setting apart one fourth of the tax on real estate for the payment of the principal of floating liabilities. Still another step was taken in this direction. While increased indebtedness is prevented and reduction secure, the business interests of the city must be protected from burdensome taxation. To do this, taxation is limited to one and a half per cent.

"In the department of official conduct, and the proper administration of the laws, the regulations of the charter are equally effective. Official male conduct, to the financial detriment of the city, is made impossible. The greatest reform, however, under this head, was the entire change of the police system, and its divorcement from the General Council. A separate board, called Police Commissioners, consisting of five citizens, elected by a two-thirds vote of the General Council, was instituted, and into their sole control was confided the election and government of the police force. G. T. Dodd. a gentleman who commenced life in Atlanta in 1853 as a clerk, but is today recognized as one of our greatest merchants and most public spirited citizens, and a man of unimpeachable integrity, became chairman of the Board, and the public force rapidly improved in efficiency under the new order of things.

"It is unnecessary to note any other changes wrought by the charter; these are sufficient to show that it is a masterpiece of municipal reform, and secures the people, absolutely, against municipal bankruptcy and burdensome taxation, and guarantees a faithful and vigorous administration of the laws, for the protection of their lives, liberties and property. The result has been electrical; the city's credit has bounded upward, and strange as it may seem, in this day of general bankruptcy of American cities, Atlanta eight per cent, bonds command a premium. Councilman J. W. English not only borrows money on account of the floating indebtedness at seven per cent, interest, but is offered largely more than he needs. It is very probable that, under his able management, the rate of interest will be still further reduced, and an additional saving to the city of several thousand dollars effected. Upon the score of administration, Atlanta never had better city officials, and the efficiency and general character of its police force have a national repute, justly eliciting the pride of its citizens.

"It is true that the severe restrictions of the charter will not permit any very general system of improvements at present, but any inconvenience from this cause will be cheerfully borne, in view of the steady reduction of the public debt, and the new stimulus infused into every factor of the city's prosperity, and the increased values imparted to its property. It must be remembered, too, that the gradual reduction of the interest account, together with the enlarged income from taxation will, in a few years, produce an excess, which will insure the most liberal appropriations for every object countenanced by the charter. The first mayor elected under its operation was Judge C. C. Hammock, whose administration was one of the best and most popular Atlanta ever enjoyed. In his official address, at retirement, he uttered this strong language:

" 'The most signal of your achievements has been the successful application, and faithful execution, of the provisions of the new city charter. Under its operation the city has experienced what may aptly be termed a new birth — such has been the change wrought in her financial standing, and her prospects for future growth and prosperity. Previous to its going into practical effect her credit (the foundation of governmental, as well as of private, character) was impaired and diminishing; but under the confidence-inspiring provision of the new charter, wisely conceived and courageously forced, Atlanta has, at one bound, inaugurated perpetual economy in her expenditures — the steady, gradual reduction of her indebtedness — and placed her securities on an upgrade, without a parallel in the financial experience of these unfortunate times.' "

"The commercial panic, not being based upon temporary causes simply, but upon a general depreciation of the values from inflated proportions to their true standard, the settling down or adjustment of business to the changed condition, was necessarily the work of years. But the commercial circles of Atlanta gradually worked out of the depression of the times, and reassumed their old activity. Renewed vigor produced greater expansion, and expansion, in its turn, demanded enlarged facilities. More banking capital was needed, and more and larger houses for the handling and storage of goods. One secret of Atlanta's progress is. that no demand of trade, however feeble, fails to produce an effort at supply. So it was at this time. New banks were organized, and more business structures erected. In addition to those already mentioned, the Atlanta Savings Bank appeared in 1875, under the management of S. B. Hoyt, president, and R. H. Richards, cashier.

"The year 1875 was one of marvelous progress in building operations. Real estate improvements aggregated in value, perhaps, $1,000,000. This improvement embraced the filling up of numerous unsightly spots, as, for instance, the drainage of a marshy spot south of Hunter street, and the erection of numerous cottage buildings thereon, at an expense of perhaps $25,000, by Colonel Thomas Alexander, one of Atlanta's prominent railroad contractors, and who manifested his faith in Atlanta and its future to the extent of $100,000 in real estate and improvements. P. & G. T. Dodd & Co. (W. J. Tanner taken into the firm in 1876), to accommodate their great business, erected a splendid building on Alabama street — part of an entire block erected at the same time. A costly hotel — the Markham House — was erected for Owens, then the exceedingly popular proprietor of the National Hotel, and a six-story cotton factory went up. Residences — and many fine ones — ascended as if by magic. Among them were that of J. L. McBride. on Rawson street, in 1876, and, in 1877, that of James Oglesby, on Richardson street, and the elegant, city-like structure of A. C. Wyly, on Washington street.

"Business exhibited great activity. W. F. Stokes & Co. opened a wholesale fruit and produce establishment on Alabama street, and G. P. Guilford a new music house. M. T. Simmons and A. N. Hunt, both of whom were afterward councilmen. associated in the grocery business, having a dry goods department in charge of Mr. M. S. Gilbert as partner in the same. In 1874 they erected a handsome brick store on Marietta street. Mr. Gilbert at a later period became a member also of the grocery firm of Landrum & Gilbert, on Peachtree street. In 1872 M. C. & J. F. Kiser removed their wholesale dry goods establishment to the new building on Pryor street, adding W. S. Everett to the firm. One of the most important business events of the year was the establishment of the National Surgical Institute, for the treatment of all deformities of the body, face and limbs, including paralysis and chronic diseases. It is under the management of Drs. Allen, Johnson and Wilson, is an incorporated institution, with a capital of $500,000, and is now treating some two thousand three hundred cases, including those boarding in the institution and those in their homes in the states. It has the unqualified endorsement of leading citizens, and is accomplishing a vast amount of good. Dr. C. L. Wilson is the surgeon in charge. In the year 1875, W. S. & J. C. Wilson bought out the extensive coal and lumber business of Edward Parsons, a popular citizen who emigrated to New Zealand. W. A. Fuller opened a grocery business in his building, 148 Marietta street, soon after forming a partnership with N. J. Doolittle, both these men having been popular railroad conductors, and W. A. Fuller noted for his famous and successful chase of a band of men during the civil war, who, in the interest of the Federal army, stole an engine on the State Road for the purpose of aiding them in the destruction of bridges and other property on the road — their capture being one of the most spirited feats of the war. In 1875 Morrison, Bain & Co. removed their hardware establishment to the Republic block, occupying three large floors, and John Keely made a third enlargement of his retail dry goods store to 55 by 100 feet. Among the movements of trade may be noted that of wholesale groceries to Alabama street. In 1873 Stokes & Co., wholesale fruiterers, removed to this street; Stephens & Flynn, Dodd & Co., Fuller & Smith, followed, making it the great wholesale grocery street of Atlanta.

"The progress of Atlanta during the last decade (1870-80) has not only equaled, but has surpassed that of any other period. This progress has been a general one, extending to every department of business and industry. The same advance marked all other interests, religious, educational and social. Besides municipal reforms, the city government had also made great progress in the establishment of important public works, among these was the supply of the city with water, at a cost of nearly a half million of dollars. Though the well and mineral waters of Atlanta were amply sufficient for all drinking purposes, yet the continuous increase of population rendered another source of supply advisable for the central part of the city, and more particularly for the objects of sewerage, and the extinguishment of fire. The great enterprise is now in the most successful operation. Hunnicutt & Bellingrath, in 1875 and 1876, laid seventeen miles of pipe, all of which stood the test of two hundred pounds pressure to the square inch. The water can' be thrown in numerous streams to the top of the highest buildings. The works are under the control of a water board, elected by the people, consisting, at present, of C. H. Strong, G. W. Adair, G. W. Terry, J. H. Flynn and E. E. Rawson. The members of the board receive no compensation for their services, which are not only responsible, but also quite onerous, as in the case of the president, who at present is E. E. Rawson, the public-spirited citizen, whose time and labor form so prominent and large a part of many of our best institutions. The superintendent is T. F. Winn, a most efficient officer. The works were completed in 1875.

"Another most important step was the building of a street railway by George W. Adair and Richard Peters. This proved a valuable stimulus to the property of the city.

"The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was organized in 1876 by Miss Louise King, of Augusta, aided by a lady noted for her charitable works. Miss Nellie Peters, now Mrs. George R. Black. Under its operations several prosecutions have occurred, leading to improved treatment of dumb brutes; and drinking fountains have been erected through the city for their benefit — the largest one being the present of Hon. John P. King, the distinguished president of the Georgia Railroad.

"In 1877 another library association was organized — the Catholic Library Association. Its object is the dissemination of Catholic literature and knowledge generally. Its officers are: J. F. Burke, president: R. D. Spalding, vice-president: A. C. Ford, treasurer; John M. Graham, secretary, and John H. Flynn, E. Van Goidsnoven, P. J. Moran. W. B. Cox, John Stephens, M. H. Dooly, John Doonan and Joseph Gatins, directors.

"For several centuries, the progress of the printing art has been both a great indicator and powerful promoter of national and local prosperity. One has only to glance at a book or college catalogue issued from the Franklin Steam Printing House of Atlanta, to ascertain how near perfection this art has been brought. The Franklin Steam Printing House became, in 1873, the property of James P. Harrison, Z. D. Harrison, D. E. Butler, J. H. Estill, of Savannah, and J. W. Burke, of Macon, and rapidly assumed mammoth dimensions. Under the business management of James P. Harrison, the superintendence of John S. Prather, and the thorough bookkeeping of George W. Harrison — men unsurpassed in their departments — the Franklin has grown until it has become the largest printing house of the South.

"But no greater progress was made anywhere than in the acquisition of valuable citizens. Among them may be mentioned J. W. Rankin, who came in 1875 to manage the great wholesale drug house of Hunt, Rankin & Lamar, and N. P. T. Finch, of the Atlanta Constitution, gentlemen who may be cited as representatives or types of the substantial and worthy men won by Atlanta in late years."

The following is interesting as a glance at the newspaper situation in the decade under review:

"The printing business has developed into great proportions. Religious, political, agricultural, literary and medical journals are published. The daily newspaper business has been a checkered one. The old Intelligencer, in its palmiest days a staunch Democratic leader, finally gave way to its youthful rival, the Constitution. It had many strong friends, who clung to it to the last. Our efficient deputy sheriff, Charlie Wells, was for many years its chief foreman. In 1871 the Constitution became the property of W. A. Hemphill and E. Y. Clarke, N. P. T. Finch purchasing an interest later. This journal, in its turn, had fierce rivalry in the Sun, Herald and News, all of them excellent Democratic papers. After the fiercest contest known in Georgia journalism, all these papers suspended, leaving the Constitution, in 1876, alone in the field without competition. A few months later, the managing editor, E. Y. Clarke, sold his interest, after a connection of six years. The city has, in the Constitution, a first-class political journal, equal to that of almost any city in the South. It is under the management of a publishing company, of which Albert Howell is the president; W. A. Hemphill, business manager; E. P. Howell and N. P. T. Finch, managing editors. In Colonel Thomas M. Acton the Constitution has the greatest newspaper agent in the South. He came to Atlanta in 1858, and in the same year published and sold some 20,000 copies of the 'Life of Crocket,' hung for the murder of Landrum. For some ten years he has been connected with the Constitution, is known for his geniality and immense physical proportions, and is a good and useful citizen, much esteemed. The present foreman of the Constitution, Mr. Paschal J. Moran, displays fine ability in the make-up of the paper. A new daily, the Tribune, has been recently started by Charles H. Williams, formerly of the Columbus Times, who is manager of the Tribune Publishing Company. It is a smaller and cheaper paper than the Constitution. The Sunny South, a literary journal of great excellence, is published by Mr. John H. Seals, and edited by Mrs. Mary E. Bryan. The Christian Index, the organ of the Baptists of Georgia, is published by the Christian Index Company, under the editorship of the Rev. David Butler, The Southern Grange and Planter, the official organ of the patrons of husbandry and farmers' journal, is issued weekly by John J. White and Frank Gordon." * *

"By a vote of the people on December 5th, 1877, Atlanta was made the permanent capital of the state. This adds largely to the influences tending to the continual growth and prosperity of the city, making it the home of the governor, and other officers of the state government, and the seat of all state conventions, political, commercial and industrial, thereby creating a source of very great revenue. The state will doubtless soon begin the erection of a new capitol building upon a magnificent site presented by the city. The overwhelming majority — 43,946 — by which the people of Georgia expressed their preference for Atlanta is a home estimate of its worth and advantages. In his management of the campaign for Atlanta Councilman J. W. English deserved high praise, and received a public testimonial from citizens in the shape of a massive silver salver from G. H. Miller & Co., of this city. The location of the capitol at Atlanta is, however, but one of many causes operating to center upon it the attention, interests and affections of the people of Georgia." * *

"As New York is famous for the splendor and magnificence of its retail stores, so is Atlanta. In consequence its retail business is correspondingly great, and growing, attracting from a distance thousands of people desirous of availing themselves of the economy and choice obtainable in the selection of family supplies from immense and brilliant stocks. John Keely and Chamberlin, Boynton & Co. are to Atlanta what Stewart and Lord & Taylor are to New York. John Keely, after the close of the war, in which he was a gallant Confederate officer, put all his energies into the dry goods business, and rapidly acquired a most brilliant success. His store had to be repeatedly enlarged to meet the demands of incessant trade, and is constantly thronged. In 1871 Mr. H. S. Johnson, a popular young salesman who had long been connected with the house, was admitted into the firm of Chamberlin, Boynton & Co., which, composed of three such men, could not be otherwise than successful. The carpet store is under the management of W. A. Haygood, who is a partner in this branch of the business, in which he has made quite a name and won hosts of friends. Thousands of strangers make annual pilgrimages to Atlanta to visit these stores, which are marvels in the beauty, richness and variety of their goods. There are other popular dry goods houses such as A. O. M. Gay & Co.; and, indeed, no city, not excepting New York itself, offers a more inviting retail market to the purchasers of family or individual supplies."

A news notice of the building of the government building in Atlanta — now regarded as inadequate to the city's demands — was as follows:

"Congress passed an act on February 12, 1872. appropriating the sum of $100,000 to build a United States courthouse and post-office at Atlanta, Ga. In June, 1874, another act was passed, extending the limits of the cost of the building to $250,000. Other appropriations were afterwards made which swelled the whole amount up to $275,000. The site for the building was presented to the government by the city of Atlanta. Ground was broken for the new building on the 21st of August, 1875. The style of the building was taken from a copy of an ancient Italian villa, but somewhat modernized, and is termed the Italian Gothic. It is built upon a concrete foundation composed of cement, sand and granite, and is three feet thick. Mr. T. G. Healy, of this city, has been the able superintendent of its erection from the commencement to the finishing. Mr. James G. Hill, in his annual report to the U. S. Treasury Department, says: 'This building, will be completed within the limit placed upon its cost by the act of congress, and it will afford larger accommodations in proportion to its cost than any other building under the control of this department.' The lot of land is 200 x 210 feet, and is bounded by Marietta street on the front, by Farley on the west, and Forsyth on the east. The size of the building is 135 x 75 feet, is three stories high, and the total cost of the building, as shown, was over a quarter of a million dollars. It is used by the post-office, custom house, and revenue departments, and has also a court room and offices for the Federal District Court."

In a table contained in a population census of the United States for 1880, exhibiting the percentage of persons engaged in gainful occupations for each of "the principal fifty cities of the United States," Atlanta stood third, being exceeded only by Lowell and Lawrence, Mass. This percentage ranges in the cities referred to from 33 per cent, as the minimum, to 50 per cent, as the maximum. Atlanta was 46 per cent., Lawrence 49 per cent, and Lowell 50.

When the fact is considered that both Lawrence and Lowell are specially cotton manufacturing points, employing in the list of their population engaged in gainful pursuits, a larger percentage of women and children than Atlanta, then comparison, even with these two cities, is very favorable to Atlanta.

In Atlanta, the occupation of those engaged in gainful pursuits was divided as follows:

Agricultural pursuits 314

Professional and personal service 8,614

Trade and transportation 3,952

Manufacturing, mechanical and mining industries 4,189

All occupations 17,078

Total population 37,409

The rapid growth of Atlanta from 1855 to 1880 — within a quarter of a century — is shown by the following table:

Population of Atlanta in 1855 was 6,025

Population of Atlanta in 1865 was 10,000

Population of Atlanta in 1870 was 21,788

Population of Atlanta in 1875 was 30,869

Population of Atlanta in 1880 was 37.409

In view of Atlanta's present population of upwards of 100,000, the prediction made at the close of Col. Clarke's work, written in the latter '70's, is interesting. Forecasting Atlanta's future growth Col. Clarke said:

"The preceding brief reviews of Atlanta's population, institutions, business, facilities of trade and healthfulness, while discovering the basis of its past growth and present prosperity, also demonstrate its continued progress in the future; for the same causes are operating only upon a grander scale. The railway system is perfect, but the sections penetrated are constantly developing their resources, and Atlanta must grow with its tributaries. In addition to this the combined power of superior facilities, increasing enterprise and skill, and the prestige of past success, are continually extending trade into new and more remote sections. The rapid developing of the manufacturing interests, the social and healthful attractions of Atlanta for residence, the admirable character and excellent financial condition of the municipal government, and the considerations first noted, sufficiently assure constant future increase of population and business. An old and popular citizen of Macon, Mr. E. E. Brown, writes to the author that he expects to see the population of Atlanta 75,000 at no distant day. Our Macon friend is probably right."