Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1869-11-27


III-Co sITIoN OF SOCIETY.
Art is ss vast aud as varied in it's ways
as nature. Every one of its branches has
its peculiar class and every class has
it's family of toilers. In its grand econ-'
omy and distribution of blessings there is
place and happiness for all and each
one within his own sphere may perform
q noble part. No matter how high q
trade or how low q profession may be,
all are necessary to make up an active
community; and if properly viewed it
will be discovered that capital and labor
are not 80 antagonistic as some OF our
sages suppose, but are equally benef-
cial, one depending on the other for as
sistance and support. This earth itself
is combination of particles, kept in
compact state by peculiar processes, un-
dergoing changes aud becoming better
known and more beautiful from season to
season so society is combination OF
individuals, formed into many classes by
the peculiarities of many callings, all
linked together for the common good,
and progressing from year to year
toward higher state Of perfection. To
grind the whole earth into a pow
der and convert the particles of
one kind of clay Into the same
weight and quality as another kind would
be about as easy, as pleasant and as
profitable Job as to mold society into
one element, and make the individuals
of all classes on an equality in mind,
body and estate. 1t might certainly be
a CAV thing to toddle about like toad.
to lie in the copse like hedgehog, or to
sit on the curb-stone like a monkey and
derisively grin at humanity, II one could
kick away the cravings Of hunger or
laugh away the nippings OF cold. Dame
Nature is not such an accommodating
mistress as to temper the elements to
suit our notions or to create exquisite
sensations within US without our own
efforts. Nothing is produced without
thinking or toiling; and he who invenis
or makes anything for the beneht OF
mankind may be looked on as benetac-
tor, But il would be strange world IT
there we're not O little evil mixed with the
little good; indeed only for the evils
said to stalk about in all corners q great
MANY people would have nothing to do
Il ia wonderful to note how many folks
come into the world with the spirit OF the
frst-born Cain; almost everybody wants
10 kill somebody or something; which may
he taken by some ssges as evidence that
Pythsgoras was not far astrsy IN his be-
lief; and the most remarkable feature OF
civilization is that no classes abuse each
other so warmly or hate 30 heartily as
those which call themselves Christians;
verify were it not for the readiness of out
aiders 10 act as peace-makers there might
he the solemn spectacle of sect gouglug
seq on the sidewalk. Such thing has
bsppeued, and, upon the hypothesis that
"history repeats ITSELF" may happen
again, unless society erects barrier to
prevent it. Less than century ago the
Declaration of Independence furnished a
barrier styled the "insliensble right OF
life" but rude hands have from time to
time SO far torn it down as TO make six
shooter as much portion OF a civilians
everyday ornaments as his watch key.
Liberty is a public sea in which oil may
dip; but the pursuit of happiness is
a river branching into rills, IN which
everyone is confined to his own peculiar
freedom. Thus. too, classes may be d.
vided, each having its own enjoyment
within it's own circle. Still this thing
called happiness springs from no posi-
ton 10 society, but rather from a pure
heart and an buuble spirit. A loving
nature ia more precious than gold and
a liveIier we'll Of Joy than the springs
of vanity. Whatever pain there may be
in toll, there is also pleasure: Sweet
indeed Is sleep after daily employ yment,
and pleasant are the draams OF the light
hear.ed who are independent BY their
OWE labor. A king may be more power
ful than q peasant, but be may be less
Ssspier, Notwithstanding all this, the
Ssk-tslked of time wheh the lion and
N, '~s,b are TO lie down together without
the !. Sss end the cat and the dog to lap
grumb' ofise same dish without snarl-
cream ou' %y 90 occur as long as men
ing Is no. hse ID Boyes.