Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1869-06-29
CANDIDATES FOR THE LEGIsLA'
TURE.


The alI-absorbing question of the hour
with the people Of this community, is VINO
shall be our representatives in the next
Legislature. In making up the ticket to
be run we should not sacrifice all to
policy on the day of election, when the
grand object may not in the end be at
tanned, after what might be regarded q
victory at the polls.
If men are selected for the reason
they may carry few Radical votes, be-
cause of their popularity with this party,
they might consider it to their further in
tersst to preserve their popularity at the
expense of the requirements of the peo-
ple. We want no man unless he is IN
every respect gentleman, or who has ever
heretofore allied himself with the Radical
party. Men of certain semi-respecta'
bility, who could not gain their consent
to wallow in the gutter with the negro,
for fear only that their store-clothes
might be soiled, but yet fully indorse the
outrageous aoings of this party, should
not receive favorable consideration
from gentleman in the country.
We certainly have talent enough among
the true citizens of our community who
could be entrusted with the work of
uutv;uT Our DISTINGUISHED hands without
going outside to pick up dirty Radical,
who, because he thinks it popular, has
declared himself at this late day Tor
suffrage and Senter. If a community
was ever cursed with small politicians,
then Shelby county is most politically
damned. Men who would not dare show
their faces before this people. could the
honest, intelligent and patriotic people
once more sway the interest of the
country, are new the most prominent for
Office. When an opportunity was offered
these miserable wretches to prove what
their patriotism was composed OF, they
studiously avoided the draft on one side
and the conscript officer on the other, and
oil the while growing fat off the blood of
the people.
We say, away with these fellows, and
let not our community be guilty of re-
warding pusilauimity and selfishness
that would see the country 90 to the dogs
before they could be induced to extend a
hand to relieve it.
These very patriotic gentry all feel it
incumbent on themselves to sacrifice
their personal comfort to serve the peo-
pie, and with seeming modesty announce
that they will leave all in the hands of
their friends, to do with them as they see
proper.
1t has been the practice in this county
since the war when Offices we're to be
SLED, to select men who we're notorious.
ly detested during that eventful period
by both sides, because Of their want OF
manliness and courage to come out and
perform their duty to their country like
men. If we will cast our eye around at
the very active men who compose both
parties now, a majority can be seen who
were notorious skulkers, deserters and
cotton spectators during the entire war,
and when every able-bodied man was ex-
pected to be at the front to meet and
drive back the enemy.
"To the victors belong the spoils"
Then let us prefer the true men who per-
formed the heroisms of the war for Office.
We wonld make no distinction between
Federal and Confederate soldiers-aliare
now, in the estimation Of true men,
equally deserving of honors. If man
is to be preferred only that he may take
the candidate oath, then we had as well
take negro on the ticket and run him,
bat if honest and patriotic gentlemen are
preferred, then let US examine all by the
light Of the past, when every man had
the opportunity to prove to the country
that he was willing to make a sacrifice
for the good of the Government
The people of Shelby county are get
ting worn out by being dictated to and
controlled by q set Of politicians who
make it a business and profession to
swindle the taxpayers of the country. In
times of extreme danger none but the
bravest aud most Trustworthy are placed
on duty. So, in this most important
time of our State politics, let none but
trusty, conservative Democrats be sent to
the Legislature to guard our future
interest.