Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1870-05-18
THE REASON WHY.

1t would be more gratifying to Us 20 be
enabled to cover up the faults Of others
than expose them to public condemna-
ton. What may be promptings of our
humanity in this respect, such course
cannot be strictly observed and yet dis
charge the functions Of a newspaper
editor. The public require at our hands
to be informed as TO the men who would
seek ito FIJI the Offices Of the county.
Their qualifications must be looked into,
which involves the necessity of overhaul
ing Their characters, both private and
poi;tical We endeavor to discharge our
duty with as much delicacy as the ma
ture ofthe case may admit, and at times,
Internationally, lay ourselves liable to
criticism. Still we cannot be deferred by
this from giving TO those who read our
editorials the facts wanting to make
up their opinions. We are not candi-
date ourselves for any office, and
of course it is not incumbent on Hs to de-
fend our political conduct. Men are at
liberty to think what they please about
that, and there is nothing to be involved
after all Whatever has been or here
after may be asserted in the columns of
the LEDGER, we hold ourselves RESPONSE
BILE TO show the proof to sustain it. lt is
far from our thought or intention to in
lure or do injustice even to our oppo-
nents, believing that bold statement of
facts will cause us TO be victorious.
Some are not altogether patieat, and DO
not bear with fortitude the seourge when
applied to exposed parts that cant well
be hid. They foam and protest in the
most foolish manner, as did one I. d.
Eldridge, who charged us with being
proseriptive, and a young man, for
having written n fact that be was too
worthless to labor like other good citi-
zens, and preferred to hold an
Office as means of living He did
not, however, deny being candidate
on the Radical ticket, and expects to
receive the votes of the negroes to elect
him to the judgeship Of the Second Cir
cult Court 1t is known that he is now
herding with the enemies Of this people
for the sake of filthy lacre. The pFip-
ciple that should be at the bottom Of
every coed mans composition, Eldridge
has lost sight Of, and boldly prociaims
his reason for seeking the position is to
get money. He Processes to have no
political principles, aad appeals to his
religious denomination 30 bear his
bark through the storms that fhresten
to engulf him. IL letter published
in the morning papers over his signature,
he says;
In conclusion. ! viii say to my many
old friends and brethren belonging 10 or
attending the General Conference. that
these most Notifying and 40 Just assaults
Of the LEDGER are made By a yOnngman
who does not know me half as veil rs
they do, and whose attempts 10 hector
and terrify men who cross his views, have
done him more harm perhaps than they
have those he has assailed
We presume that the Methodist Con
ference members will hardly think Of
taking part in the Judicial election for
this county, and at any rate would not
sustain the declining fortunes Of Radi-
cal candidate, although he might belong
to the church. This appeal is evidence
Of Eldridge's weak mind, and his being
unfit to ell the responsible position Of
Judge. He feels, when suffering from
the eastigation Of the LEDGER, like
Dives in hell, and pleads most piteously
to be taken into the bosom Of the MeihO-
dist Conference. Il would scarcely be
compatible With the dignity Of Southern
Methodists 20 do TINS, since they have