Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1870-01-04
THE M~AYoRALTY.
An Old Taxpayer on the Democratic klomi-
nee--near Himl

Editors Appeal: Standing on one o
our streets some time ago, talking witt
one one of our old and respectable citi
zens about the wretched manner il which
our municipal affairs had been conducted
during many years, ne said, with empha
sis: "Our citizens have paid nto theil
treasury money enough to build every
house in the cityi' Looking at him witt
amazement and incredulity, he quickly
added, 1.-THE records of the city viii
prove itp'
Whether the foregoing assertion was
true TO the letter or not, Mr.. Editor, We
all know hat during long years we have
been taxed to an extent scarcely paral-
leled, and that whilst millions of dollars
have been wrung from the citizens, but
little in the way of improvements can be
shown for 1t. Every one knows this
every taxpayer feels it. And ali this op-
preston by men who are ever blatant in
their professions of disinterestedness and
love of =" the dear people,"
In view of the great wrongs done them,
cur citizens recently assembled in their
respective wards to appoint delegates to a
convention TO be holden for the purpose
OF making suitable selections for Mayor,
Aldermen, etc; and delegates were APP
pointed. The convention met, nominated
good men, and their nominations were
generally approved-particularly their
choice for Mayor; but unfortunately for
the city, as was generally believed. the
nominee cOuldnot, consistently with bust
ness engagements, accept the Nomination.
With commendable zeal, and a lively in
terest in all that pertains to the growth
and responsibility of our city, and with a
proper solicitude for the welfare of every
citizen, the Convention met again. and
after earnest ana protracted discussion
and balloting, Johnson received a 1.-TWO
thirds vote" and was declared the nomi-
nee for Mayor.
For a day or two after their nomination
I heard nothing anywhere but common
dation of it. and the highest eulOgies upon
Johnson. His praise was in the mouth of
every man I met; not a dissenting voice
not one objection TO the man; all SEEM
ed to feel and think that at last Memphis
10 have a Mayor in whose hands all
would be safe and prosperous, and Of
whom we would not be made ashamed.
I would not know Mr.. Johnson
if I were 10 meet him; it has so hap
pened that we were never brought in con-
TACT; but 1 viii vote for him if no other
man does, and for the following reasons,
viz:
No better man has offered, and no good
reason can be given for a change.
Mr.. johnson Is the regular nominee, and
a convention has long been considered the
best-perhaps, only means of concentra-
ting public opinion.
All true party men have ever yielded to
the dict5tm Oft convention fairly gotten
up; and no charge of fraud, or Irregular
ity, OK haste, or unfairness, has been made
against the convention which nominated
Johnson.
No Democratic or Conservative party
can be established again in the South
without concert of action, and cities must
set a good example in this respect.
A man who would disregard the ex-
pressed Will of a regular convention is an
0pice-Seeker, and himself and friends the
gods before whom the people must bow
Highly respectable gentlemen say that
Mr.. johnson has resided among US for
twenty years; that he is well acquainted
with the wants and grievances of our city.
and that he has capacity to redress them;
that his integrity is above suspicion: that
he is sober and Industrious, and that he
has succeeded in all his business affairs.
Can as much be said in behalf of the ire
GpockryphaL candidates? Who will
say yes? Wh0g
But it has been said that Mr.. johnson
voted for Fitch. Well, that, l admit, If
true. was a great sin; 20 greater could
well be committed, politically, han to
look complacently, even for a moment,
upon one of the negrO-loYing cGHdiUe; but
that sin is not mortal; doubtless it was
permitted to prove, for the ten thousandth
time, that the best of mon are not infalli-
BILE. But for one error of Johnson at least
two, and very grave ones, could be alleged
Walker. Take him, "all in ALL
we glory in Johnson. Memphis needs
Just such a Mayor, and let the citizens be
to vote for good and true men To aid
him. Hurrah! for Johnson.
AN OLD TAXPAYER,
WINE CLOTHS, new design, Just re-
at SEESSEL Il SONS.