Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1870-02-14
THE REASONS THAT INFLUENCE
THE CONVENTION.

II has often been asserted that men
never do anything without some Interior
motive in view; and it is to great ex-
tent true, the fact not being confined to
any class or profession. whether men are
rich or poor, high or low, 10 this world.
We mey at first be at loss to know
whst prompts the individual to act in an
unexpected manner, but if we will exer'
else patience the motive viii, after
while. show itself. AS to disinterested
patriotism in this country, it has long
since ceased to exist. If politician is
seen to take step in new direction,
looking to a change of policy in the
Government, it is done cautiously and
with an eye singly to his own personal
interest being effected thereby. It's Q
matter of the smallest importance 70
such as to what may be the
demands of the people for good
government. If changes made should
not prove popular, then the iSere
thought of the unpopularity will make
these timid fellows tremble in their boots
What say they. Shall we jeopardize our
future promotion in the Government to
the apparent good of society," No. We
will wait in the rear of events, aud let
manifest destiny work out the policy of
the people. We will not lead of, although
It has been our duty te do so. 1t is ask.
sng too much. Let the couHtry go.
These thoughts are naturally suggested
TO cur mind when we consider the action
and course of the Convention at Nash
vile. In the main that body is COM
posed Of old men whose records are
apparently of more Importance to them
than the work of making good Constr
tuition for our people. They are evidently
very cautious not to do anything whereby
il might afford the demagogue
the opportunity of berating them before
the ignorant horde when they shall again
ruu for Office. Then motives of purely
.selfsh nature are attributable to the del
egates in not at once removing the cor
rupt judiciary from the bench of the
State, disgraced by them in untold acts
of partisan bias. The Paris Intelligencer,
edited by one of the old-t;me politicians,
who formerly looked through an official
collar, is disposed to let the eat out Of
the bag. In o recent editorial Of that
paper the following is expressed in refer
ence to the election of Judges in this
State:
We think, however, that the election
should be held some time during the
latter part of this year, when erybody
may likely have fair chance. n
We are not selfish when we take the
ground that we prefer the election to be
postponed, so that those of our disabled
friends of the profession may have equal
chances with other aspirants. Congress
NAV remove all disabilities from eK-
Confederates By the latter part Of this
year; then the people would have that
large class Of their fellow citizens. in our
judgment equally deserving, to choose
from 10 addition TO those who are now
eligible. 10 view Of this important and
essential feature Of common justice to
al. we think that some time further in
the future should be appointed for the
iudiei,l elections We. Of course. can
not be charged with sel6shness in ssp'
porting this idea. since We do not belong
10 The ranks Of the profession only
nominally.
Thus It will be Esund, from reading the
above, that q grest Asny are looking to
Office, regardless of what the demand OF
the people may be. We suppose that
motives somewhat like these pronptee
the convention IN passing the ordinances
adopting universal suffrage. j was
perhaps to propiiiAte Congress go a. to
hsve the Political disabilities removed