Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1870-03-28
AFTER THE ELECTION FOR COUN'
Ty OFFICERS.

The election OF last odturuali as ehV"H
from our returns, cannet be said to have
resulted favorably to the Democracy OF
this county--a fact to be much regretted.
AS TO who is responsible for the disaster,
we do not hesitate in saying-THE
PEOPLE. And it can be proven by an
examination Of the very small vote
polled. If, then, the people OF the
county desire Radical instead of Demo
cratic officials, we have nothing to say
AGAINST it. It shall ever be our duty to
bow to the expressed will of the major
ity, let that be as il may. But the real
majority in this instance have failed to
speak out, and the minority been per-
m;tted to take quiet possession OF the
most important Offices in the county.
When the day of election came the
oualifed voters of the county stayed at
home. when they should have gone to the
polling places and with the ballot de-
clared who should be our sheriff ana
clerks for the next four years, We say,
lei the blame rest where it properly
belongs, and not endeavor to make a
scape-goat of some for the miserable and
disgraceful failure. II is true the Demo
cratic nominees contented themselves, a
goodiy portion of them, in stand
inc on the corners and drinking
whisky in the alleys, when they
should have been arousing the parti-
sans to the importance Of the contest
For thus neglecting an important re-
auirement they have been made TO ek-
perience the bitter fruits of defeat.
That we have clear majority Of Demo
Gratis in this county to the amount Of
two thousand votes cannot be denied,
But then this majority did not choose 10
vote on last Saturday, and for that reason
Curry is supposed to be Sheriff again OF
this county. Some ignorant persons have
thought to blame the Irish OF the city
with General Wright's defeat, which
is decidedly unjust, and should not be.
The returns show that that class OF
voters were true to old Democratic In
stincts. and voted the straight ticket
with rare exceptions. They are moi
responsible for the Radicals having sup
ported Reilly, and, indeed, it is not a
thing to be regretted, for if he had not
received this unexpected saecor, his
independent opponent would have done
so. and been elected in his stead.
Ii was, no doubt. thought by the
friends % Curry, that by taking
up Reilly that he and bis Irish
friends would rally to the support OF the
Radical ticket; but in this mistake was
made, for Democrats cannot be trans
ferred, like so much merchandise, to the
highest bidder. By the supposed trade
Reilly secured the entire negro Radical
strength, while Curry, in exchange, did
not get a corporals guard OF the lFish
We say this much in vindication OF
true and answering class of Democrats
who should not be slandered unjustly
We have met with defeat. it is true, bu
such is the fate Of all parties e. times
Our momentary confusion cannot
however, result in an extinguishment o
the Democratic party, for soon the I'm
terrified will again be in line. and read:
for the next contest We sbonid prof
by our defeat, and from its dear ex
perience draw wisdom that will for fh
future be Of solid benefit to us. As 70
ourselves, We do not feel crushed o
whipped, and will never yield so long a
men will heed the Democratic toesin.