Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1872-11-02
THE REAL ISSUE.

The Democrats and those who have
voted with them all over the State begin
TO realize that votes cast for johnson
only increase Maynard's chances OF cleo
ton. The Radicals look on with deligh.
and have faint hopes that the great Mar
ragansett will get through by small
plurality. That this is possible cannot
he successfully controverted. Many true
Democrats have thought of supporting
johnson, but they see that in so doing
they imperil the best interests OF the
State, and when they go to the polls WILL
to make sure of defeating Maynard, cast
their votes for Cheatham. There is
class, however, who have sometimes
voted with the Democrats or else re-
NAMED neutrally independent, who will
vote for johnson, deliberately to break
up the Democratic party, or the organl-
cation known as such in this State.
They, Of course, will vote for him, but
their number is comparatively small,
and they carry no great influence with
any party. The journals supporting
,JohRson are the same who have made
fruitless efforts for several years 10 get
up third party. Mr.. johnson came
anto their hands only when he failed to
receive nomination by the August
Convention in Nashville; he became
powerful leader TO a movement that
originated three or four years ago.
These papers support him because
he supports them, and brings some
strength to a feeble faction. They
have deartb of arguments, but the
most plausible one offered is that the
defeat of Mr.. Johnson would be taken by
the North as a condemnation OF his
Union record. This is about their entire
stock in trade when all verbosity is re-
moved, except that cheatham is not
spread-eagle orator. In answer we would
ask: Since when did the Northern Bad
icals in power, and likely TO remain there,
begin to love Andrew johnson or to pre-
fer him to quiet farmer and executed
crate General in Congress2 Which one
would be most offensive to them on the
hoor-Andrew Johnson, the relentless
enemy, on personal grounds, OF all who
wanted him impeached; or General
Cheatham, who never said bitter word
an his life, who has at once as firm con-
Ictions and as few prejudices as any |
living mani live had to consult the Re
publican party Of the nation who to send |
to Congress and Andrew johnson could 1
not go until they demanded his retars
to Washington as proper evidence
of our genuine reconstruction, we
opine it would be many years be-
fore be would have to buy his through |
ticket The Cincinnati Commercial
has beeen quoted as favoring Johnson.
This is easy enough to be accounted for. /
That paper belongs to the opposition.
II has always stood by the great Com
moner, and usnally sends special cor
respondent once month, more or less,
70 interview him and publish his bitter
sayings about Grant and his administra-
ton. The Commercial has PRIDE in
him, and wants to hear Rome howl, so
as to furnish proper sensations for its
readers. five are seeking the favor Of
the dominant Radicals o. the North,
which we deny and repudiate, thee the
last thing we should think Of would be-
10 send johnson back where he could
officially renew his standing rumpus
With them. There is a popular idea
.mone our old-fashioEed kind CT people
,bat We are to elect some one 70 repre-
,ssept Tennessee, instead Of the CineiD-
nat; Commercial or anybody else out Of
,bs state. and when the tine comes for
he Democrats to 60 to tee Republican
marty North or South, TO hnd ont for
vbom 70 vote. It viii be about time
a elect Horace MayEsrd at once.
In voting for General CheathaH DE PEG
nls are mot consulting either Grant or
Forney, yet common sense suggests that
General Cpeatham would be fas more
accountable to either wing Of the Repub-
lican party than Andrew Johnson Who
barely escapeS impeachment And yet
We are continually ted that the North
viii take It as evidence Of q lingering