Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1873-12-31
AND NOW FOR THE ELECTION.

The municipal canvass draws 10 q
close. This is the last day OF 1t, as well
as the last day of the year. Thus far
the respective sides Of the question have
manifested great earnestness and actv'
itv but we are glad to know that, with a
few triaing exceptions, the principal
actors have refrained from bitter and I'M
necessary ordinations, as well as per
sonalities. The people take lively in
terest in the result of to.morrow's cleo
lion. and it is likely, if the weather con
tinues favorable, that rather full vote
will be polled. The merits, as well as
the alleged dement's, Of the may0ral
candidates have been thoroughly dis
cusssd and the people have had the best
of facilities for becoming well In
formed on this question. Upon such
information as they possess, and upon
their good Judgment and sound sense
they will act as becomes free men and
we shall cheerfully abide by the result,
boping that it will in the end rebound to
the prosperity and general welfare OF
Memphis. Extraordinary precautions
have been made to secure good order at
the polls as though another riot were
expected. No trouble, however, need be
apprehended; our people are law-abidlng,
quiet and self-possessed, especially on
such occasions as this. The city has
been strongly canyassed by able speak
ers ON both aides of the question, and
the people have generally turned out to
hear the speeches. This has never be-
fore occurred in mere city election to
the best of our knowledge. The masses
are we'll prepared to Judge for them
selves. and will exercise their rights fear
lessly. As general rule, the participants
in this contest have acted in dignified
high toned manner. Some things have
been done, as doubtless always viii be
which ought not to receive countenance
To this part of the subject we may al
ude at convenient time, without, how
ever, indulging in personalities. We
have always thought and acted upon the
principle that men may honestly differ
upon almost any question, and yet be
upon terms of mutual respect. A Few
narrow minded persons do not think so.
They are of the intolerant class, neces-
sarily few in numbers and weaker in in
Auence. They hardly tolerate each
other. much less any one who has the
temerity to differ with them. A few
such live in Memphis, and we shall
never undertake to reform them, for they
are useful as practical illustrations of an
dious bigotry, and their presence often
promotes healthy reaction in public senti-
ment by their extreme and untenable po-
sitions. With this class we have no com
promise to make. They can take their
course; we ours. The time has passed
when little cliques or street corner pol
iticians can dictate the course Of an in
dependent and fearless newspaper.
With the great body of the people we are
in full accord, and while not seeking to
drive or persuade any one, will not be
threatened led or persuaded into any
course until satisfied that it is defensibie
and consistent. This much for our
selves as journalists. Whoever may be
elected will owe it to his own personal
strength and the sincerity Of his friends,
and when put in Office will receive fair
criticism and full justice at the hands of
the LEDGER.