Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1874-01-19
PUBLIC LEDGER.
- n.nn1rs nr rHE FUTURE.

,,;sars will he permanent, or easily recon-
o;lod 70 nreserve the Republican party in
loot remains to be seen. The President
is evidently FESTIVE under the dictatlon
If Morton. Cameron, Butler and others,
who assume to be the pillars of the adj
ministration. He is no doubt casting
about with an eye to the next Preslden-
t;al election, and it is not a matter oil
oraat concern to him whether he is
re.elected by the orthodox Radicals or
the Changers of the West and the South
Certain great causes are at work which
will make the next national election one
Of macmillan interest. The Democrats
uroper are hardly in the field. They
made a mistake, as we have always
maintained, in going over to Republi-
can ticket without fully meaning it. The
national Democratic party has been
routed scattered and demoralized. Yet
the elements still exist, and true Dem
ocratic principles are bound to be
adopted by the next great party that
NAV ariae under whatever name. We
care no great deal for names Wing
would sound as we'll as Democrat and
Conservative would answer as well as
either. 1t must be conceded that the
reform and anti-monopoly movement
in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Kansas
and other Northwestern States, has
made considerable Roadway, while
in Ohio the Democrats have
the State. In Texas It is the same. Vir-
qipia has just elected Democratic
United States Senator, and great gains
have been made in every place where
fair elections have been held. President
Grant is tired of the party harness, and
shows a strong inclination to turn
AGAINST the chronic leaders and array
himself along with the people. Old par.
ties may pass away, but principles, like
truth, are eternal and cannot die. The
nrospects are that the Democratic party
will adjust former differences, awake
from its lethargy and take the field with
new energy and life. In Tennessee II
will unquestionably be called the Demo-
CRATIC party in contradistinction to any
other organization. In some States the
opposition to rings, monopolies, subsi-
dies prescription and the admins
tration will probably be arrayed under
the banner of Reform, or with such
local movements as may be best adapted
to promote the welfare of the largest
number of the people. The Democrats
of Tennessee are largely in the ascend
ancy if only united, and iflet alone they
will naturally fall into one solid pha-
lanx. The LEDGER has ardently sup
ported every Democratic ticket put into
the field since 1865, and it proposes in
future, as in the past, TO be not only IN
dependent and fearless, but consistent.
It rests with the people to organize
parties, and with journals to support
proper movements. While this has
been the most ultra party organ pub
lshed as a daily, with one exception, in
the State, it has usually reserved the
right, and viii hereafter, to eriticise,
even its own party, freely. This Is
essential to a healthy outgrowth OF pub
lie opinion, and it is a right which We
propose to exercise. Parties are otter
indebted to papers, but the papers sell
dom owe anything to parties. Thu
paper, for instance, has stood by every
nomination regularly put in the field b.
the Democratic party since its hrs
issue, but has never been subsidized
and never asked the party or any eandl
date for a cent; in fact, the balance du'
is on the other side of the books. This
however, is of no material consequence
TO the public, but it may be matter Of
greater moment to our friends to be as
sured that we shall be true to them an'
to true Democratic principles, as in tn
past, whatever chaos nay take place il
national parties. As to State politics ]
is assured that party lines will be strictly
drawn, and the people once more called
upon 70 repel the inroads Of corruption
and usurpation. A late number Of tn
GAINESVILLE Chronicle concludes lon
article under the caption Of The Mex
Governor with the following par,
graphs:
For one, we shall endeavor to shap
our course by honest conviction, prefe
ing to support the nominee Of a popI
lar convention rather than a self-nom
mated demagogue, and more willing {
risk the possible blunders of such a COL
yention than the certain Ills OF Radica
rnle invited to return by senseless dis
cord aud foul ambition. Upon these th
North looks with a secret feeling Of cor
tempt for a people who lack the commo
instinct Of self-preservation, and woul
rather endure wrong and dishonor tina
unite 10 avert both.
Il is too early to open the next can
paign, but not too soon for the peopl
70 begin to consider the situation aud Z
resolve that the disgraceful defeat Of tn
last election shall not be repeated in th
next There will be no lack Of cand
dates. and the Convention system mus
be relied upon to produce harmony, or
RADICAL victory wall be the fruit Of on
III. in trusting selfish demagogues.
Tn Register Of yesterday makes som
very pertinehi and practical suggestion
0---.--,t,res Of the State whei