Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1874-02-09
THE PEOPLE MOVING.


THE PEOPLE MOVING.
The call for mass meeting at Bart
lett in the papers Of yesterday morning
is a general remark, and will be very
fully discussed during the week. The
prime movers are tax-paying citizens OF
the couAtry districts, who are deeply
interested in good loealgovernment, but
who can in no sense be regarded as poll
ticians; they are equally removed from
selfish ends to accomplish or prejudices
to crafty. They are representative
men in the best sense, and prominent
for intelligence, integrity and moral
worth. We hail the movement as good
omen, and an evidence that the people
mean to take such action as will best
promote the general welfare. The call
is addressed to all good citizens, and
none but the most radical and unreason-
able can feel precluded from attending
the meeting to take part in the proceed
ings. We take it that this will not be an
exclusive affair, but that a movement
will be set on foot in which the best men
of all parties and shades of political
preference may consistently engage. 1t
will have but as little reference, per-
haps, to national politics as to past local
contests, for a revival of such issues
would involve the consistency and parti-
san feelings of many of our best citi-
zens. The people will assemble, we
feel assured, in this mass meeting
in a spirit of Cancellation, which
will result in harmonious measures
and rebound to the good OF the
commonwealth. Any violent express
sions or imprudent speeches will prove
fatal to the prime objects desired, and
to ultimate success at the ballot-box.
Unless some concessions are made, and
views adopted which are acceptable to
both wings OF the old Democratic party,
to the Liberal Republicans and to con-
sentative people in general. the move
ment has no chance Of success. We
shall mince no words upon this subject,
although having no pet ideas or hobbies
to advocate. 1t is needless to say that
this does not purport to be a meeting
solely Of Cheatham Democrats, johnson
Democrats, Liberal Republicans or Con-
servatives, but that all the Democratic,
Conservative and Liberal elements are
invited to attend, and will stand upon
an equal footing, without reference to
past differences or party affiliations.
We have preference as TO
name "a matter Of minor import
ance-but feel perfectly willing to
consult the feelings of others and TO
make any compromise not incon-
sistent with principle. 1t is eminently
proper that such call should emanate
from the country, and that the meeting
should be held in the country, where it
will be free from all distracting inhuen-
ces TO arrive at the best conclusions,
while the facilities for reaching Bartlett
will enable the people Of the city and !
from nearly every part of the county to
attend without great Inconvenience.
The situation Of parties and the nice
balance that has existed in former polit
ical campaigns suggest the necessity OF
the utmost discretion and conservatism,
that new friends may be made TO the
common cause Of the people and no old
ones driven off. The meeting can put
forth an organization fresh from the
hands Of the people. not as a duplicate
exactly of any Of the old parties, but
embracing the best points of all, which
will be acceptable to the masses and en-
sure future success when tickets are to
be put in the field and wider combina-
tons formed. Such we understand to be
the import Of the call; the results are
with the people at large.