Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1874-01-28
nr,n7v OF tennessee STATESMEN

Just as expected, the house Oo"i",''
tee has decided against any appropria
tions for the purchase of Sites or ta'
erection of public buildings not ALREADY
commenced As there are no govern
ment buildings under way in Memphis
that leaves our city out, as we'll as Nash
Vile Knoxville is more fortunate
having secured an Appropriation two OF
three years ago for custom'house'
which is nearly completed, and Will DC
one Of the most solid and elegant build
inps in the country. The present Con-
oress has no money to make improve
ments in Tennessee, except mere
moiety for rivers, which will not benefit
ANYBODY materially except contractors
and small class in remote localities
The seven Republican Congressman out
If ten with Horace Maynard thrown in'
have either been unable or unwilling to
secure any legislation for the benefit OF
their constituents that any eleven ex-
Confederates could not have procured.
Ont of the whole ten they have never
been heard of except in a controversy
over the Nashville postmastership' and
the part taken by our member to secure
the appointment of Colonel Eaton as
limited States Marshal. As a general
rule they are a tame set, with little IN
Auence in their own or any other party.
Tennessee, in former days, could boast
Of statesmen whose voices were heard
and applauded in the council cham,
hers of the nation upon all
the important questions of the time and
thew would have scorned to vote for IN
creasing their own pay while in such a
high position; but they have passed
away and been succeeded by class who
have no influence in shaping the laws
of the country, and whose names will
figure conspicuously in history only
whep the time comes to publish all the
yeas and nays every printed in the Con-
Oressional Globe. Not single meas
nre has originated from a Tennessee
member since the days of reconsiruc'
lion. if then. Mr.. Maynard, of course,
is an exception, for he has talent and
experience, and is thoroughly posted
upon all national questions. For this
he is heard with attention by all parties,
and is something more than a nonen'
tity. We hope the time will speedily
come when the people can see the I'M
portance of sending a6le and practical
men to Congress, and not mere cyphers
70 draw milage and pay. Our able rep
resentatiyes, who adorned their places
in Congress and honored the State IN
other years, were put aside by the vicls-
situdes Of the war. Many are dead,
and the rest have retired to more quiet
scenes in the evening of their life.
Since the war the younger men Hafe
not had the time or opportunity to
develop into statesmen or even we'll
informed politicians, and the State has
to BE represented by mediocre class OF
talent We desire to see marked I'M
provement in the next selections made,
and men chosen who have something in
them and the energy to develop it, and
to make themselves felt. The young
men OF The State who have any aspira-
tons should prepare themselves for iu-
ture usefulness by habits OF close and
systematic study Of law, legislation, the
lives of statesmen, the political history
and resources Of the country ana the
current events Of the times, that they
may not shrink to come in contact with
the best minds of the day. There IS
splendid opening in Tennessee Tor live
ambitious young men; they are needed
in various public places, provided they
can be content to go through the proper
preparatory training.