Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1874-02-16
Tur COUNTY, MEETING SATURDAY.

Our contemporaries nave airV"uJ P
lished in extenso the proceedings oil the
meeting held Saturday at Bartlett, but 1t
ramains to us to call attention to the
distinctive features and spirit OF the oc-
casion. Those who study the drift OF
nnhl;c sentiment and the tendencies oil
the times will see in this movement
now densrture-not from Vital primer
nles Int in the direction of a liberal
progressive policy, suited 10 the changes
Of the past decade and the necessl'ies
of the present. The meeting was not
as large as expected, owing to untaVora-
BILE weather, but it was representative IN
the broadcast sense, and its deliberations
were marked ~ the earnestness ana
dignity of our best Legislative bodies
State or national, and every ele-
ment in favor of good local gov
crnment or opposed to radlcalsm
in any party was represented Men
were present and voted for the principal
measures before the meeting who has
been old line Wings, Democrats, Union
men, Federal soldiers, Confederates,
johnson men and Cheatham men; bat
all were ready to drop the prejudices OF
the past, throw overheard all dead
weights and start anew on a basis OF
harmony upon which all good men, ire
spective of past party affiliations, eau
unite. The resolutions were adopted
after an exhaustive discussion. We
nresent them here in full:
Whereas, This meetings has been
called by anti-Radical citizens OF Shelby
county to secure the united cooperation
of the Liberal, Conservative and Demo
cratic voters thereof, who desire rigid
economy and honesty in the admins
tration Of county and State affairs, the
speedy reduction Of onerous taxes, and
the election of competent and efficient
officers. regardless of nationality or pre-
yious political affiliations; for the pur-
nose of setting on foot such movement
as will secure harmony of action in the
conduct Of liberal, progressive pohey
In the approaching elections; ana iully
recognizing that the Democratic party is
the only organization now IN existence
in Shelby county confronting the Radical
marty: aud that under its organization,
characterized by a spirit tempered with
l;herality and conservatism, these objects
can best be accomplished and success
achieved in the approaching election,
we adopt and promulgate for our futnre
government the following platform OF
principles; therefore, be IT resolved,
First-That it is the duty OF all good
citizens TO make a united effort to secure
the most competent and reliable men Tor
Office, that the laws may be executed
impartially and the burdens OF taxaticn
be distributed equally among all classes.
Second-That honesty and economy
in our local government, reduction OF
taxes and expenses, prompt and rigid
settlements with public officers, expos
ure of corruption, and the punishment
Of delinouents without fear or favor must
be enforced.
Third-That taxation should be equal
and uniform, aud no one species OF prop
erty be taxed higher than another.
Fourth-Tsat we recognize the equal
ity, before the law, of all citizens, and
that in the selection of candidates Tor
Office, capacity and honesty shall be the
test Of merit, without regard to national
ity or former political predictions.
Fifth-That all efforts to array one
race or class against another is odious
10 the genius OF the American govern
ment, destructive of public peace and
prosperity, and subversive OF Republic
can institutions.
Sixth-That the agricultural and me-
chanical interests of our country are the
foundation of its prosperity, and that
wisdom and justice demand that these
interests shall be protected against the
exsctions Of monopolies, and should be
fostersd by judicious legislation.
Seventh-That in order TO accomplish
these ends q committee be appointed,
composed Of one from each ward in
Memphis and one from each civil dis.
trict outside Of the city. to whom shall
be committed the management OF this
movement, and who shall select from
their number a subcommittee composed
Of seven members, 10 be known as the
Executive Board Of the committee OF
Shelby county, clothed with full power
10 call meetings for the selection or
nomination Of candidates, to appoint
necessary district or ward committees,
TO ell vacancies in their own body and
to do and perform all other acts neces-
sary for the promotion of the objects OF
this meeting, and to continue in office
dntiI the meeting Of the next couven-
ton.
Such a platform commends itself to
all who are not blinded by partisanship
or selfish motives. The adoption Of
such policy secures the cooperation
Of Liberals, Conservatives and Demo
Gratis, and with discreet county com
mittee 10 conduct the canvass in the ap-
preaching elections a judieiously Sc
lected ticket will sweep the field. A COM
mendable and patriotic spirit Of compro-
mise was manifested at this meeting by
some who have been ultra in their
views. This is a good omen; it indicates
that the people are to be consulted more
and the politicians less, and that per
sonal ambition will have to be sacrificed
whenever II comes in conflict with the
public veal The Bartlett meeting SCI
cures an organization, in which past
disseusieus and variance Of opinion upon
obsolete issues and names viii be rigidly
excluded. II the policy adopted Is car
ried out in good faith il Will have the
earnest support Of the LEDoEEi and in
our Interpretation Of the policy adoFied
re take il 90 mean that new movement