Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1875-05-07
rHE NEW ORpER on THINGs.

THE NEW ORDER OF THINGS.
The recently elected Police and Fire
Commissioners were sworn in last night
by Esquire Spelman in the presence of
the General Council and entered upon
their duties this morning. Their names
are a tower of strength and respecta-
bility. In them and to them can safely
be con6ded the great interests of the
city. None Of them are ofiee.seekers,
aud it may safely be presumed that they
will not become such. They are repre-
sentative men in the fullest sense, as to
nationality, creed and occupation. Under
their management the policemen and
6remen will no longer be dependent for
their bread and butter upon the favor
Of some petty politician who may hap
pen to slip into Office. The p%ermanency
OF their situations will no longer depend
npon ~partisanship. but upon their mer-
Its, efficiency and fitness. Candidates
for Office car no longer promise to be-
stow or continue these positions as a re
ward for services rendered at the ballot
box. We have a splendid set Of fire boys
and policemen, and we are glad on their
account that they will not be tied here.
after to the c~oat-tail Of any self
constituted leader. The commissioners
entered upon their duties this morning
and manifested their conservatism and
good sense by rejoicing Captain Athy
Chief Of Police and Mr.. McFadden
Chief Of the Fire Department aud re-
tanning each force intact. Whatever
minor changes may be necessary will be
effected hereafter. The members of the
General Council who have stood together
from the first, representing the true in
terests Of Memphis in the face Of a bold
and powerful opposition deserve, great
credit and the thanks Of the entire com
munity. They had no eo~untenance from
the press, except in the columns of
. the LEDGER, which has recog.
nized their efforts in behalf of
law and order and a business-like admin
istration Of public affairs. The Mayor
saw fit to absent himself from the meet
ing last night, when the Commissioners
were sworn in. His presence was not
essential. he shows in this matter the
same stubborn and ihpracticable willful-
ness which caused him to oppose Mr..
Athy's appointment as Chief of Police.
In that instance he reminded US Of one
Zsccheus, who was up a tree-he came
down, and now he will have to repeat
the process, and once more next
January. We expected better things
Of Mr.. League, and regret that be should
jeopardize the best interests Of Memphis
and the harmonious administration of
public affairs by a course which is al
most unaceountable, and which his best
friends cannot indorse or explain away.
The seal Of public condemnation is al
ready set upon the agitators who,
from selfish or unknown motives.
have stirred up an unnecessary
wrangle and let personal ambitions
bind them to public welfare.
The best charter in the land" is, for
sooth, unconstitutional, null and void,
when it shears a few political Samsons
of their locks; or it is good enough for
next year, but "a covenant with the
devil" between now and the next mu-
nicipal election. The trouble with the
charter is its immediate effect on a few
individuals who are really Of some i'm
portance in the community. But when
any individual, however gifted or useful,
N to think that the public cannot
get along without him he is sure to COM
to grief.