Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1875-12-17
THE CoNvEETIoE.


The municipal convention adjourned
at eleven o'clock last night, after taking
thirty-six ballots without making a nom-
ination. The vote seemed to be nearly
equally divided between Judge John R.
Flippin and ex-Mayor John Johnson.
Judge Flippin seems to have the advan-
tsge BY a few votes, although johnson
was often a little ahead. The friends Of
the latter we're greatly stiffened in their
determination to stand up to him, BY a
recent personal attack when he could
not have an opportunity to reply. This
affair is unfortunate, as it has IN
fused a spirit of craftsmanship
into the contest that otherwise would
not have existed. Judge Flippin's
friends are not as good politicians as the
friends of his opponent, but they seem
disposed to hold on, and at present we
have no idea which will yield first. The
struggle has been of a friendly, honora-
bic character, aside from the asperities
e~ngendersd by the circumstance above
mentioned. Unusual interest is mshi-
tested in the proceedings of the cpnven-
ton, but we are happy to observe that
no undue pressure has been brought to
bear BY the crowd liz attendance, and
that everybody seems anxious to have a
fair and square test Of strength. Of
course there are those who hope the
time will come when it will be neces-
sery to bring in q third nan
This idea may have prolonged the strug-
gle already, but it is not certain hat the
Convention could do better than 10 unite
upon one or the other Of the gentlemen
now before it. Going outside is rather a
risky business sometimes, because the
compromise man is apt to be brought in
at q time when the delegates are tired
out and do not feel like looking closely
into the claims and qualifications Of the
newcomer. In Q moment Of impa-
thence and half disgust they cut the gor-
dian knot and survey the consequences
at their leisure. We do not mean that
there are not good aud available men at
hand, but merely to utter a caution
in the late hours Of the Convention. The
nominee, whoever he may be, will in all
probability be elected; therefore, the i'm.
portance Of making the best selection,
regardless Of personal preferences.
Either one Of the gentlemen now
before the convention could be with.
drawn with eclat. Their friends have
stood by them nobly. We trust, how.
ever, that they will not enter upon a
hopeless contest, but come to en- honor.
able understanding, make a nomination
and preserve the harmony and dignity
which have so far distinguished this con.
vention. The successful candidate will
have a hard road to travel; the people
who throw up their hats and
hnzzsh at him to-day may scowl
ct the mention Of his name be.
fore twelve months, and the papers
that recite bis virtues in terms of the
highest adulation may abuse him like a
pick.pocket in less than six months.
The prize is one Of questionable value.
We do not know but what the loser will
have cause to thank his luck before the
close Of the Centennial year. Such ia
life. But without moralizing, we pass
from the subject, merely hoping that the
work Of the convention this evening will
be sharp. decisive, and in its results EN-.
inently satisfactory to the people Of Mem.
phis.