Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1875-12-18
Democratic and Conservative Ticket.
THR NRxr MAYnR.

eudSC tOhh ~ AhPfih "oo AtAtnotNN
for Mayor by the Democratic and Con-
sentative Convention yesterday evening
on the fsrty-second ballot. While not
claiming any special credit for the re-
suit, the action of the convention hap
pened 10 be in accordance with views we
had occasion to express yesterday and
is alike satisfactory all around. This is
the FIRST time in the history OF our local
politics that a contest so evenly balanced
was ever decided in favor Of n or the
other of the candidates. The public
mind had settled upon these two gentle
men, Judge Flippin and hon. John
johnson. Either could be elected If nomi'
mated. 1t was no wonder, then, that their
respective friends stood by them for near-
ly two whole days. This, however, was
done ia 8 spirit Of friendly and generous
rivalry, which goes to show the Conser-
vAtism Of the psople and a vast improve
ment over the morale Of conventions
I'D six or eight years ago. We cannot
too highly commend the course of Mr..
johnson and his friends. BE has vindi-
Gated himself once more, and stands
higher than ever in the esteem and re-
suect of the community. In behalf Of
evers good and true citizen, We thank
Mr.. johnson for his manly course. He
rose above and superior to prejudice and
all the irritating circumstances Of the
mast few days, and showed himself the
true and chivalrous gentleman by with
drawing in his competitors favor when
II became evident that he could not Sc
cure the nomination himself. We hope
this bespeaks a better era and feeling in
our home politics. The effect of
such an example will not be lost.
Had Mr.. johnson been so disposed
he could have protFRcted the
struggle almost indefinitely and com
PEELED the selection Of some outside man
who had not been in the public mind,
and perhaps might prove unacceptable.
As it is, be has proved TO bis friends
that he was worthy Of their support and,
at the same time, disarmed his enemies.
We would pity the mean soul that would
not now acknowledge his magnanimity
and excelleneies Of character. OF Judge
Flippin we need say but little. he is
too well known and highly respected BY
every decent man, woman and child in
the city 10 require any encomiums at
our hands. For more than FIVE years he
has been before the people as Criminal
Court Judge, a position he has filed
with the highest credit and fidelity.
He has brought to bear a we'll
trained mind, clear faculties, sound
judgment and has ever been fearlessly
conscientious. The only charge that can
be brought against him is that be has
been a terror to offenders Of the law. II
this is to be used against him now,
though we are sure il Sillnot, then Mem
phis has fallen upon evil times. Pos
sessed Of keen perceptiVe faculties and
great powers Of endurance and applies,
ton, he will, if elected, very soon acquire
an insight TO the various duties and
workings Of the Mayors Office and be
prepared to adopt aud pursue such poll
cies IS be may deem proper and praeti
cable. OF one thing the people are as
sured-he will do what he thinks is righi
and will be frank enough to be under
stood. 0peniNced as the MONDAY sun
he will pursue no uncertain or devious
course. 1t is doubtful whether be vii
have opposition, but il be does
it will be about all the same
Flippin, we are confident, will be elected
by an overwhelming majority. no matte
who runs against him. His homo
Mayor League has never announces
himself as a candidate, notwithstanding
street rumors. We are not his public O
private adviser, but think he would d.
himself credit, both to head aud heart
by declining to run against such a mai
ss Judge Flippin, nominsted by tb,
Democrats. Conservatives and Li5esal
OF Memphis under such suspicious cit
cumStanees. One happy result Of til.
convention and for which we havI
earnestly desired is q uDaninity Of th
press. We have arrived at the sam
point by different routes, each one thinl
ing bis the only straight one, but th
fact remains that the morning papers, a
we'll ss the LEDGER, heartily indorse th
action of the convention. Now, let u
elect our usn, and elect good men isoE
each ward to the General Council an
to the Board Of School Visitors.