Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1876-07-24
The Centennial Ledger

memphis PUBLIC LkDGkk Ahhounoos WIZ
and confidence that this paper en-
upon the Centennial year of our National
existence with brighter prospects as a lv
Democratic and Conservative Family New
paper than at any former period.
We are supplied with the best modern ia
for publishing a newspaper and reach.
a larger number of readers than ever before.
Tho people are aroused to the Importance Of
the events now transpiring. as well as those
that happened a hundred years ago. The
unusual spectacle is presented to the country
of the upper and lower Houses in Congress
being controlled respectively By opposite po}
litical parties. For the first time since 1850
the Democrats and Conservatives control ono
branch of Congress. and the ablest modermf
statesmen are playing a bold and desperate
game for the political control of the Govsrn4
msnt. Within the year two candidates wils
be nominated for the Presidency, and the
people, in their sovereign capacity, will elect
a President and Vice President, and in many
Of the States. az in Tennessee. elect a Cove
nor, Congressman, members of the General
Assembly and important local officers. The
ablest talent of the nation will be arraycd on
both sides. Every intelligent citizen, white
and cOIered. will desire to be informed from
day to day and week to week Of what is going
on. The Centennial Of our Independence will
be inaugura.ed with imposing ceremonies &C
Philadelphia. on the Fourth Of July. in the
presence of thousands Of people from every
State in the Union and representatives of tho
principal nations on earth. It will be a year
full Of stirring events. an uphoayal and COM
mingling of the masses not to be witnessed
again for life time.
The LEDGER will keep abreast Of TIE times-
and its readers will see the daily history Of
the world "held up to The mirror" The
latest news from all quarters will be- presented
in a condensed form and such comment
thereon as an intelligent view Of the subject
may suggest. The LEDGER is Of tho people
and for the people. ard in full sympathy with
the lsbOring and a x-paying masses. Their
judgment and their instructive copoIusiops
when ascertained will be accepted in prefer
enco to the dictum of politici4 ans or the wis.,
dom of statesmen. We hold to the old
fashioned theOry-that the people are the
sOvsreigns. and all rGco-hOlders public SER
wants. to be rowar ded only for a faith
Torrance OF dlty within prescribe &,
and condemned for breach of trus
Of delegated powers. In future, as
pass' the LEDGER will be a bold. indSUendon
Democratic journal, standing by its party
when right, but ever ready to condemn I'M
worthy men or measures. An earnest en-
deayOr will bo made during the present year
to correct abuses in public places. to bring
about as strict and careful management Of
the peoples money as in a successful private
business. To this end we shall continue to
labor. urging economy and reform at every
possible point without positive injury to the
public service.
Issues of grave Importance will be decided
this year. Men and parties will be made and
unmade. and presidents set up that will hsye
a great bearing Upon the future political his.
tory of the country. As a nation of United
States we have made great progress, but
whether We have preserved intact tho, prin.
ciplss of our ancient Constitution, is n ouos
"
tion yet to be decided at the ba llot.box
Whether We really govern Ourselv es or arr
governed by party. will DO beti or know
when the voice of the people is heard mex
November. 1t will avail us little that we had
a Washington, a Jefferson a.nd a jackson
the Government passes moe mere into tn,
hands of a purely part san and sectiOpa.
administration.
In our columns will always be found a
choice variety Of original and selected " #,
Ter adapted to the general reader and. III,
' o"oi'' onu II Is needless to or ~ tina
nothing will appear to offend the tV tie Of III.
most cultivated and refined. THO sOvoro
departments of the paper will be. oonduo,0
by experienced Journalists who foIlow -.
profession because they are in love with 4,
and who appreciate public tastes and publi,
S0n'iOilitioS. The LEDaER is Democratic. but
Ominontly conservative, and is ever ready 10
give all sides and shades of opinion a G.i,
/ hearing The editorials will DO live and
pointed but carefully oOnsidorato.
Much space will be devoted to lao,