Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1876-08-21
The Centennial Ledger

pleasure and confidence that this paper en-
ters upon the Centennial year Of our National
existence with brighter prospects as a liv
Democratic and Conservative Family New
paper than at any former period.
We are supplied with the best modern ia
cIities for publishing a newspaper and reach
a larger number Of readers than ever before.
The people are aroused to the Importance Of
the events now transpirine. as we'll as those
that happened a hundred years ago. The
unusual spectacle is presented 70 the country
of the upper and lower Houses in Congress
being controlled respectively by opposite pO-
litical parties. For the first time since 1869
the Democrats and Conservatives control on
branch of Congress, and the ablest modern
statesmen sre playing a bold and desperate
game for the political control of the Govern.
ment. Within the year two candidates will.
be nominated for the Presidency, and tn,
people. in their sovereign capacity, will elect
a President and Vice President, and in man.
Of the States. as in Tennessee. elect a Cove
nor. Congressman, members Of the General
Assembly and important local officers. The
ablest talent of the nation will DO arrayed on
both sides. Every intelligent citizen, white
and cOlored, will desire to be informed from
day to day and week to week Of what isgoinr
on. The Centennial Of our Independence wilt
be inaugura. ed with imposing ceremonies at
Philadelphia, on the Fourth of July, in tho
presence of thousands Of people from every
State in the Union and representatives of tn,
principal nations on earth. 1t will be a year
full Of stirring events. an upheaval and com.
mingling of the masses not to be witnessed
again for a life time.
The LEDGER will keep abreast of the time,.
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 ommep
thereon as an intelligent view Of the subject
may suggest. The LEDGER is Of the people
and for the people, and in full sympathy with
the labOring and tax paying masses. Their
judgment and thor instructive conclusions
when ascertainod will be accepted in prefer
ence to the dictum of politicians or the wis
dom of statesmen. We hold to the old.
fashioned theOry-that the people are the
sOvereigns, and all oaico-holders public ser.
wants. to be rewarded only for a faith
fOrmance of duty within prescribe T..
and condemned for breach of trus
of delegated powers. In future, as
past. the LEDGsR will be bold, iudpuendep
Democratic journal, standing By its marty
when right, but ever ready to condemn un-
worthy men or measures. An earnest or.
deavOr will be made during tho 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 1eoidsa
this year. Men and parties will be m,do ~,
unmade' and precedents set up that will bovo
a great bearing upon the future political bi.
tory OF the country, As a nation of United
States we have made great progress. but
whether We bAvo preserved intact the min.
ciplss OF our ancient Constitution. is a ne,-
ton yet to be decided at the balIot.box
Whether we really govern ourselves or or,,
governed by party, will be better known
when the voice of the people is heard nexe
November. 1t will avail us little that wa baa
a Washington, a Jefferson and a jackson
the Government passes once nero into the
hands of a purely partisan and sectional
, administration.
In our columns will always be found 4
choice variety of original and selootod mat.
tor adapted to the general reader and tho
family circle. and it is needless to saw tba,
nothing will appear to offend the taste of tb,.
most cultivated and refined. The several
departments of the paper will DO conducted
by experienced Journalists who follow the,
profession because they are in love with il
and who appreciate public tastes and public
'ensibilitios. The LEOeEa is Democratic. bas
oninently conservative. and is ever ready TO-
SiVe all sides and shades of opinion a fair
hearing The editorials will DO live and
pointed but carefully oOusidorato.
Muoh sn..-u,