Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1876-05-30
The Centennial Ledger

pleasure and confidence that this paper en-
ters upon the Centennial year of our National
existence withEbrighter prospects as q liv
Democratic and Conservative Family New
paper than at any former period.
We are supplied with the best modern ia
cilitiss for publishing q newspaper and reach
a larger number of readers than ever before.
Thepeoplo are aroused 70 the Importance Of
the events now transpiring. as well as those
that happened a hundred years ago. The
unusual spectacle is presented tn the country
of the upper and lower Houses in Congress
being controlled respectively by opposite pO-
litical parties. For the first time since 1860
the Democrats and Conservatives control one
branch of Congress, and the ablest modern
statesmen are playing a bold and desperate
game for the political control of the Govern
msnt. Within the year two candidates will
DO nominated for the Presidency, and the
people. in their sovereign capacity. will elect
a President and Vice President. and in many
Of the States. as in Tennessee. elect a Cove
nor. Congressmen, members of the General
Assembly and important local officers. The
ablest talent of the nation will be 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 is going
on. The Centennial of our Independence viii
be inauguratsd 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 the
principal nations on earth. 1t will be a year
full Of stirring events. an upheayal and conn
mingling of the masses not to bo witnessed
again for a life time.
The LEDGER will keep abreast of the times.
and its readers will see the daily history of
the world "hOld 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 the peopls
and for the people, and in full sympathy wi III
the labOring and tax paying masses. J heir
judgment and their instructive conc. us;on.
when ascertained will be accepted ia prefsr-
ence to the dictum of politicians or the wis.
dom of statesmen. We hold to the old
fashioned theOry-that the people are thu
sOv'reignS. and all O~fice-holders public SER
wants, to be rewarded only for a faithful mar
. A0ANAluA UGIS
fOrmance of duty within prescribed limit.
and condemned for breach of trust or alma.
Of delegated powers. In future, as in tbs
past. the LEDGER will be a bold, indeuenJsn,
Democratic journal. standing by its marty
when right, but ever ready to condemn mn
worthy men or measures, An earnest an.
deavOr will be made during the present war
to correct abuses in public places, to bring
about as strict and careful managemsnt ~,
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 baTv
a great bearing upon the future political HI
tory of the country. AS a nation of Up' it.d
States we have made great progress bn.
whether we have preserved intact tb o prin-
ciplss Of our ancient Constitution, , ouo,-
ton yet to be decided at the Ioallot.bov
Whether we really govern Ou'.v elves or are
governed by party. will be better known
whom the gcics of the people is heard nort
November. 1t will avail as little that wa had
a Washington. a Jefferson and a jackson 70
tie Government passes once mere into thu
hNndS Of a purely partisan and ,~oot,or.t
administration.
In our columns win always b., founa !.
choice variety of original and ,ol0otod nat
'er adapted to the general reader and tho
family circle and tits needless to say that
nothing will appear 70 offend tho tas.o Of th.,
most cultivated End refined. The several
Non" OIL ne paper will be conducted
0S experience d journalists who follow the,
Profession because they are in love with it.
ana wh0 appreciate public tastes and public.
en'.Oilities. The LEDoER is Democratic. bat
eninently conservative. and is ever ready to
give all sides and shades of opinion 8 air
hearing The editorials will be live mG
pointed but carefully considorato.
Much space will be devoted to local news
and tOntaa n.n