Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1876-08-11
The Centennial Ledger

Memphis PUBLIC LEDeEE announces with
pleasure and confidence that this paper en-
tsrs 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
cilities for publishing a newspaper and reach
a larger number of readers than ever before.
The people are aroused to tho importance OF
the events now Transporting, 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 1860
the Democrats and Conservatives control ono
branch Of Congress. and the ablest modern
statesmen are playing a bold and desperate
game for tho political control of the Govern
ment. Within the year two candidates will,
bc nominated for the Presidency, and tn,
people, in their sovereign capacity. win elect
a President and Vice President. and in many
of the States. as in Tennessee. elect a Govee
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 will
be inaugura.ed with imposing ceremonies al
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. 1t win 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 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 the people
and for the people, and in full sympathy with
the labOring and tax paying masses. Their
judgment and their instructive conclusions
when ascertained 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 ofice-bolders public SER
wants. to be rewarded only for a faith
Torrance of duty within prescribe t.,
and condemned for breach of trus
Of delegated powers. In future, as
past. the LEDGER will be a bold. ildApendep
Democratic journal, standing by its partv
when right. but ever ready TO condemn nm.
worthy men or measures. An earnest en-
deavOr will be 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 ey or,
possible point without positive injury to N,
public service.
Issues Of grave importance will be decide,
this year. Men and parties will bo made ana
unmade. and precedents set up that will bay,
a great bearing upon the future political his
tory Of the country. As a nation of Unite,
States we have made great progress, bui
whether We have preserved intact the prip.
ciplss of our ancient Constitution, is a oues.
, ton yet to be decided at the baIIot-box.
Whether we really govern ourselves or mr.,
governed by party. will be better knovr
when the voice of the people is heard mex
November. 1t will avail us little that we hao
a Washington, a Jefferson and a Jackson
the Government passes once mere into an
hands Of a purely partisan and section
. administration.
In our columns will always be found a
choice variety Of original and selected mo,.
ter adapted to the general reader and III,
family circle. and it is needless to say tina,
nothing will appear to offend the taste of tn,
most cultivated and refined. The soYera.
departments of the paper will be conducted
by experienced journalists who follow tn,
profession because they are in love with \,
and who appreciate public tastes and publ,
Son'ibiLitieS. The LEDGER is Democratic. hui
ominontly conservative. and is ever ready 10
give all sides and shades of opinion a rqi,
hearing The editorials will be live and
pointed but carefully c~onsidOrato.