Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1876-08-09
The Centennial Ledger

n1mpnhc AonhlO AhnVAA eAANeAeoo WIZ
pleasure and confidence that this paper en-
tiers 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 bost modern ia
cilitiss 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 transpirins, 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-
nticaI parties. For the first time since 1860
the Democrats and Conservatives control on,
branch of Congress, and the ablest modern
statesmen are playing bold and desperate
game for tho political control Of the Govern.
msnt. 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 many
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 be arrayed on
both sides. Every intelligent citizen, white
and cOIored. 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 t
Philadelphia, on the Fourth of July, in the
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 upheaval and COM
mingling of tho masses not to be witnessed
again fora 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 th%eOry-that the people are the
sOvsreigns, and all ofice-hOlders public SER
wants, to be rewarded only for a faith
fOrmance of duty within prescribe [.
and condemned for breach of trus
of delegated powers. In future. as
past. the LEDGER will be a bold, indppenden
Democratic journal, standing by its marty
when right. but ever ready to condemn UNI
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 every
possible point without positive injury to the
public service.
Issues Of grave Importance will be decided
this year. Men and parties will DO made and
unmade. and presidents set up that will have
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 a ques-
ton yet to be decided Mt the, ballot.b box.
Whether We really govern ourselves or ara
governed By party, will DO better known
when tho voice Of tho people is heard next
November. 1t will avail us little that We had
a Washington, a Jefferson and q jackson
the Government paasoS once mere into the
hands Of a purely partisan and sectional
> administration.
In our columns will always be found a
choice variety Of original and solicited mat.
tor adapted to the general reader and tina
family circle. and it is needless to say tia.
nothing will appear to offend the taste of ,bo
most cultivated and refined. The ssvo,aE
departments of the paper will be conducted
By experienced journalists who follow The
profession because they are in love with il.
and who appreciate public tastes and public
sensibilitios. The LEDeER is DemooratiO. Lus
eminontly conservative, and is ever readyto
, give all sides and shades Of opinion a fair
hearing The editorials will DO live nd
pointed but carefully COnsidorato.