Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1876-06-28
The Centennial Ledger

pleasure and confidence that this paper en-
tors upon the Centennial year Of our National
existence withkbrighter prospects as a hv
Democratic and Conservative Family New
paper than at any former period.
We are supplied with the best modern ia
cilitiss for publishing a newspaper and reach
a larger number of readers than ever before.
The people arc aroused to the importance OF
the events now transpirins, as well as those
that happened a hundred years ago. Tho
unusual spectacle is presented to the country
Of the upper and lower Houses in Congress
being controlled respectively BY opposite pO-
Htical parties. For the FIRST time since 1850
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
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. as In Tennessee. elect a Cove
nor. Congressman, members Of the General
Assembly and important local %eaicers. The
ablest talent Of the nation will be arrayed on
both sides. Every intelligent citizen. white
and cOlOrod, will desire to DO informed from
day to day and week to week Of what sgOing
on. The Centennial Of our independence will
be inauEuratod with imposing ceremonies at
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 win be year
full Of stirring events, an upheaval and COM
minglinE of the masses not to be witnessed
again for a life time.
The LEDoER will keep abreast Of the times.
and its readers will see the daily history of
the world held up to tho 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 sussest. The LEDGER is of the people
and for the people, and in full sympathy with
the lAbOring and tax.psying masses. Their
judgment and their instructive conclusions
when sscertainsd will be accepted in prefer
u snce to the dictum Of politicians or the wis
dom Of statesmen. We hold to the old
Ar fashioned theory-that the people are the
sovsreigns, and all ofice-bolders public SER
wants. to be rewarded only for a faithful per-
fOrmancs of duty within prescribed limits.
UO and condemned for breach of trust or abuse
of delegated powers. In future, as in the
past. the LEDGER will be a bold. independent
Democratic journal, standing By its party
when right. but ever ready to condemn un-
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
Is 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 ant
!, unmadO, and precedents set up that will havI
a great bearing upon tho future political his
10, tory Of the country. As a nation Of Unitet
States we have made great progress. bu
whether we have preserved intact the prin
ciplSa Of our ancient Constitution, is a ques
tion yet to be- decided at tho ballot-box
Whether We really govern ourselves or ar
governed by party, will DO better know
whom tho voice Of the people is heard mex
A0, November. IL will avail US little that we la
a Washington. q Jefferson and q jackson
tho Government passes once nero into th
hands Of a purely partisan and sections
administration.
In our columns will always be found
S' choice variety of original and selected ma
tor adapted to the general reader and III
family circle, and IL is needless to say this
nothing will appear to offend the taste Of Il
most cultivated and refined. The sever
departments Of the paper will be- conduct,
by experienced journalists who follow Il
profession because they are in love with i
IDo. and who appreciate public tastes and pub
sensbilities. The LEDGER is DemocratC :
ominsntly conservative, and is ever ready
give all sides and shades of Opir ion a f
IAN hearing. The editorials will be live /
pointed but carefully OOnsid' ,rate.
Much space will be dow, 80.