Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1876-04-03
The Centennial Ledger

Memphis PUBLIo LRBeER announces with
pleasure and confidence that this paper en-
ters upon the Centennial year Of our National
existence with brighter prospects as a live
Democratic and Conservative Family News
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 the Importance of
the events now transpiring, as well as those
that happened a hundred years ago. The
unusual spectacle is presented 10 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
ment. 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, Oongressmen. 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 inaugurated 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. It will be a year
full Of stirring events. an upheaval and COM
minslins Of the masses not to be witnessed
again for a life time.
The LEDGER will keep abreast of the INES.
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'LEDaER is Of the people
and for the people. and in full sympathy With
the labOring and tax paying masses. Their
judgment and their instructive conclusion.
when ascertained will be accepted in pre- ar.
ence to the dictum of politicians or u a wis
dom Of statesmen. We hold to the old
fashioned theOry-that the peep a ara tbs
sOvereiSnS, and all Ofice-hOldeu public SER
wants, to be rewarded only for a faithful per-
Torrance of duty within p, .esoribed limits.
I and condemned for breath of trust or abuse
Of delegated powers. In future. as in the
, past. the LEDGER will be a bold, independent
l Democratic journal standing by its party
when right. but ever ready to condemn un-
worthy men or measures. IN earnest en-
f deavor will be made during the present year
to correct abuses in public places, to bring
; about as strict and careful man agement Of
y the peoples money as in a successful private
r business. To this end we shall continue to
labor, urging economy and reform at every
3 possible point without positive injury to the
public service.
Issues Of grave Importance will be decided
k this year. Men and parties will be made and
unmsde. 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
J whether We have preserved intact the prin-
cipl0s Of our 'ancient Constitution, is a ques-
ton yet to DO decided at the ballOt-boyt.
I Whether we really govern ourselves or ara
governed by party. will be better Known
when the voice of the people is heard neg
November. 1t will avail US little that, we had
;. a Washington, a Jefferson and a jackson II
the Government passes once mere into the
hands Of a purely partisan an d sectional
administration.
I, In our columns will always be found A
choice variety Of original and selected mat.
tor adapted to the general reader and N.
family circle, and it is needless to say that
nothing will appear to offend tho taste of n,
most cultivated and refined. The sovoral
departments Of the paper will be co,oduotsd
BY experienced journalists who follow N,
profession because they are in love with it,
: and who appreciate public tastes and publi,
senEibilitisu. The LEDeER is Democratic. bu,
'minsntly conservative. and is ever ready To
give all sides and shades o. opinion a fair
hearing The editorials will DO live and