Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1876-07-10
The Centennial Ledger

N "NAAehtof prObpOots ae q Nv
Democratic and Conservative Family New
paper than at any former period.
We are supplied with the best modern ia
c%ilitiss 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 transporting. as we'll as those
that happened a hundred years ago. Tho
unusual spectacle is presented tn the country
Of the upper and lower Houses in Congress
being controlled respectively by opposite DO
htical parties. For the first time since 1860
the Democrats and Conservatives control one
branch of Congress. and the ablost 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 tho
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, wbite
and colOred, will desire to be informed from
day to day and week to week of what i sgoing
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. 1t will be a year
full of stirring events. an upheaval and COM
minsling of the masses not to be witnessed
again for a life time.
The LEDGE will keep abreast Of The times.
and its readers will see the daily history Of
the world "held up to the mirror" Tho
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
soVOreigns, and all ~Ofice-holders public SER
wants. to be rewarded only for q faithful per.
ormance of duty within prescribed limits.
and condemned for breach of trust or abuss
Of delegated powers. In future, as in the
past. the LEDGER will be a bold, independent
Democratic journal, standing By its partv
when right. but ever ready to condey,n nm
worthy men or measures. Ar earnest an.
deavOr will be made during the present veor
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 DO decided
this year. Men and parties will be 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
we have made great progress. but
whether we have preserved intact the prin-
of our ancient Constitution, is a oues-
tion yet to be decided at the ballot-box.
we really govern ourselves or oro
By party. will be better lnown
when the voice of the people is heard nav,
November. 1t will avail us little that Wa had
Washington a JoIOrsO1 and a jackson
he Government passes once mare into tbo
hands Of a purely partisan and sectional
administration.
In our columns will always be found
'hoice variety of original and selected M,
er adapted to the general reader and A.
amily circle, and it is needless to saw TIM,
will appear to offend tho tasts Of tho
most cultivated and refined. The s0vOr,,
of the paper will be cSnduetsd
y experienced journalists who follow the,
profession because they are in love with it
nd who appreciate public tastes and public,
The LEDGER is Democratic. bun.
minontly conservative, and is ever ready ~.
i've all sides and shades of opinion a fair.
earring The editorials will be live and
but carefully oOnsidorate.
Much space will be devoted to local novy
topics. Full and accurate river a,
l'rk'' reports will be given each day, y.nd