Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1876-03-14
The Centennial Ledger

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pleasure and confidence that this paper en-
ters upon the Centennial year Of our National
szistsncs 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
%eiliteS for publishing a newspaper and reach
a larger number Of readers than ever before.
The pOOpIs are aroused to the Importance Of
the events nov trauspiriAg, as we'll 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-
httcal 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 aud desperate
game for the political control of the Govern
n'nt. Within the year two candidates will
DO 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 Cover
nor Ooneressmen. members Of the General
Assembly and important local officers. Tho
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 iseoine
on. The Centennial of our independence wilE
be inauSurated with imposing ceremonies at
Philadelphia. on the Fourth of July, in the
presence Of thousands Of people from every
5tAto In the Union and representative of the
principal nations on earth. 1t will be a year
full Of stirring events. an upheaval and COM
m%inslins Of the masses not to be witnessed
again for a life time.
The LEDeER will keep abreast of the ,ims,
and Its renders 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 labOrins and tax paying masses. Their
judgment and their instructive conclusions
when ascertained will be accepted in prefsr-
enOe to the diCtum of politicians or the vis.
dom Of statesmen. We hold to tho ola
fashioned theory-that the people are tbo
sOyereisns' and all OfiOe-hOlders public ser.
wants. to be rewarded only for a faithful MR.
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formAncs Of duty within prescribed limits.
and condemned for breach of trust or aims.
Of delegated powers. In future, as in the
past. the LzDGER viii be a bold, Independent
Democratic Journal, standing BY its party
when right. but ever ready to condemn up-
worthy men or measures. An earnest en-.
deavOr will be made during the present year
70 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 tnc
pablo service.
IssussO Of grave importance will be decided
this year. Men and parties will be made and
unmade. and presidents set up TINT 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..
clpl0s Of our ancient Constitution, is a Quss-
ton yet to be decided at the ballot-box.
Whether we really govern ourselves or are
governed BY party. win be better known
when the voice of the people is heard next
November. 1t will avail us little that we had
q Washington, a Jefferson and a jackson il
the GOvernmee passes once more into the
hands Of a purely partisan and sectional
administration.
In our columns will always be found a
choice variety of original and selected mat
tor adapted to the general reader and the.
family circle. and it Ia needless to say that.
nothing will appear to offend the taste Of che,
most cultivated and refined. The several
departments Of the paper will bs conducted
Oy experienced Journalists who follow y -.
profession because they are in love With :,
and wh0 appreciate public tastes and public
80.
'endbilisios. The LEDeER is De- nocrats,. but
sminsntly conservative. and s eyor ready TO
Siv' all sides and shades of opinion a fair
n'S'"a' a editorial will DO live and