Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1876-04-08
The Centennial Ledger

WFT- V
Democratic and Conservative Family News
than at any former period. nv IA
We are supplied with the best modern fl
for publishing a newspaper and reach
a larger number Of readers than ever before.
The poop,S are aroused to the Importance Of
the events now transporting. as well as those
that happened a hundred years ago. The
unusual spectacle is presented IN the country
Of the upper and lower Houses in Congress
being controlled respectively by opposite po-
litical parties. For the first time since 1880
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
mont. 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 ~Oficers. The
ablest talent Of the nation viii be arrayed on
both sides. Every intelligent citizen. white
and oOlored. will desire to be informed from
day to day and week to week Of what is going
on. The Centennial of our independence will
DO inausurated 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 yOar
full Of stirring events. an upheaval and COM
minglinE Of the masses not to be witnessed
again for a life time.
Tho 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 tho old.
fashioned theOry-that the people are the
sovereigns, and all ofice-holders public SER
wants. TO be rewarded only for a faithful mar
formance of duty within prescribed limits.
and condemned for breach of trust or abuse
Of delegated powers. In future, as in the
|, past. the LHDeER will be bold, independent
Democratic journal, standing by its party
when right. but ever ready to condenu nm
worthy men or measures. An earnest an.
) 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.
t business. To this end we shall continue 10
labor. urging economy and reform at every
possible point without positive injury to the
/ public service.
Issues Of grave importance will be decided
s this year. Men and parties will be made and.
J. 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 the prfn-
ciples Of our ancient Constitution, il a uuss.
g ton yet to be decided at the ballot.box.
Whether We really govern ourselves or are
I governed by party. will be better known
y when tho voice of the people is heard mex,
November. 1t will avail us little that We had
a Washington, a Jefferson and a jackson II
the Government passes once more into the
hands Of a purely partisan and sectional
administration.
1 In our columns will always be found
choice variety Of original and selected >
ter adapted to the general reader AMI m
family circle. and it is needless to . Az tbs
nothing will appear to offend the t ,s,s Of N
most cultivated and refined, The sevs,,
departments Of the paper will bs oopduO,,
By experienced ~iOdrnalists who follow N
profession BECAUSE they are in love with il
and who appreciate public tsstos and Dubli
sso'ibilitios. The LHDGE a is Democratic, bu
'minontly conservative. and is ever ready I
d give all sides and shades Of opinion A faj
hearing The editorials will DO live an
!, pointed, but carefully confederate.
Much space will be- devoted 10 local nav
and topics. Full and accurate river an,
market reports will be given each day. An,