Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1876-04-14
The Centennial Ledger

AHs PAuRtAptvf VI the OdAy anu "ooAAJ
Memphis PuElc LEDGER announces with
p%Isasurs and confidence that this paper en-
sts 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
c%ilisiss for publishing a newspaper and roach
. larger number Of readers than ever before.
Thepsoplo are aroused to the Importance of
theevsnts now transpirine, as well as those
that happened a hundred years ago. The
unusual spectacle is presented to the country
Of tho upper and lower Houses in Congress
being controlled respectively by opposite po-
htieal 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
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 Gore
nor. cOnSressmen. members of the General
Assembly and important local officers. The
ablsst talent of the nation will DO arrayed on
both sides. Every intelligent citizen, white
and cOlorsd, 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 AZ
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 DO a year
full of stirring events. an upheaval and COM
minsIing Of the masses not to be Witnessed
again for life time.
The LEDGER will keep abreast of the time,
and its readers will see the daily history of
the world "held up to the mirror" The
latest news from all quarters will be rresentea
in a condensed form and such comment
thereon as an intelligent view of the subject
may suggeA. The LEDGER is Of the peopl,
and for the people. and in full sympathy wit
the labOrins and tax. paying masses. Tb or
Judgment and their instructive concIug inns
when ascertained will be accepted in v,refor-
enoe to the dictum of politicians or the wis.
dom of statesmen. We hold to the old
fashioned theory-thst the people are the
sovereigns. and all Ofice-hol6ers public scr.
wants. to DO rewarded only Tor a faithful per-
fOrmance of duty within prescribed limits.
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 I'M
worthy men or measures. An earnest en-
deavor will be made during the present year
TO correct abuses in public places, tn 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 be decided
this year. Men and parties will be made and
unmade. and preCedents set up that will hav 4.
a great bearing upOn the future political hi g.
tory Of the country. As a nation Of Uni ted
States we have made great progress, but
whether we have preserved intact tho prip-
ciplss Of our ancient Constitution, is a uues-
ton yet to be decided at the balIjt.bOx.
Whether We really govern ourselves or are
governed by party. will bs better known
when the voice of the people is hoard next
November. 1t will avail US little that we had
a Washington. a Jefferson and a jackson If
the Government passes once mere into the
hands Of a purely partisan and sectional
administration.
In our columns will always be found a
choice variety Of original and selected me +
tor adapted to the general reader and the
family circle. and it's needless to say Il aat
nothing will appear to offend The taste of the
most cultivated and refined. The ev,ral
departments of the paper will be con, iuOtod
by experienced Journalists who follt w the
profession because they are in love with it.
and who appreciate public tastes an a pubI;c
S0nfbiities. The LEDGER is DomOc .atio, but
'minontly conservative, and is ever: ready to
give all sides and shades of OpiD ion a fair
hearing The editorials viii be live and
pointed, but oarsf,u, oo,.,a..