Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1876-06-14
The Centennial Ledger

90. .N""|.. DN... "ULN-
and confidence that this paper en-
iers upon the Centennial year of our National
'~IiStsnss vishEbrirhtsr prospects as a liv
and conssi aiirs Family New
paper thsa e any former period.
We are supplied with the best modern "a
for Publishing . Newspaper and reach
a larger number of readers than ever before.
The people are aroused 70 the importance Of
the events now transpirins. as we'll as those
that happened a hundred years ago. The
unusual SDsctaclo is presented 10 the country
Of the upper and lower Houses in Congress
being controlled respectively by opposite POI
itical parties. For the first time since 1850
the Democrats and Conservatives control one
branch of Congress. and the sblsst modern
statesmen are playing q bold and desperate
game for the political control Of the Govern
mSnt. Within the year two candidates viii
DO nominated fOrothe 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. cOngressmen, 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 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
be inauguratSd 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 tha
principal nations on earth. 1t will be wyear
full Of stirring events. an upheaval and com
minsling Of the masses not to be witnessed
again for a life time.
The LEDGER will keep abreast of the times,
and its readers will see the daily history Of
tho 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 ooRclu sious
when ascertained will be accepted in prefer
ence tOths dictum Of politicians or the wis.,
dom Of statesmen. We hold to the old
fashioned theOry-that the people are the
sovsrsigns, and all O~fice-holdsrs public SER
wants, to be rewarded only for a faithful per-
fOrmanOe of duty within prescribed limits.
: and condemned for breach of trust or abuse
of delegated powers In future. as in the
past, the LEDGER viii be a bold, independent
Democratic journal, standing by its party
when right. but ever ready to condemn un-
worthy men or measures. An earnest en-
deaVOr will be made during the present ysaI
to correct abuses in public places, TO brin,
about as strict and careful management n,
the peoples money as in a successful pr vat,
business. To this end We shall cOnf,pu. n
labor. urging ecOnOmy and reform. at ever,
possible point without positive injury to tn,
public service.
Issues Of grave Importance will be decide,
this year Men and parties will be made an,
unMAde, and presidents set up that will hav
a great bearing upOn the future political his
tory OF the country. AS a nation of Unto
States We have made great progress, bu
whether we have preserved intact the prin
cipl0s Of our ancient Constitution, is a QuCI
ton yet to be decided at the ballOt-bO1
Whether we really govern ourselves or AZ
governed by party, will be better know
when tho voice Of the people is heard nel
. November. 1t will avail us little that we ha
q Washington. a Jefferson and q jackson
the Government passes once mere into tn
hands Of a purely partisan and sections
administration.
In our columns will always be found
choice variety Of original and selected ma
ter adapted to the general reader and Ii
family circle, and it is needless to say this
nothing will appear to offend the taste of Il
most cultivated and refined. The sever
departments Of the paper will be- sOaductc
By experienced journalists WhO follow Il
profession because they are IN love with i
and who appreciate public tastes and publ
sonsibilities. The LRDoER is Democratic. b1
sminsntly conservative, and is ever ready
give all sides and shades Of opinion a ia
n hearing. The editorials will DO live an
y pointed. hut carefnlIv cona;dorota