Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1876-11-17
rHOMAs pRMOCRATs.

in this county who voted Tor Mr.. Thomas
The views expressed in this letter ar
those entertained by the Democrats i
this county generally. Having electe
Governor Porter, they do not feel dis
posed TO make support Of him in tn
late election a party test. They do no
wish to continue divisions which shout
be healed. We have condemned 10 stron
terms the bargain which General Name.
says was made between the Radicals AM
the managing friends of Mr. Thomas I
give the Radicals fifteen Legislative asC
two Congrr ssional districts IN order Il
secure Radical support for Mr.. Thomas
Who we're the parties to this contract vi
do not know, but we have never held tn
Democratic supporters Of Mr.. Thoma.
responsible for this bargain. They would
have scorned it had they been made
aware of it, and had it been male know
earlier Mr.. Thomas would have lost mani
a vote. We cannot afford to divide ebou.
small matters when we are threatened
with such serious dangers as now sur
round US. We do hope that all the Issues
growing out Of Governor Porters ed
ministration, upon watch Democrats
we're divided, will be settled before on
other election, and that hereafter there
will be entire harmony in the party
Appeal l7h
This is doubtless intenled to let in The
fifteen hundred who were read out some
time ago. We feel comfortable for the
Thomas Democrats now, aud all is
lovely. The above is quite temperate
and reasonable in tone, and might as well
have appeared q week or SO ego as go
late in the reason. A good many in
temperate aud foolish things were
said shortly aller the election, but
we are glad to see that common
sense and better Judgment have resumed
their sway, even in the minds Of the most
implacsbls. About one Democrat in
Ave lie Shelby county disapprovel Ct
Governor Porter's action in regard to
CERTAIN matters so strongly that they
could not co%nscieBtiously vote for him,
and by way of expressing their dissent
they voted for Thomas. Some others,
perhaps, voted a blank for Governor,
not caring TO support either Of the
candidates. As to Maney's trade"
that was inside Of the Radical ranks, and
the Democrats had nothing to do with it,
and knew nothing Of it. Had they been
q party to any such bargain Casey
Young for Congress and the entire Leg
~islative ticket would have been defeated.
The psrtisans Of Porter we're willing to
accept all the help they could get from
Radicals, Thomas Democrats, or any
body else, and as soon as they realized a
pIethoric majority, turned TO kick out
those who 10 voting the straight ticket
felt constrained to leave OF one name.
The Democrats have nearly two to one
ia this State, and ell well posted men
knew that Porter would be elected by an
overwhelming mtj oriiy. Yardley was
utterly repudiaied BY the negroes.
Nancy had no strength 10 a single
county; be made no canvas, was
claimed by no party, and could not have
carried 1000 votes If be had run The
race through. Thomas had no orgsni,
zation-no party, no substantial back.
ing, and let Porter run him out Of The
joint discussion. He made 3 rather vac.
illatiDg canvas except ia one CT two
speeches; 80 that the people hardly
knew whether he was running or not, al
though he informed bis East Tennessee
friends, who we're few and lar between.
that be intended 10 run the race through.
Under these circumstances Porter cleo.
ton was a f~oragone conclusion. Demo
crats who voted against him displayed
some moral courage, ard deserve al
least, as much credit as those whs found
it easy aud pleasant TO glide along in
the current OF sn overwhelming major.
ity. Porter was elected by a majority
largely increased by tie Presidential.
election and the fact hat be had no or
ganized opposition. Even the Republic
cans of East Tennessee voted for him
on account Of his high tax proclivities
The Republicans voted for the fanding
bill in greater proportion than the Dem
Gratis, aud they seem TO know who viii
help them carry It out. Pcrtsrs election
will no doubt be hailed by toe none,
power as a triumph of the fnndiug ring
We shall see. We desire to ssy, how
ever. hat a little criticism within
party is sometimes healthy. ii tn
press is muzzied, aud the people subser
Went to dictatiou, abuses Of power ar
sure to follow. Let the Democratic par
ty maintain a high standard aud appl,
severe tests Of fitness for cBce, 40,
there will be no occasion fer division
within or weak places in the line 10 b
attacked from without. AS to this lat
controversy, there was no real divieioi
or faetional opposition. It waa merely 4
respectful protes; which was purposel!
m~isconstruej by overheated z~eslots
The Democratic vote for Thomas vas al
expression Of that protest. The Rsdica
vote cast for him was from on e%ntirel'
different motive aud standpoint. Porte
will be Governor for two years longer
and we hope for the sake Of the Demo
cratic party and the welfare Of ell The
people, that be will rise above mere per
sonal feeling. correct the mistakes of tn,