Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1876-07-21
The Centennial Ledger

NJ W4b
The proprietor Of the Daily and Weekly
Memphis PUBLIC LEDGER announces with
pleasure and confidence that this paper en-
tiers upon the Centennial year of our National
existence with brighter prospects as a liv
Democratic and Conservative Family New
paper than at any former period.
We are supplied with the best modern ia
cilities for publishing a newspaper and roach
a larger number of readers than ever before.
The people are aroused to the Importance Of
the events now transporting, as we'll as those
that happened a hundred years ago. The
unusual spectacle Is presented ~ tho country
of the upper and lower Houses in Congress
being controlled respectively by opposite po-
litical 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 and desperate
game for the political control Of the Govern
ment. Within the year two candidates will
be nominated for the Presidency, and the
people, in their sovereign capacity, will elect
q President and Vice President, and in many
o; the States. as in Tennessee. elect a Cove
nor. Congressman, 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 colered. 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 inaugura. ed with imposing ceremonies at
Philadelphia, on the Fourth Of July. in tho
presence of thousands of people from every
State in the Union and representatives of tho
principal nations on earth. II will be a year
full of stirring events. an upheaval and com
mingling of the masses not to be witnessed
again for a life time.
The LEDGER will keep abreast of the times,
and its readers will SEQ 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 ommept
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
r when ascertained will be accepted in prefer
ence to the dictum of politicians 81 the wis
dom Of statesmen. We hold to the old
fashioned theOry-that the people are the
sOvereigns, and all Ofico-holders public ser
wants, to be rewarded only for a faith
r Torrance of duty within prescribe t,
and condemned for breach Of trust
of delegated powers. In future. as
past. the LEDGER will be bold, independen
Democratic journal. standing by its party
when right, but ever ready to condemn un.
worthy men or measures. An earnest on,
deavOr will be made during the present yea
to correct abuses in public places. to bril-.
about as strict and careful managew ant n
the peoples money as in a SUGGEST al privat
D business. To this end we sha.i continue t
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 h.y
a great bearing upon the future political hi,
tory of the country. AS a nation of Unite
States we have made great progress, br
whether we have preserved intact tho prir
ciplss Of our ancient Constitution, is n que
ton yet to be decided at the bollot-bO,
Whether we really govern ourselves or Al
governed by party, will be better know
when the voice of the people is heard ne
% November. 1t will avail US little that we hr
a Washington, a jefferson and a jackson
. the Government passes once mere into Il
hands of a purely partisan and section
administration.
In our columns will always be found
choice variety Of original and selected pl,
ter adapted to the general reader and t
family circle, end it is needless to Say tn
nothing will appear to offend the taste Of t
most cultivated and refined. The sever
departments Of the paper will be- conduct
by experienced Journalists who follow I