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

$50 N@-~ 49,
srs upon the Centennial year OfOur 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
oilltos for publishing a newspaper and reach
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 10 the country
Of the upper and lower Houses in Congress
being controlled respectively by opposite po-
iitical parties. For the first time since 1890
the Democrats and Conservatives control one
branch Of Congress. and tho ablest modern
statesmen are playing q bold and desperate
game for the political control Of the Govern
ment. Within the year " 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 Cove
nor. Congressman. members Of the General
Assembly and important local eficerS The
ablest talent of the nation will be arrayed on
both sides. Every intelligent citizen. white
and cOlOred. 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 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. It will be a year
full of stirring eVOnts. an upheaval and COM
mingling of the masses not to DO witnessed
again for a life time.
The 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 LEDaER is of the people
and for the people, and in full sympathy with
5 the lsbOrins and tax paying masses. Their
, judgment and their instructive conclusions
b when ascertained will be accepted in prefer
ence TO the dictum Of politicians or the wis
dom of statesmen. We hold to the old
fashioned theOry-that the people are the
i sovereigns, and all Ofice-holders public ser
!, wants, to be rewarded only for a faithful per-
formanoe of duty within prescribed limits.
q and condemned for breach Of trust or abuse
Of delegated powers. In future. as in the
past. the LEDGER will be q bold, independent
Democratic journal. standing by it's party
whom right. but over ready to condemn un-
worthy men or measures. An earnest on.
of deavOr will be made during the present year
!, to correct abuses in public places, to bring
s. about as strict and careful management Of
~ the peoples money as in a successful private
az business. To this end we shall continue to
O. labor. urging economy and reform at every
Ii possible point without positive injury to the
n public service.
ne Issues Of grave importance will be decided
Elk this year. Mon and parties win be made and
unmade, and presidents set up that will hav,
ys a great bearing upon the future political his.
. tory Of the country. As natien of United
O' States We have made great progress. bui
whether we have preserved intact the prin,
art ciplOs Of our ancient Constitution. is a ques
al; ton yet to be decided at the ballot,box
Whether we really govern ourselves or ar
governed by party, will DO better know
when the voice of the people is heard mex
November. 1t will avail US little that we ha,
SSs a Washington, a Jefferson and a jackson
s n the Government passes Once mere into tn
Of hands Of a purely partisan and sectionu
on on administration.
n" In our columns will always be found
l" choice variety Of original and selected mat
ter adapted to the general reader and tn
' family circle. and it is needless to say tina
l. nothing will appear to offend the taste Of th
most cultivated and refined. The sever,
departments Of the paper viii be Conduct,
by experienced Journalists who follow u
profession because they are in love with /
u and who appreciate public tastes and publ
senSibilities. The LEDGER is Democratic. b,
sminenay conservative. and is ever ready
give all sides and shades Of opinion a ia
hearing, The editorials will DO live an
pointed. but carefully considerable.
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