Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1876-07-22
The Centennial Ledger

and confidence that this paper en-
upon the Centennial year Of our National
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 reach
a larger number of readers than ever before.
The people are aroused to the Importance Of
the events now transpiring, as well as those
that happened a hundred years ago. The
Unusual spectacle is presented to the country
Of the upper and lower Houses in Congress
being controlled respectively by opposite po-
htical parties. For the first time since 1860
the Democrats and Conservatives control one
branch Of Congress. and tho ablest modern
statesmen are playing bold and desperate
game for tho political control of the Govern
msnt. 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 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 colored, will desire to be informed from
day to day and week to week of what is going
on. Tho Centennial of our Independence will
be Inaugural 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. 1t 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.
Tho 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 DO presented
in a condensed form and such comment
thereon as an intelligent view Of the subiecs
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
whom ascertained will be accepted in prefer
ence to tho dictum of politicians or the wis.,
dom Of statesmen. We hold to the old
fashioned theory-that the people are the
sOvsreigns. and all Ofice-holders public sOra
wants, to be rewarded only for a faith
formancO of duty within prescribe
and condemned for breach Of trus
Of delegated powers. In future, as
past. the LEDGER will be a bold. indsuepdoD
Democratic journal, standing by its marty
when right, but ever ready to condemn nm.
worthy men or measures. An earnest en-
deavOr will be made during the present yea,
to correct abuses in public places, to bripp
about as strict and careful management Of
the peoples money as in a successful priva,e
} business. To this end we shall continue ia
labor, urging economy and reform at every
possible point without positive injury to the
public service.
Issues Of grave Importance will b. deo;det
this year. Men and parties will 30 made anq
unmade. and precedents set Up that will hav,
a great bearing upOn the future political his
, tory Of the country. AS a nation of Unite,
States we have made great progress, bu.
whether we have preserved intact the prip.
ciples of our ancient Constitution, is a mes
ton yet to be decided at the ballot-box
Whether we really govern ourselves or mr.,
governed by party. will bo better know
when tho voice of the people is heard nc j.,
NOvombsr. 1t will avail US little that wo ho
a Washington. a Jefferson and a Jacp ..on
the Government passes once mere. into II
hands of a purely partis, an and section.
administration.
In our columns 'Sill always be found
, choice variety Of original and selected ma
"r Suap'eo 70 the general reader and IL
family OircT, }. and it is needless to say tn,
nO'ninS ill appear to offend the taste of Ii
most cultivated and refined. The sever
az artments of the paper will be oonducte
Oy experienced journalists who follow Il
profession because they are in love with i
5. and who appreciate public tastes and publ
sonsibilitiOs. The LEDeER is Democratic, b.
aminently conservative, and is ever ready
give all sides and shades of opinion a f.,
n hearing. The editorials will be live m
pointed. but carefully cOnsidorate.
Much SPACE will be devoted 10 local mas