Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1876-06-03
The Centennial Ledger

Inc centennial Ledger
The proprietor Of the Daily and Weekly
Memphis PUBLIC LKBoER announces vita
pleasure and confidence that this paper en-
tors upon the Centennial year of our National
existence withHbriEhtsr prospects as a Hv
Democratic and Conservative Family New
paper than at any former period.
We are supplied with the best modern ia
c~iIities for publishing a newspaper and reach
q larger number of readers than ever before.
The people are aroused to the Importance of
the events now Transporting, as well as these
that happened a hundred years ago. Tho
unusual spectacle is presented u tho county
Of the upper and lower Houses in Congress
being controlled respectively by opposite po-
litical parties. For the first time since 1850
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
msnt. 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
Of the States. as in Tennessee. elect a Cove
nor. eongressmen, 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. The Centennial of our independence will
bo 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 Garth. It will be a year
full of stirring events. an upheaval and COM
m~ingllng of the masses not to be witnessed
again for 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 DO 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 laborins and tax. paying masses. Their
Judgment and their instructive conclusions
/. whom ascertained will be accepted in prefer
snce TO the diCtum of politicians or the wis
dom Of statesmen. We hold to the old
fashioned theory-that the people are the
soyOreigns, and all ofice-holders public SER
wants. to be rewarded only for a faithful per-
Torrance Of duty within prescribed limits.
and condemned for breach of trust or abrIso
of delegated powers. In future, as in the
past. the LEDGER will be a bold, indepe ndent
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 tho present year
to correct abuses in public places. to bring
about as strict and careful management of
the peoples money as in a successful priyata
, business. To this end we shall continue to
labor. urging economy and reform at every
possible point without positive injury to tho
public service.
Issues Of grave importance will be decided
this year. Men and parties will be made and
unmade. and presidents set up that will have
a great bearing upon the future political his
tory of the country. As a nation of United
States we have made great progress, but
whether we have preserved intact the prin-
ciplss of our ancient Constitution, is a cues
ton yet to be decided at the ballot.box.
Whether We really govern ourselves or are
governed by party, will be better known
whom the voice of the people is heard next
November. 1t will avail us little that We had
a Washington, a Jefferson and a jackson i,
the Government passes once mere into 4bo
hands Of a purely partisan and SEQ, .ionaI
administration.
In our columns will always be- found q
, choice variety of original and SELF cited mat.
tor adapted to tho general read or and tn,
family circle. and It'll needless to say tina,
nothing will appear to offend ulo taste of tn,
most cultivated and refined. The severa.
departments of the Paper win DO conducted
BY experienced Journalists who follow tn,
profession b'O'.usO they are in love With it,
, and who appreciate public tastes and publ,