Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1877-12-11
MAYOR FLIPPIN's
Letter of Acceptance of the "CitI.
zeDs" Committee Nomination for
Re.EIecliOn.

Letter OF Acceptance of M "CitI.
zeDs" Committee Nomination for
Ke.Elect1On.
MEMPHIS, December 10, 1877.
Messrs. W. N. Brown, D. 7. Porter, S. R.
Clarke, A. G. Treadwell and W. w. Good
win, committee;
GENTLEMEN-Your communication ad.
vising me of a call, made by a unani.
nous vote, irrespective Of race or
party" at a citizens meeting, to an
nounce myself as a candidate for the
m~ayorality of Memphis, has been re-
ceiyed. A petition, numerously signed
by parties irrespective of race" at the
same time came to hand, declaring, in
their opinion, my reelection TO that
position Of the highest importance to the
true interests Of the city" l cannot
over estimate the high compliment i'm.
piled by the character OF these requests.
On two former occasions | have filed
official positions at the call Of the Demo-
cratic party. Then there was an organ-
lied opposition to that party; snch is
not now the case. But desiring the ut
most harmony with members of the same
political brotherhood, | learn that pro-
positions of the fairest and most concili-
atory character were made to the pres.
ent self styled Democratic organiza-
ton, but these were "peremptorily
rejected" Perhaps twas well, for
when "a few individuals, at the
precise moment designated, can assem-
BILE, and a supple chairman, within
tWenty minutes, moved at the bidding Of
stroRg partisans, can give life, and tone,
and direction to party politics, then is it
time for the people to rise in the majesty
OF their power, and in the torcible Ian
gusge Of your letter, " resent the usurpa
ton" How long will the people of this
city-the tax-paying people, those whose
every interest is here, not the place
hunters, present or prospective-psrmit
suoh things to 90 %unrebuked2 While
such things, in the commencement, are
received as f%arces, yet, if unchecked,
they end in tragedies to the dearest
rights Of the people. The fact is, at this
time, in the city, the political principles
of a candidate for municipal Office has no
more to do with his qualifications for that
office than the principles of the Kansas
Nebraska bill. Thisi is q truth recognized
by every one; yet so strong are party
trammels, often wrought by selfish trick.
sters, job seekers, and political mounte.
banks, that many possess not the indie.
pendence to assert and vote their honest
convictions, when the party (even the
pseudo party lash Is applied ia the
hands Of the stalwart Donovan, aad
others like him. But now there being
no political issues, you can well ignore
past party affiliations, and, irrespective
Of race or party, join hearts and
hands for the good of the city. This, at
last 10 the true aim Of municipal states
msnship. As to the fact who may GIL
this or that particular place is the meresl
incident, and of comparatively minor
importance. Such is the critical situa
ton Of our city it will require the com.
bined efforts OF all good citizens to save
il from hopeless ruin. Mere partyisu
nov sinks ihto insigpi canle when every
material interest is imperiled. Our yerj
homes and all We possess is under mort
gage for twenty-five per cent. Of the
value. All the property Of white mer
and black men, Republicans and Demo
Gratis, are in the same p%erilous condition
He who imposes the lightest and lifts thu
heaviest burden from your shoulders il
your hest friend. Rich men, poor men
uncojoled By designing parties, every
one must perceive and feel this truth
Workjngmen, who for the most part IarG
thoge a little peaDs, should let thil
truth sink deep into theis hearts, and
!, unseduced by the voice Of political ad
venturers, act like independent freemon
The colored man, too often heretolor,
the dupe OF the politician, in bis it'll,
|, home should ponder we'll on this truth
.. tbGt h. is my truest friend who take.
tie most Of tke burden of debt from MI
; roof. The municipal situation ie not
} Of such a character as will bear no OK
%perlmeats, The plan inOugura.rd 70
the adj ustment OF cur financial diaiouI
ties is meeting With q success unprect
) dented in the history of such matters
This scheme must run no hazard. You