Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1877-12-21
Grand Democratic and COnSer-
vative Rally at the Green
law 0p-ra House.
John johnson, the Peoples Choice,
for Mayor.
Two Thousand People Present :
REFUSING Speeches.

The Opera House was filed to over
flowing last night, the occasion being &
Democratic and Conservative mass meet,
ing to ratify the nomination Of Hon.
John johnson fer mayor. 1t was the
largest meeting that has been held in the
Opera House for years. TWAS composed
Of the bone and sinew OF Memphis; all
classes we're well represented. There
were merchants, mechanics and doctors;
lawyers, laborers and clerks; there were
politicians, OF course, and noH-politi.
clans; men who have been Democrats
all their lives, and men who still
cling 10 the name Of Old Line
Wing, Liberal Republicans and Con.
servativs Democrats, white aud colored.
1t was a thoroughly representative audi
enee, indicative of the strength and earn.
estness Of the movement. There was no
attempt at DESTINATIONS grouping Of CAPT
talists or any particular class. All had
a common opportunity to participate OF
to listen as they chose. The most
marked deeorum. attention and good
humor prevailed, ell manifesting a de.
sire to hear what was said and done.
Upon the platform appeared a number
Of well known gentlemen, including
members Of the Democratic and Consery
alive executive committees, members o.
the press. the speakers Of the evening
and various others. 1t will be remem
bered that the executive committee, tht
day it organized, passed a resolution in
viting all Democratic, ConservativI
and Liberal citizens to unite in thl
movement. That the masses have &C
cepted the invitation was demonstrate
in the character and tone of this monster
meeting.
At 8 o'clock the meeting was called I,
order by Colonel R. F. Looney, chair
man of the executive committee. Hi
appearance upos the stage was greete,
with cheers from oil parts Of the house
Mr.. John johnson came in a little Later
and was received with a general burst O
enthusiasm, which lasted several mir
utes. Colonel Looney proceeded to max
a very forcible and eloquent address. W
6nd it reported in full in the Appeal an
only regret that we have net space t
give it entire in our columns Thos
who did not hear it should read il
Speaking Of Mayor Flippin's cause he d.
scribed of him IS planting his squadron
and marshaling his columns in the fel
to strike down the party and overtime,
the men that won for him his victories
and showered upon him offices aud hor
ore far beyond bis deserving:
Ali gentlemen, such conduct, sue
treaehsry, such ingrAtitude, would witht
gresner laurels than will ever blooI
upon the brow Of Flippin. Before | DR.
coed further in my remarks, let me ga
that ! attended the mass. meeting in h
interest Of no man. Ny presence the
bad not been solicited by either csnd
daie or BY Bny of their friends. | wi
HI an eneuy to Mr.. Flippin. True,
did not accord to him the wisdom
Solomon or the intellectual proportion
of Webster. | thought his admiuistr
ton a failure, and his act making bon
holders the preferred creditors of Il
city q great blunder; still, / had no parti
ular desire TO make war on him. | ht
no personal ends to accomplish | vi
a candidate for no Office. an aspirant +
no honorB, q supplisnt for no fsvors.
wae there a citizen, that felt an intere
10 the affairs Of the city. What excu
does be offer for the course be b
thought proper 10 pursue2 You ha,
read his speech aud his u~tterances VIII
intervieWed by the reporters Of the pre-,
Now listen hoW a plain, u%nvarnished Ia
will put him down. Daily, for 4
weeks previous TO the ASSEMBLE
OF the mass-meetiDg ia question,