Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1878-07-20
THE LOCAL CANVASS.

The political situation in Memphis is
u~ndeniably interesting. As far back as
last fall persons in this community ex'
pressed a desire to organize a Working
mems party" Many who entered into
this movement were earnestly actuated
by q sense Of duty and a sentiment Of pa
triotism. They had hoped to elect to
office good pure men, above individual
reproach and superior to political cor
ruption. They were w%elLmeaning in
their effort, and in the movement we're
represented much of merit, respect and
worth OF Memphis citizenship. But the
good intentions of these men we're not
respected. One of the worst Radicals
in the community took the leadership
and by astute deception the honest work
ingmen we're led into an organization to
elect the most corrupt Of politicians
This temptation, this abuse Of power, did
not aid him. Among the honest profess
sors Of reform was q man Of good char
acter, active industry and ordinary
intelligence. He ran for mayor
and was defeated. In order to pre-.
vent official selfshness in the future
a rule was adopted By the Work.
ingnen's Central Club that no member
thereof should be a candidate. When
the Radicals held high worship with the
Workingmen, the latter asked that Mr.
Senmes, an inoGensive and good nstured
young man, be nominated for sheriff
The Republicans objected to this, and i
we may believe the public speech Of Mr.
Edward Shaw (colored), made in tb'
Zion Hall convention, the Republican
proposed the name Of James Anderson
This man was agreed upon, and the Re
publicans %rejoiced. Upon nj occasion
Mr.. Anderson objected to the term Rad
ical," and there wa almost q difficult
between him and Major G. W. Winchel
ter, the Democratic nominee for chance
lor, It is rather strange that Mr.. Andel
son never denied the statement of MI
Shaw that be (Anderson) was selecte
BY the Republicans. This statemer
has frequently been published in th
LEDGER, aud yet the belligereot bully
ism Of Mr.. Anderson has not resented
by an effort at denial, which is as absur
as it is disgraceiul 10 a man of earnei
political conviction. Mr.. Anderson ha
shown himself unworthy Of %confdencr
and if his intellect we're equal to his CT
pidity for office, he might be regarded {
q formidable enemy instead OF a polil
cal jumping jack. We ask, and wou.
like to know, by what virtue Of hear
what characteristic Of intellect, quail
Of disposition or act Of life such polite
hypocrites as James Anderson or su
imbecile creatures as g. P.
Turner merit Officer Where 10
their life do the public find an exenI
fcation of moral reform in politi
Why or how is either one Of these
any other man on the Radical ticl
superior or more entitled to office th
the nominees Of the Democratic part
What qualification has James Anders
ever shown foe Officer And let /
character, the life, and il needs be,
history, Of each and every candidate
this Radical movement be examin
and where can the elements Of ofiC
merit or accommodation be iound2 !
Democratic ticket will be triumphar
elected, and with this result is a rebl
to men who have never done anything
elicit the respect or develop the adm
ton Of O generous public.