Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1878-03-04
THE DAY WE CELEBRATE-EOw AND
WHY.

WIN
For brilliancy and harmony Of effect
aud variety Of entertainments the Mardi
Gras celebration which is inauguratel
to-day bids fair to far surpass all its pre-
decessors. The prime workers who havI
brought about such splendid results ar
the Ulks and the Msmphi, who success
fully defy all attempts to discover theil
identity. The MempAi have existed as
a secret organization several years. II
is known that they are strong in re
sources and are q power in our midst
They are social sutoerats, whose invita-
tions are eagerly sought every year, but
often in vain, even by persons OF high
position or p~retentions in society. Bat
neither aattery, money nor begging letters
to supposed members have any effect
The unknown committee on invitations
makes out It's list, which, like the laws Of
the Medesa and Persians, is interchangeable.
Particular attention and preference IS
given to strangers and visitors from a
distance, many Of whom are surprised at
receiving the elegant Invitations from
they know not whom or where. The
Ulks never had a strict secret orgsniza.
ton until this year. They will give a
procession aud ball tonight similar to
that of the Memphi. 1t is understood,
though not definitely known, that they
also import their dresses and entire par
aphsrnalia from Paris. The orders ef
course we're made out by both societies
az early as last summer The members
are thought to be our best citizens, but
as mum is the word, not half a dozen are
ever suspected, much less designated
It is sufficient to know that the Ulks will
rival the Memphi in the procession ana
ball, and that neither money, skill nor
asthetic taste have been wanting to make
their first effort Of the kind q per
feet success. The public will be
treated to q double exhibition in
stead Of a single one, and our Mardi
Gras will, without doubt, eclipse any
thing of the kind ever seen in America.
1t has brought strangers from all parts
OF the country, who, as far as able to
Judge, will no doubt give this verdict
and carry back a report which will give
Memphis a reputation ell over The u
try for hospitality, enterprise, and taste
of which we may well feel proud. The
best of order will no doubt prevail, as
usual, and people will good humoredly
submit to a great deal Of j%ostling aud
squeezing, even as they did at the Cen
%tennisl. By all yielding a little there
will be room for ell 10 see at least If not TO
be sesn. Southern ssssmslages are
noted for good nature, courtesy to stran
gers, and fOrbssrancs, and this will Ger
tainly be q representative and typical
gathering 10. Only Of So1tbsrnsrs bat
Of American people who are homo
rsneous and thoroughly cosmopolitan,
and feel at home whether il Memphis,
in Texas. New York, Or Bostoa. We are
10 8 particular good hunor down
this wsy just nov On ~aceo8Ei
Of the passage Of the silver bill and
the prospect that ths big white dollar Of
our dsddies viii soon jingle spontaneous
ly IL our pockets and ~circslste from hand
to bssi until ne all get out Of debt End
have plenty left. We hsps that those
who visit Us for the frat time viii come
again, and that We viii have better pave
meats snd more 70 brsg % generally in
the future. We have been rather living
on great expectation for 3 long Tine, Eod
people can judge for themselves bow re
stand it. We cannot promise 10 haze 3
bridge seross the Mississippi river BY
next year, bat II is easy TO demonstrsts
the necessity for one, aud no doubi 10 q
few years Memphis viii be q terminus, or
rather q starting point, for 8 Iauseonii-
mental southern Pacific railroad. and old
Menus will come over from the Arksn
sss shore on the most magnificent rail-
way bridge 90 the continent. and that We
will have visitors direct from San Diego
aud SlH Francisco via III Pa5o. Boz Ye
will not dream too much Of the future; the
present is enough to make every heart
glad aud to quicken eveSy palss. No
mus has a smile for all; therefore, let us
smile, rain or shine, and let us feel better
for the innocent enjoyment Of this holi.
day occasion.