Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1878-01-08
THIN AND NOW,

Th6N AMI AOWs
Looking over the list OF delegates to
the convection which nominated Judge
Flippin for mayor on the nth Of De-
cember, 1875, and the names of the men
who, in a Democratic and Conservative
convention on the 18th Of December,
1877, nominated John johnson for
mayor, we are struck with the
similarity of material and the re-
currence of the same names in
bv.h lists. 1t might be interesting
to publish these lists side by side. In the
convention, held two years ago, we find
the names OF several gentlemen who now
are active supporters Of the Independent
movement, ss they are pleased to call it
for popularity'S sake. The only candi-
dates before the convention we're John
johnson and John R. Flippiu. These
delegates did not bolt from the conven
ton or declare that they would mon
airport John johnson if nominated.
In fact they virtually and morally COM
mitted themselves to vote for either one
nominated by remaining and taking a
part in the convention. Of this number
we mention the following well-known
gentlemen: Phil ]. Msllon, Of the Sec
oud ward; John L. Nortsn, Of the Third
ward; Richard Dcugherty, Of the Fifth
ward; G. G. Fisher, W. 0. Harvey and
E. F. Risk, Of the Sixth ward; jesse
Forrest, R. G. Williamson, ]. N. Good
bar and A. C. Tresdwell, Of the Seventh
ward; j. W. Cochran and B. NJ. Estes,
Of the Eighth ward, aud others which
might be mentioned. These gentlemen,
if we are not mistaken, have since
discovered that conventions are use
less agencies in local politics, I'M
less their l~avorite has 3 sure thing Of
it, and that they cannot conscientlously
support John johnson, q gentleman
whose record and life was as we'll known
then as now. Johnson's m%aguanimity
two years ago in Withdrawing in Flippin's
favor and supporting him against John
League, a personal friend, disarmed his
most malignant enemies, many Of whom
came forward and in a manly way admit
ted that they had done him an injustice
which they would be only too glad to
repair if the opportunity ever occurred.
But now that be Is exercising bis right
and discretion as q citizen in accepting
and running under a regular party nom
nation, all the old stale charges and
ISLANDERS against him are galvanized into
life, multiplied and ~msgni6ed, aud made
to do duty over and over. Weinfer that
every delegate in the convention Of 1875
would have supported Mr.. johnson cheer
fully and earnestly if be had been the
nominee instead of Judge Flippin. What
new light any or all of them have receiv-
cd we cannot imagine. On the 10th OF
December, 1875. just before Flippin's
nomination, the LEDGER said, in a%llusion
to persistent attacks on Johnson: THE
public has an old.fashioned way Of sym
pathizing With the under dog in the
fight. Johnson is not exactly under,
but be maintains an %equanimity under
constant FIRE that is not consistent with
q deep sense Of moral obliquity. BE
has had his trial and was acquitted, even
as his illustrious Ramesske. De seems
to be able to live here, where he has beet
a citizen for a quarter OF a century, snC
to face his accusers. If nominated to
day for mayor he becomes again public
property. tits proper to sea his oficis
acts we'll, but when this is done in Q
spirit Of revenge, for real or imagin
airy personal grievances, all comment
is received at a liberal discount
by the public" We regarded then
as both good men, worthy anC
qualified to Gil the Office, Convention
fdect compromises between rival candi
dates Of the same party. In this instance
Judge Flippin was chosen and we sup
ported him, as did Mr.. johnson. No
having any particular preference be
tween the Two we could support the nom
inee Of one hundred men chosen by the
people with pleasure. In this canvass vi
have pursued precisely TIE same course
others have not.