Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1880-07-14
Are MesSrs. Eaton and BigeIOw
Political Enemies Of the We'll
fare of the Community in
Which They Live?


Is there any evidence to support
this charger Let us see. To advo-
cate and promote any evil measure,
or to urge the placing of bad men in
places of important public trusts, all
must agree is evidence of enmity to
the common welfare. Are they doing
either? We insist that in aiding to
nominate and urging the election Of
Mr.. Shaw, they are guilty of urging
the elevation of a bad man to fill a
very important trust. But are they
doing this2 1t seems clear that they
are. They are on the same ticket
with him. But that is not enough
Tor they are on the same ticket with
judge Horrigan, and he is above ex-
ception, and well qualified to gil the
important Office of criminal Judge
Do they advocate Shaw's election?
Will they vote for him? We under.
stand they advocate his election, and
will vote for him, They are aiding to
put Mr.. Shaw in the office of sheriff.
They know he possesses qualities that
wholly unfit hin for the trust He
does not lack intelligence, for he is a
man of considerable capacity. He
lacks fitness; he lacks reliability: he
lacks safety. He is an element of
disorder. 1t is not his color, but his
turbulence, his violence, his disposi
tion to ioment and stir up the evil
passions OF men lie is a dangerous
man to trust with power. Judge
bigelow and Mr.. Eaton know it. We
repeat-dangerous to trust with power
They are trying 10 put power in his
hands. Itis greatly feared that there
suit would be APPALLING misrule. Every
probability is that he would abuse the
power. Mr.. Shaw to keep the peace;
Mr.. Shaw to catch rogues; Mr. Shaw
promptly to apprehend law breakers;
Mr.. Shaw to summons Jurors, to try
life, liberty, and property; Mr.. Shaw
to be terror to the evil doers; Mr..
Shaw to serve process and collect and
account for money; Mr.. Shaw to be in
position to know the important
secrets of the grand jury,
and the criminal court. If
heaven has in store for us another
epidemic, this or next season, Mr.
Shaw then in charge of the city, with
thirds OF its population gone, and
the city's highest interest depending
on his integrity, his discretion, his
disposition to suppress evil. and sus-
tain the right. 1t almost takes ones
breath to think of it. The specific
charge we now makeis that ofurging the
candidacy of Mr.. Shaw to this post of
honor, and trust; to this place of
power, with its vast capabilities for
wrong doing. Are they guilty. Are
they seeking his election over that
of Athy2 If SO, do they not seek
to place in power, one who will
probably abuse that power
to the hurt and detriment
of the community Is this not being
inimical to the community? But the
effort is to place Athy in the ranks
and put Mr.Shaw in command. Athy,
who grows cool and wise as dangers
thicken; Atby, who has stood by this
stricken people in itsgreatest distress,
and was firm as a rock; the very sheet
anchor of order. We drop all else.
We narrow the issue to the simple
question of their support of Mr.. Shaw
aud Mr.. Athy. We will take back
all we have said, if Judge Bige-
low will say that he does not champi-
on, and will not support Mr.. Shaw.
We will do the same for Mr.. Eaton.
We are willing to bury all other
grounds out ofsight, and rest our ac-
cusation on this single issue. We
bear these gentlemen no personal i'll
will. They stand opposed to the pub
lie veal as we think. Such an one is
an enemy to that veal. Can we say
less and tell truth2 Would we be
doing our duty to say less2 Who takes
issue with us on the question thus
simpli6ed? 1t is not any past issue,
but one of the living present. Toe
the mark on it gentlemen.