Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1882-12-09
LETTERS PROM THE PEOPLE.
PolIfionInntr

EDITOR LEDGER:-We commend the
late ratification meeting of the colored
people OF Shelby county, who braved
opposition IN support of0eneral Bate.
| They dared TO ratify the verdict Of the
people,and TO declare their approval in
yindication Of the great dscision.
They have demonstrated . boldness
which was as striking as it was sign6.
cant.
| They had their views upon the State
debt question; they expressed them
like men bound by q sacred oath 10
duty and to God. For this, they were
discarded by a domineering ma
Jorlty. pledged to the maintenance
OF a malignant policy, conceived
solely in the interest of party, regard
less OF obligations Of public trust and
security. But the crisis has come
and BY the people Of this country the
full tide Of destiny will soon be deter.
mined for unborn generations. High
and awful stands the hand writing on
the wall, reminding selfish despots
that their day of misrule is fast reach
ing an end. Let them tumble 10 the
presence of that terrible inscription
before them, and let them be consoled
In meditation upon their incqnstancy.
treachery, aud abuse OF the privileges
OF free government. Ratification At
home and by those who eagerly sought
AUST triumph, was certainlyin beauti-
ful order Let these colored men remain
nndaunted and true to themselves
Revolutions never go backward. God
rules in the affairs of men. and he
rights masters to suit himself They
did right to denounce this Pharaoh
band who had SO long pressed them to
thu sea of political ruin.
They did right TO renounce the
prejudices and tollies OF blind impul.
ses and, like young Hannibal, swear
eternal opposition against the men
who would ignore their manhood.
10 day these men stand in the van
OF their race to lead them on to a
broader freedom, a higher intelligence
and Independence. /
Let the voice Of tcat meeting serve
as warning TO those who still cling 10 |
their idols and dare not be men, and |
let them bear in mind that in all COM |
munities and as parents and guardians
OF the public good, it is the part of
true wisdom for them TO look after the |
individual peace and happiness Of the
home circle and thus enhance each
neighbor's interest within that entire
circumference. Il is time that the
colored people shall no longer be the
exception, but should begin to do as
other men do. Cesar said, 1.-THE die |
is cast The earlyl fathers risked |
their lives and ventured all |
for the sake OF realizing
something better hoped for. In this |
enlightened day, day Of unmeasured |
philanthropy and good will, let the |
colored race 60 forward, but let them
rely upon the manifestations and |
pledges which attend them. You, Mr.. |
Editor, have offered kindly evidence
OF encouragement, and to you is due
the gratitude Of all good men, for your
advocacy Of Just and impartial ad.
ministratiou Of fair play TO all nation.
ahties.
In applauding the new movement of
these men, we particularly commend
Mr.. Froman as trusted leader, and |
We endorse his action as being worthy
be man. He il earnest and |
sincere in the cause Of his race, and |
seems unwayering in his determine
tion to establish the most friendly re.
lations with all classes. He is a me.
chanic of no mean order and manages
a successful business as a saddler. |
Indeed, we commend Mr.. Shaw, Mr..
Settles, Captain Glass, Mr.. Church,
and otherg, because their course. if
faithfully adhered to, is destined to
accomplish the best results for the
common veal. HERNANDo.