Year: 1876

~NN ~"NeS'9ei'e Rhmliy NeWk-
paper than at any former period.


We are supplied with the best modern ia


eilities for publishing newspaper and reach


larger number Of readers than ever before.
The people are aroused to the importan, 70 Of


the events aoW transpiring, as we'll as those
that happened hundred years ago. The
unusual spectacle is presented to the country


Of the upper and lOWei Houses in Congress


being controlled respectively by opposite pO-


litical parties. For the first time since 1850


the Democrats and Conservatives control one


branch Of Congress, and the ablest modern
statesmen are playing bold and desperate
game for the political control of the Govern
meEs. Within the year two candidates will
10 nominated for the Presidency. and the
people. in their sovereign capacity, will elect
President and Vice President, and in many
Of the States. as in Tennessee. elect Cover
nor. COngressmen. members of the General
Assembly and important local officers. The
ablost talent of the nation will be arrayed on
both sides. Every intelligent citizen. white
and cOlOred. will desire to be informed from
day to day and week to week of what is going
on. The Centennial of our Independence will
be inaugurated with imposing ceremonies at
Philadelphia, on the Fourth of July, in tho
presence Of thousands Of people from every
State ID the Union and representatives of the
principal nations on earth. 1t wiz be year
full Of stirring events, an upheaval and CON-
minsling Of the masses not to be witnessed
again for life time.


The LEDGER will keep abreast of the times.
and it's readers will see the daily history Of
the world ".hsld up to the mirror" The
latest news from all quarters will be presented
In condensed form and such comment
thereen'as an intelligent view Of the subject
may suggest. The LEDGER is of the people
and for the people, and in full sympathy with
the labsring and tax paying masses. Their
judgment and their instructive conclusions
when ascertained will be accented in prefer-
ence to the dictum Of politicians or the wis
dom Of statesmen. We hold to the old
fashioned theOry-that the people are the
sOvereigns, and all Ofies-holders public SER
wants, to be rewarded only for a faithful per-
fofmancs Of duty within prescribed limits,
and condemned for breach of trust or abuse
Of delegated powers. In future, as in the
past. the LEDGER will be bold, independent
|
Democratic Journal standing by it's party
when right, but ever ready to condemn un-
worthy men Or measures. An earnest en-
aeavor will be made during the present year
TO correct abuses in public places. to bring
about as strict and careful MANAGEMENT Of
the peoples money as in successful private
business. To this end we shall continue to
labor Urging economy and reform at every
possible point without positive injury to the
public service.


Issues Of grave importance will be decided
this year. Men and parties will bo made and
unmade. and precedents set up that will have
great bearing upon the future political his
tory Of the country. As nation Of United
States we have made great progress, but
whether we have preserved intact the prin-
ciples Of our ancient Constitution, is a CUES
tion yet to be decided at the ballot.box.
Whether we roally govern ourselves or are
governed by party. will bs better known
when the voice of the people is heard mex,
November. It will avail US little that We had
a Washington. Jefferson and Jackson if
the Government passes once mere into the
hands of purely partisan and sectional
administration.


IN our columns will always be found a
choice variety Of original ana selected mat
tor adapted to the general reader and the
family circle, and it is needless to say that
nothing will appear to offend the taste of the
most cultivated and refined. The several
departments of the paper will be conducted
by experienced journalists who follow the
profession because they are in love with il.
and who appreciate public tastes end public
sensibilties. The LEDGER is Democratic, bue
sminenty conservative. aud is ever ready to
give all sides and shades of opinion a fair
hearing. The editorials will be live and
pointed, but carefully considerate.


Much space will be devoted to local news
and topics. Full and accurate river and
market reports will be given each day. And