Year: 1876

Democratic and Conservative Family News
paper than at any former period.
We are supplied with the best modern ia


oilities for publishing newspaper and reach


a larger number Of readers than ever before.
Thepeopie are aroused TO tho Importance Of


the events now tranSpirinS, as we'll as those
that happened hundred years ago. The


unusual spectacle is presented to the country


of the upper and lower Houses in Congress,


being controlled respectively by opposite DO


htical parties. For the first time since 1850


the Democrats and Conservatives control one


branch Of Congress, and the ablest modern


statesmen are playinga bold and desperate


game for the political control of the Govern


ment, Within the year two candidates will {.
be nominated for the Presidency. and the
people. In their sovereign capacity, will elect
a President and Vice President. and in many
Of the States. as in Tennessee. elect Cover.
nor. cOnTessmen. members Of the General
Assembly and important local saicors. The
abiost 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 issoins
on. The Centennial of our Independence will
be insugurated with imposing ceremonies at
Philadelphia, on the Fourth of July, in the
presence Of thousands Of people from every
State in the Union and representatives of the
principal nations on earth. twill be year
full Of stirring events. an upheaval and com
minslins Of the masses not to be witnessed
again Tor a life time.


The LEDsER will keep abreast of the times
and itS readers will see the daily history of
the world "held up 10 the mirror" The
latest news from all quarters will be presented
in condensed form aud such comment
thereon as an intelligent view of the subject
may suggest. Tue LEDoER is of the people

and for the people. and in full sympathy with
the laborins and tax paying masses. Their
Judgment and their instructive conclusions
when ascsrtained will be accepted in prefer
snce 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 Ofice-hOlders public ser
wants, to be rewarded only for faithful per-
formance 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 its party
when right. but ever ready to condemn un-
worthy men or measures. An earnest en-
doayor will bo 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 a successful private
business. To this end we shalt 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 be made and
unmade, and precOdents set up that will have
agreat 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-
oiplOs Of our ancient Constitution, is a ques-
ton yet tc be decided at the ballot.box.
Whether we really govern ourselves or are
governed BY party, will be better known
when the voice Of the people is heard next
November. Il will avail us little that we had
Washington, Jefferson and jackson if
the Government passes once more into the
hands of purely partisan and sectional
administration.


In our columns will always be found
choice variety of original and selected mat
ter 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. Tho several
departments Of the paper will be conducted
by experienced Journalists who follow the
profession because they are In love with it.
and who appreciate public tastes and public
sonsibilities. The LEDGER is Democratic. but
eminentIs conservative and is ever ready to
give all sides and shades of opinion fair
hearing. Tho editorials will bs live and
pointed. but carefully considorats.


Much space will be devoted to local news
and topics. Full and accurate river and
market reports will bo given each day. And
n vy;lt h. o,,. .o,....4 -. A.. A.. ,-.