Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1866-02-16

an alderman and mayor in village, then
through both branches of the State Legisla-
ture, then for ten consecutive years in the
National House of Representatives, then
through the gubernatorial chair to the Sen
ate of the United States, then provisional
governor, with slight participation in mill
tary affairss then Vice President, and now
in the position I occupy before you; and
now in this position, if can be instrumental
in restoring the Government of the United
States, in restoring to their true position in
the Union those States whose relations to
the National Government have been for a
time interrupted by one Of the most gigantic
rebellions that ever occurred III the world,
so that we can proclaim once more that we
are united people, shall feel that the
measure of my ambition has been filed, and
filed to overHcwing; and at that point. if
there be any who are enyious and jealous OF
my honor and position, shall be prepared to
make them as polite bow as [ know how,
and thank them to take the place l have oc-
cupied, for my mission will havebeen full
filed
In saying this, in the performance Of my
duty, and in response to the encouragement
YOU have wiven me, | feel that am in a
condition not TO be arrogant, not to feel i'm
perious or superilious feel that can af-
ford to do right; and 50 feeling, God being
wiling, | inland to do right, and, so far as
in me lies, intend to administer this Gov
ernment upon the principles that lie at the
foundation Of it.
can iuform all aspirants, who are trying
who want to make one organization for one
purpose, and another for another, that they
are not IN MY way ] am not a condiaate
| for any position, and hence, repeat, | can
afford to do right, and, peing in that condi-
ton, | will o. right make this announce
ment for the purpose Of letting all know
that my work is to restore the Government,
net to make combinations with any reference
to any luturc candidacy for the Presidency
Of the. United Ltates. have reached the
utmost round my race is run, so far as that
is concerned my object is to perform my
duty, and that | will endeavor to do.
Let US all, then, join in this great work Of
restoration and while we are restoring and
repairing the breeches that have been made
let us also unite in the work of making new
States and populating them with people
who are worthy Of the Government which
protects them, and let those new State Gov
ernments be founded on principles in harmo-
ny with the great machinery devised by cur
own fathers So far as regards my aid or
assistance that can be given here in the pro-
gress and in the contamination Of this great
work Of building up new States, as well as
in the restoration of all the former States,
you will find me willing and cordial helper.
Gentlemen, I did not expect this demon
stration, but you will please accept my thanks
for the compliment you have paid me on this
occasion and the encouragement you have
given me in the discharge Of my duty.
All | can say in conclusion is to assure
you that any assistance you may need from
this quarter will he most cheerfully given to
advance the interests Of the community you
represent.