Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1876-07-12
Gov. Hayes Letter of Acceptance
From the New York Times, Rep.1

From the New York Times, Rep.1
The letter of Gen. Hayes accepting the repub-
llcan nomination leaves nothing to be desired. 1t
IS the manly, frank and explicit declaration of a
sincere and able man. II there are any who have
had doubts as to Gen Hayes possession of the
pronounced characteristics required in the leader
OF the republican party at this uncture this letter
ought TO go far to cause them to dismiss such
doubts. 1t is not the letter of partisan, trim
mer, an asprant for office who wishes to avoid
| criticism by evading expression of his views
and purposes, or, in any sense, the letter of
alive man. Gen. Hayes shows that he appreciates
and respects the right of the people to know what
they may expect from him if he shall be placed in
the Executive office. lie Processes nothing, con
| ceals nothing, shuns nothing for the purpose of
winning support or propitiating possible oppon-
| ents. Such rs he is he paints himself and with
out any professions to sincerity, stamps every
word with the cogent emphasis of simple and
reserved honesty. There is no more trace Of
double dealing than of tmliy in what he says
He would rot deny that he desires an election
with the earnestness' which an honorable ambition
kindles in every man conscious of capacity for
public solyicc, but the election must come to him
from q constituency which is neither uDiutormfd
or niSniormed concerning the principles be holds
| and the general Objects he would, if elected, pur-
sue. Modestly but fully he lays these before hi.
fellow citizens, and leaves with them the duty of
choice which cannot, so far as he is concerned,
be a blind one This unfeieucd feailesSneS4 viii
be the first thing in his letter to strike public at
tenon Whether repub lean or democrat, We do
not believe there is an honest man in the country
who VIII not acknowledge 1t vito hearty respect.
From the New Yolk Tribune, Ind
Gov. Hayes has spoken, and his voice has no
uncertain souGd. 1t utters a clear, manly, une-
quivocal declaration OF principles which clnhody
tue stloI gest desires of all honest and thinking
American citizens. The country has waited to
hear from him something more distinct and as
surng than the vague promises of the Cincinnati
platforms; and it will not be disappointed The
stand he takes in favor of reform OF the Civil
Service is accompanied by tcrse and vigorous
arraignment Of the present system, especially re-
ferring to the partisan services now exacted from
those holding office under the Government, and
closes with the strongest proof of sincerity which
any candidate could give. When Gov Hayes
says believing that the restoration of the Civil
"Servce to the system established by Washing
"ton and followed by the early Presidents, can
"be best accomplished by an Executive who is
"under no temptation to use the patronage of his
"office to promote his own reelection, desire to
"perform what regard as duty in stating now
my iufexibie purpose, ifelected. not to be eau
"dlate for election to second term, he strikes
the true keynote of Reform. We are greatly mis-
taken if this declalatio ion will not be hailed through
out the whole country as the earnest OF better
days. Was there not, some years ago, candi-
date who accepted the nomination only on condi-
ton that he should be renomnaed This Is GER
tainly not the same voice then heard.
In regard to the financial question, when Gov.
HAYES saws he stands by his record we know
activ where to find him. In the few sentences
which be adds the public viii be convinced that
he means, if elected, to apply the sole specific 10
our present disorders. lie distinctly declares
himself in favor of the speeiiest way to the re-
sumption of specie payments Tits is plain and
simple and all sufficient.
The resolution relating TO public schools and
their release from all secalian interference and
control, is emphatically approved. Gov HAYES
then takes occasion to express hi, sentiments III
regard to the southern States mucd more fully
and earnestly than the somewhat guarded ut;el-
ance of the platform. Without formulating his
views of the occurrences ofthe past. his frank and
evidently heartfelt words on behalf of equal and
unimpaired justice, honest local government, and
the fullest protection of the rights of all classes,
under the Constitution, leave no doubts as to his
policy. He sees that there can be no true pact-
cation without peace, order, and the rule Of law.
His pledge to the people of the South will be &C
cepted in the same good faith which inspired it.
The closing paragraph reiteracs the main point;
of the declaration of principles. No reference IS
made to the minor planks OF the platform, includ.
ing the safe and meaningless expression in regard
TO revenue. But the great and pressing demands
of the country are recognized in language which
cannot be mistaken. 1t is the voice of an honest
man, true patriot, sincere reformer, speaking
inst what he meaus. Since he has been nominal
ed he has received many accessions Of support
from sources which might have been alienated;
but Gov. Hayes henCcforth, is his own best adyo-
cate