Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1876-08-12
TILDEN AND HENDRICKS.

ALL~L[L<@f L1AND
The letters of acceptance of the st.
Louis nominees appeared on Satur-
day. Governor Tilden's letter is
quite lengthy. 1t is an exemplifica-
tion and endorsement of the princi-
pies embodied in the st. Louis plat
form. The greater portion of the
letter is devoted to a discussion of
the finance question. He takes the
view that the exact date of resump-
ton cannot be determined, but that
"the proper time is the time when
wise preparations shall have ripened
into a perfect ability to accomplish
the object with a certainty and ease
that will inspire confidence and en-
courage the reviving of business"
and that the earliest time in which
such a result can be brought about is
the best. Referring to the misgovern-
ment of the south by the dominant
party, the governor says, that, if cleo
ted, he twill not fail to exercise the
powers with which the laws and the
constitution of u country clothe
its Chief Magistrate to protect all its
citizens, whatever their former con-
dition, in every political and per-
sonal right" He REFERS to the
lamentable condition of our civil SER
vice land prompises thorough reform
in that direction. Reform, he thinks,
ought to embrace the higher as well
as the lower grades of the public SER
vice. In regard to a second term,
Governor Tilden differs from Gov
ernor Hayes in that the former as
serts that no reform of the civil SER
vice will be complete and permanent
until its Chief Magistrate is consti-
tutionally disqualified for reelection,
while the latter states his inflexible
purpose, if elected, not to be a candi-
date for a second term. The govern
or closes by saying that he has heen
educated in the belief that it is the
first duty of a citizen to take his
fair allotment of care and trouble in
public affairs, and that with Gods
help, if elected, he will be an instru-
ment OF the peoples will.
Governor Hendricks letter, while
briefer, does not differ materi-
ally from that of Governor Tilden.
He unequivocally declares his entire
approval of the policies and purposes
of the democratic platform. In refer
ence to our national currency he says
it will not be a perfect medium of
exchange until it shall be converti-
BILE at the pleasure of the holder.
He adds: GAS 1 have heretofore
said, no one desires a return to spe-
Gle payments more earnestly than 1
do, but l do not believe that it will
or can be reached in harmony with
the interests of the people by artifi-
cial measures for the contraction of
the currency any more than l believe
that wealth or permanent pros
perity can be treated by an initiation
OF the currency" He belives the re-
peal of the resumption act to be ne
cessary, that a return to specie pay
ments may be facilitated by the sub
stitution OF wiser and more prudent
legislation, which shall mainly rely
on ajudicious system of public econ
omies and official retrenchments and
above all, on the promotion of pros
perity in all the industries of the peo-
pie. He does not understand the re-
peal OF the resumption clause of the
act OF 1875 to be a backward step in
our return to specie payments, but
the recovery of a false step. His
ideas OF civil service reform are more
radical than those of Gov. Tilden.-
lie denounces the present system as
thoroughly corrupt, and asserts that
it should be remorselessly swept
away. He believes in retaining in
office only employees of tried integri-
ty and proved ability, and does not
think that the civil service ought to
be made "the brief reward of party
zeal" His views on the school Ques-
ton are briefly expressed when he
says he believes them safer under the
protecting car of all the people than
under the control of any party or
sect, and that they must not be Sec
tartan or partizan and concludes by
expressing his satisfaction at being
associated with a candidate for the
Presidency who is first among his
equals IS q representative of the
spirit and achievement of reform.
The letters are both bold, clear and
strong, and will carry the conviction
that they are the product of men who
LIE IN earnest concerning the work