Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1876-07-21

To Hon. Edward Mcpherson, and others Of the
committee OF the Republican National Conven-
elton
GENTLEMEN Il received on the 10Th your conf
municatop, advising me that had been unani-
mously nominated by the National convention of
the republican party held at Cincinnati on the
l4th ult, for the Office OF ice President of the
United States, and requesting my acceptance Of
the same, and asking my attention to the summa-
~ of the republican doctrines contained in the
platform adopted by the convention. a nomna-
ton made with such unanimity implies conf
dence on the part of the convention which In
spires my profound gratitude. 1t is accepted
with sense of the responsibility which may fol-
low.
If elected shall endeavor to perform the duties
of the Office in the fear Of the Supreme Ruler, and
in the interest of the whole country. 10 the
summary of doctrines enunciated by the convcn-
ton, give my cordial assent. The republican
parry has intrenched in the organic laws OF our
land the doctrine that liberty is the supreme, I'M
changeabe law for every foot of American soil
1t is the mission Of that party to give etNct to this
principle by securing to every American citizen
| complete liberty and exact equalities IN the exer-
else of all civil, political and public rights.
This will be accomplished only when the Am
erican citizen without regard to color, shall wear
this panoply of citizenship fully and as securely
in tue cane brakes Of Louisiana on the banks
of the ST. Lawrence.
Upon the question of our Southern relations
my views were recently expressed member Of
the committee of the u. S. House of Representa-
tives upon southern affairs These views are I'M
changed, and are thus expressed 1--WE OF the
north delude ourselves in expecting that the
masses of the SOUTH far behind i'll many of
the attributes Of enlightenment, improvement
and CIVILIZATION are in the brief period OF ten or
fifteen years 10 be transformed into our model
northern communities. That can only come
through long course of patient waiting, to which
no one can now set certain bounds.
"Ihere will be good deal OF unavoidable trC-
ton which will call for forbearance and which will
have to be relieved by the temperate fostering
care OF the government.
"dow to diminish that,friction, how to stimulate
the elevation of that portion Of our country are
problems addressing themselves to our best and
| wisest craftsmanship. The foundation for these
efforts must be laid in satisfying the southern peo
pie that they sre to have equal justice accorded
them. Give them to the fullest extent ry bless
| ing which the government coDiers upon the most
| fayored give Them no just cause for complaint,
and then hold them by every necessary means to
an exact, rigid observance Of all their duties and
obligations under the constitution and its amend
ments to secure to all within their borders, man
hood and citizenship with every right thereto be-
longing"
One of the most potent if not indispensable
agencies in this direction will be the devi-ing of
system to aid in the education OF the masses.
The fact that there are whole counties IN Lousi-
in which there is not a solitary school house,
is full of suggestions. We compelled these peo-
pie to remain in the union and now duty and In
ierest demand that we leave no just means untiied,
to make them good loyal citizens.
In our system of government intelligence must
give safety and value to the ballot; hence the
common schools of the land should be preserved
in all their vigor, while in accordance with the
spirit OF the constitution, they and all their endow
ments should be secured by every possible and
proper guaranty against sectatIan influence or
control.
The Just obligations to public creditors created
when the government was in the throes Of threat
ened dis solution and as indispensable condition
of its salvation, guaranteed by tue lives and blood
of thousands OF Its brave defenders are to be kept
with religious faith and all the pledges sub
sidiary thereto and combinations thereof.
la my judgment the pledge of Congress Of jan
l4th, 1879, for the redemption of notes of the
United States IN coin is the pghted faith of the
nation; and national honor, simple honesty and
justice to the people, whose permanent welfare
and prosperity are dependent upon true money as
the basis of their pecunlary transactions, all de-
mand the scrupulous observance of this pledge;
and it is the duty of Congress to supplement it
with such legislation as shall be necessary Tor It's
strict thfment.
There should be the strictest economy in ex-
penditures of government consistent with its eff
fectve administration, and all unnecessary offices
should be abolished Offices should be conferred
only upon the basis of high character and particu
lar fitness, and should be administered only as
public trusts, and not Us private advantage.
The foregoing are chief among the cardinal
principles of the republican party, aud to carry
them into full practical effect is the work il now
has in hand.
To the completion of its great mission we ad-
dress ourselves in hope and confidence, cheered
and stimulated by the recollection of its past
achievements, remembering that under God, it is
| to that party indebted 10 this centennial
year of our existence for preserved, unbroken
| union for the fact that there is no master or
| slave throup hout our broad domains, and that