Lancaster daily intelligencer. [volume] (Lancaster, Pa.) 1864-1928, 1880-07-31
Gen. Hancock.s Letter of A acceptance.

Gen. HancOck's Letter of Acceptance.
GOVERNORS ISLAND, NEW York CITY,
July 20, 1SSO-Gentlemen l have the
honor to acknowledge the receipt of your
letter of July 13, 1880, apprising me form
ally of my nomination to the Office of presi-
dent Of the United States by the nation
al Democratic convention lately assembled
in Cincinnati. accept the nomination
with grateful appreciation of the conf
dence reposed in me. The principles enun-
ciated by the convention are those have
cherished in the past and shall endeavor to
maintain in the future. The amendments
to the constitution of the United States
embodying the results of the war for the
Union arc inviOlable. Ii called to the
presidency should deem it my duty to re-
sist with all my power any attempt to i'm
pair Or evade the full force and effect of
the constitution which in every article, Sec
tion and amendment is the supreme law of
the land.
The constitution forms the basis of the
government of the United States. The
powers granted by it to the legislative, ex-
ecutive and judicial departments define and
limit the authority of the general govern.
ment. Powers not delegated to the United
States by the constitution nor prohibited
by it to the states belong to the states re-
spectively, or to the people. The general
and state governments, each acting in its
own sphere without trenching upon the
lawful jurisdiction of the other, consti-
tute the Union. This Union, comprising a
general government with general powers
and state governments with state powers,
for purpose local to the states, is a polity
the foundations of which were laid in the
prOfounilest wisdom. This is the Union
our fathers made, and which has been Sc
respected abroad, and so beneficial at
home. Tried by blood and fire it stands
to-day a model form of free popular
government, political system which
rightly administered has been and will con.
tinue to be the admiration of the world.
May we not say in the language of Wash
ington, "The unity of government which
constitutes us one people is justly dear to
| us. 1t is the main pillar in the edifice OF
our real independence, the support of OIL
peace, safety and prosperity, and of that
liberty we SO highly prize and intend AT
every hazard to preserve" NOfOrm of gov.
ernment however carefully devised, nc
principles however sound, will protect the
rights of the people unless the administra-
| ton is faithful and efficient. 1t is vital
principle in our system that neither fraud
nor force must be allowed to subvert the
rights of the people. When fraud, vic,
lence or incompetency controls the nOblest
constitution and wisest laws are useless.
The bayonet is not fit instrument for col
lccting the votes of freemen. 1t is only by
a full vote, free ballot and fair count that
the people can rule in fact. Take this
foundation away and the whole structure
falls.
Public Office is trust, not bounty be-
slowed upon the holder. No incompetent
or dishonest persons should ever be en-
trusted with it, or if appointed they should
be promptly elected. The basis Off sub.
stantial, practical civil service reform must
first he established by the people in filling
the elective offices. If they fix high
standard of qualification for Office and
sternly reject the corrupt and incompetent
the result will be decisive in governing the
action of the servants whom they entrust
with appointing powers.
The war for the Union was successfully
closed more than fifteen years ago. All
classes of our people must share alike in
the blessings of the Union and are equally
concerned in its perpetuity and in the
proper administration of public affairs.
We are in state of profound peace
henceforth let it be our purpose to cult
| vate sentiments of friendship and not OF
animosity among cur fellow citizens. Our
material interests varied and progressive,
demand our constant and united efforts.
A sedulOus and scrupulOus care of the
public credit and economical management
| of our governmental expenditures should
be maintained in order that labor may be
lightly burdened and that all persons may
be protected in their right to the fruits OF
their own industry. The time has come
to enjoy the substantial benefits of recon
ciliatiOn. AS one people VIC have common
interests. Let us encourage the harmony
and generous rivalry among our own in
dustrics, which will revive our languishins
merchant marine, extended our commerce
with foreign nations, assist our merchants.
manufacturers and producers, to develop
our vast resources and increase the pros
perity and happiness of our people. If
elected l shall, with the Divine of favor,
labor with what ability l possess to dis
charge my duties with fidelity according
to my convictions, and shall take care to
protect and defend the Union and to sec
that the laws be faithfully and equally ex-
ecuted in all parts of the country alike. l
will assume the responsibility fully sensible
of the fact that to administer rightly the
functions of government is to discharge
the most sacred duty tina can devolve
upon an American citizen. l am, very
respectfully, WINFIELD S. HANCOCK.
To the Hon. John w. Stevenson, prcsi-
dent of the convention, Hon. John p.
Stockton, chairman, and others of the
committee of the national Democratic
convention.
Letter of Hon. Vim. II. English.
INDIANAPOLIs, Ind, July 3O.-The fol-
lowing is the letter of acceptance of Hon.
VIM. II. English as nominee for vice presi-
dent
GENTLEMEN 1 have now the honor to
reply to your letter of the 18th inst, in
forming me that was unanimously NOM
mated for the Office of vice president of
the United States by the late Democratic
national convention which assembled at
Cincinnati. As foreshadowed in the
verbal remarks made by me at the time
of the delivery of your letter, 1 have now
to say that accept the high trust with
realizing sense of its responsibility. l am
profoundly grateful for the honor confer
red. l accept the nomination upon the
platform of principles adopted by the con-
vention, which cordially approve. and
accept it quite as much because of my
faith in the wisdom and patriotism OF
the great statesman and soldier nomi-
mated on the same ticket for president of
the United States. His eminent services
to his country, his fidelity to the consti-
<ut;op tho TTn;on on.l tho J,yv, I,;s o1oor