The Dallas daily herald. [volume] (Dallas, Tex.) 1873-1887, 1880-07-31
GEN'L W. s. HANCOCK.
HIS LETTER OF ACCEPTANCE.
He Insists that the Constitution with
all its Amendments Should be
Maintained-AF Fair Count and
Free Election Urged A
Patriotic, Sensible Paper,
Well WOrded.
Following is General HancOck's letter of

Following is General Hancock's letter OF
acceptance.
Go ERRORS ISLAND, New YORK Cry,
July 90, 1880
GENTLEMEN II have the honor to ac-
knowledge the receipt of your letter of July
18th, 1880, apprising me formally of my
nomination to the office Of president of the
United States by the national Democratic
convention lately assembled in Cincinnati
accept the nomination with grateful appre-
citation of the confidence reposed in me. The
principles enunciated by the convention are
those have cherished in the past and shall
endeavor to maintain in the future,
The thirteenth, fourteenth and fifteenth
amendments to the constitution of the
United States, embodying the result of the
war for the unicn, are invioable. If
called to the presidency l should
deem it my duty to resist
with all my power any attempt to impair or
evade the full force and effect of the con-
stitution, which, in every article, section and
commandment, 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, execu-
tive and judicial departments define and
ment. The powers not delegated to the
United States by the constitution, nor
prohibited by it, belong to the
states respectively or to the people generally,
and the st to governments, each acting in its
own sphere, without touching on the lawful
jurisdiction of this union, comprising the
general government, with general powers,
and state governments, with state powers for
purposes local, make political existence the
foundations Of which were laid in the pro-
foundest wisdom. This is the union
our fathers made, and which has
been so respected abroad and be-
nifcent at home, Tried by blood and fire
it stands to-day model form of free popu-
lar government, political system which,
rightly ministered, has been aud will continue
to be the admiration Of the world. May we
not say, nearly in the words of Washington,
1.-THE unity of government which constitutes
us one people is justly dear TO us it is the
main pillar in the edifce of our real indie
pendence; the support of our peace,
safety and prosperity, and of that
liberty we SO highly prize and
intend at every hazard to pres rye" But no
form of government, however carefully de-
wise 5, no princicles, however sound, will pro.
tect he ri shts of the people unless the admins.
tratioN IS faithful and efficient 1t is vital
principle in our system that neither fraud
nor 10 c. must be allowed to subvert the
rights of the people. When fraud, violence
or incompetence control the noblest institu.
tions, and the wissst laws are useless, the
bayonet is not fit instrument for collecting
votes of treemen. 1t is only by full and
free ballot and fair count that the people
rule in fact, as required by the theory of our
government take away this foundation and
the whole structure falls. Public office is a
trust, not bounty bestowed upon the holder.
No incompetent or dishonest persons Should
ever be entrusted with it, or if appointed
they should be promptly elected. The
business Of substantial, practical, civil SER
vice reform must first be established by
people filling elective offices. If we fix a
| high standard of qualifications for office and
sternly reject Corrupt and incompetent
persons, the result will be decisive, in
governing the actions of the servsnts whom
they iptrust with the appointing power.
The war for the union was successfully
closed more than fifteen years ago. All
blessings of the union, and are equally con-
cerned in its perpetuity and in the proper
administration Of public affairs.
We are in a state of profound peace.
Henceforth let it be our purpose
to cultivate sentiment Of friendship, and
no luminosity against our fellow-citizens.
Our material interests, varied and
progressive, demand our constant and
united efforts. A sedulous and scrupulous
care Of public credit, together with a wise
and economical management of our govern
mental and expenditures, should be main
tanned in order that labor may be lightly
burdened, and all persons may be protected
in their rights to the fruits of their own in
dustry. The time has come to enjoy the SUBJ
stantial benefits of reconciliation. AS one peo-
| pie we have common interests. Let us encour-
age the harmony and generous rivalry
among our own industries, which will revive
our languishng merchant marine, extend our
commerce with foreign countries, and assist
our merchants, manufacturers and producers
to develop our vast natural resources and
increase the prosperity and happiness of our
people.
! If elected, /. shall, with Divine favor,
labor with what ability l possess
to discharge my duties with fidelity accord
ing to my convictions, and shall take care to
protect and defend the Union, and to see that
the laws be faithfully and equally executed
in all parts of the country alike. / will
assume the responsibility, fully sensible of
the fact that to administer rightly the tunc-
tons Of government is to discharge the most
sacred duty that can devolve on an American
citizen. am very respectfully,
WINFIELD S. HANCOCK.
To the Hon. John w. Stevenson, president of
the convention; Hon. John Z. stockton,
chairman, and others Of the committees Of
theta ioral Democratic convention.
VISITORS.
Among the visitors who waited on
General Hancock to-day were Senator
Bayard, of Delaware, who had long in
terview with him; Randolph Tucker, of
Virginia; General Martin Mcmahon and
Colonel Blsnton Duncan. Nothing is now
known at Governors Island about English's
letter, but twill probably betelegrsped from
Indianapolis.
The Utes.