New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1880-07-31
GENERAL HANCOCKS LETTER.
GOVERNOR's ISLAND, {
NV -YOHK CIlY. July %. 1SSO.

crvrrr,,rx. have the honor to acknOw ledge
,bc recent of your letter of July 49, 1eSO, apprs-
ING me formally of my nomination to the once oil
President of the United States by the Natohai
Democratic Convention lately assembled I'D Clncih-
natl accent the nomination with grateful appre-
citation of the confidence reposed in me.
THE r,pciples enumerated by the Convention
are those have cherished In the past, and shall
cndeavor to maintain in the future. The Xllith,
Xlyth. and XVth amendments TO the Constitution
of the United States. embodying the results
Of the War for the Union, are invlolaole.
If called to the Presidency, l should deem
il nv duty to resist with all of my
mower any attempt to impair or evade the full
force and effect of the Constitution, which IN every
article section and amendment Is the supreme law
Of the land. The Constitution forms the basis OF
the Government of the United States. The powers
rranted by it to the legislative, executive ana
indicial departments. define and limit the
outhority of the General Government: powers not
Geteoated to the United States by the Constitution,
nor nTohihited by il to the States. belong TO the
States respectively. or to the people Inc UeneIal
and State Governments, each acting IN lts own
snhere without trencmng upon the laWIul JuTIsu'c-
tiion of the other, constitute the Union.
Tins Union, comprising General poVefnnent
with general powers ana Stae th Sotes s
p0Ity the foundations of which were lad III the
pr0lOundest wisdom.
FAIR WORDS FOR THE UNION.
This is the Union our fathers made and which
has been SO respected abroad and so beneiicent at
home. Tried bv blood and fire, it stands to-day a
model form of free popular Government; pohtl-
cal system which, rightly administered, has been,
and will continue to be the admiration of the world
Nav we not saw nearly in the words of Washington
The uuity of government. which constitutes us one
people is Justly dear TO us IL IS the man plliar III
The ediice of our real independence the support OF
Safe
we so highly prize and Intend at every hazNu W
preserve. =,
But no form of government however carefully de-
ysed no principles however sound. VIII protect the
rights of the people, unless administration Is latin
fu and efficient. 1t s vital principle IN our sys
TEN that neither fraud nor force must oe allowed
10 subyert the rights of the people When 1raud
violence or incompetence controls, the m0biest con-
sttuions and wlsest avs are useless. ne oaS ones
is not tit instrument for c0ilecung the votes oi
freemen 1t is only by full vote, free ballot ana
far count that the people can rule IN iaeT rs re
ouired by the theory of our Government. axe tnls
foundation away and the whole structure 1ails'
THE CIVIL SERVICE.
PuhIic office is q trust not bounty bestowed
upon the holder no incompetent or dishonest per-
sons should ever be entrusted with 1t, or II ap-
pointed, they should be promptly elected.
The basis of substantial, practical civil service
reform must first be established by the people in
filing the elective offices If they fix q high
standard of qualification for of1ce, ana stern!y
reject til. corrupt and incompetent, the result VIII
he decisive in governing the action of the servants
whom they intrust with appointing power q,
The War for the Union was successfully clOsed
more than fifteen years Alc classes OF our people
must share alike in the blessings of the Unlon and are
equally concerned in its perpeulty, and IN the
proper administration of public alfalrs. we are IN
state of profound peace. Henee1orth leu III pe our
purpose to cultivate sentiments OF IrlehusnIp anu
not OF anmosity among our leloW-culzehs'
CONSIDERING THE MATERIAL INTERESTS OF THE
COUNTRY.
al into
demand our constant and united efforts sedulous
and scrnpulous care of the public credit, together
with a wise and economical management of our
governmental expenditures, should be maintained
IN order that labor may be lightly burdened, and
thai all persons may be protected IN their rights TO
tie fruits of their own industry. lhe time mas
come TO enjoy the substantial Dement'S OF
reconciliation. As one people we have common
interests Let us encourage the harmony and gen
eIous rivalry among our own industries whlcn VIII
revive our languishing merchant marine, extend
our commerce with foreign nations ASSIST our mer-
chants manufacturers and producers 10 deVelop our
vast natural resources, and increase the prosperity
and happiness of our people. 49,
lfelected. shall. with the Divine favor, labor
with what ability possess to discharge my dutles
take care to protect and defend the Union,
and to see that the laws are faithfully
aud equally executed IN all parts OF the
country alike. Will assume the responsibility,
fully sensible of the fact that to sdminister rightly
the functions of Government IS TO discharge the
most sacred duty that can devolye upon al Ameri-
eau citizen. / am, very respectfully yours,
WINFIELD s. HANCOCK.
To the Hon. JOHN w. STEVENSON. President o.
The Conrentt0n the Hon. JOHN I. STOCKTON. Chair
man. and Others Of the Committee Of Tie National
democratic Convention.