The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1880-03-24
THE HANCOCK ADDRESS.

Ter of the choosing standard bear
,, ers, it is deemed proper that til.
considerations which inpelled to thi:
course should be made known. Til,
convention assemblies to choose on,
presidential candidate earlier THAI
Usual. While the Republicans drilled
and disciplined under executive pa
tronase and government pay, holC
continued caucus on party men ant
measures, the Democracy have
scarcely quoted the rivalries and
chickering's Of former campaigns on
the very eve of the most momentous
struggle America has ever presen
led.
The South feels that something
mnst be done quickly to heal the dis
scnsions of political rivals in States
hitherto always in the lead, and to
strike chord Of enthusiasm and con
fidence that will unite all patriotic
and true men in struggle TO re-
store our party and rescue our i'm
perilled liberties.
In every department Of the admin
istration Of the government, the Re
publican party have sanctioned en-
croachmeuts upon the individual
rights OF citizens and States, and
have striyen to substitute official dis
cretion for constitutional limits Of
authority. There can be no surer
indication of the approaching over
throw of the liberties of the people
and the union of the States, than the
tendency towards usurpation of pow
er by the courts and the Executive,
and the open threat of military me
thods suggested IN the cry for Il
strong government.
The Democracy of the South know
IF no shield so potent for the pro,ee
ton of the liberties Of the peopl.
and the union of the States az the
brave heart anal clear intelligence OF
that upright patriot aud gallant sol
lier who, when entrusted with the
power that makes tyrants of bad
men, protested that the only euaran.
tee for the nations hopes was in the
subordination of the military to the
civil power. Corruption, nepotism,
debauchery in high places, outrages
on individual rights and the plumber
ing of States have came with militia
ry methods and Republican usurpa
tions. We tender to the country
return to the simple faith Of our ia
theirs. We present, Union soldier
without reproach-a general in the
field, in peace statesman and pa
triot. We present a name without a
spot or faint, which will give conf.
dence and security to all interests
and all sections. Of calm judgment
and wise foresight, the name of Gen.
w. S. Hancock will kindlc enthusi
asm throughout the length and
breadth of the country, and with the
enthusiasm will 60 the conviction
that his election can never be eva
ded or set aside by Republican trick
cry or Republican buster.
Democracy means protection to
the rights of the people, protection
to material interests, economy in
government, official responsibility to
Ihe law, anu permanence anu power
in the national government based up
on the integrity and inviolability of
local selfgovernment.
The South places its trust in Gen.
w. S. Hancock as the one statesman
who will enforce these doctrines;
who, while he defends the Union,
will also protect the integrity of the
States and the rights of individuals.
Louisiana, desolated by war and
Republican reconstruction, remem-
bers her protector and friend, and
gratefully holds up to her sister
States his name for presidential nom