Bristol news. [volume] (Bristol, Va. & Tenn.) 1867-189?, 1880-08-03

New YORK, July 30.-The following
ia Gen. IIancock's letter Of acceptance:
G0rernor'S Island, Nelo York CITY,
July 30 lSS0.)
Gentlemen Il have the honor to ac-
knowledge the receipt of your letter of
July -, 1880, apprising me formally Of
of the United States by the National
Democratic Convention, lately assem-
bled in Cincinnati. accept the nomi-
nation with grateful appreciation of the
confidence reposed in me. The princi-
pies cnunciated 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, cmbodying the results of
the war for the Union, are inyiolable.
If called to the Presidency, | should
deem ii my duty to resist with all my
power any attempt to impair or evade
the full force and effect Of the Constitu-
ton, which, in every article, section and
amendment, Is the supreme law Of the
land. The Constitution forms the basis
e the Government of the United States.
The powers granted by 1t to the logisIa-
tive, executive aud judicial departments
define and limit the authority of the
General Government. Powers not dele
gated to the United States by the COnsti-
tuition, nor prohibited by II to the States,
belong to the States respectively or to
the people. The General and State gov
ernments, each acting in its own sphere,
without trenching upon the lawful ju-
risdiction Of the other, constitute the
Union. This Union, comprising gem
eral government with general powers
and State governments with State pow
era for purposes local to the States, Is n
polity, the foundations of which were
laid in the profoundcat wisdom. This Is
the Union our fathers made aud which
has been SO respected abroad and so ben
Efficient at home. Tried by blood aud
fire, II stands, to-day, model form of
free popular governmental political
System, which, rightly administered, has
been and will continue to be the admira-
ton of the world. May we not say,
nearly in the words Of Washington, that
the unity Of government which couSti-
tutcs us Que people Is justly dear to us I?
1t Is the main pillar In the cdillcc Of our
real iudepcndeuce-thc support of our
peace, safety and prosperity and Of that
liberty we so highly prize and intend. ut
every hazard, To preserve. But no form
Of government, however carefully de-
viscd; no principles, however sound,
will protect the rights Of the people un-
less the administration Is faithful and
efficient. It Isl vital principle in our
system, that neither fraud nor force
must be- allowed to suhyert The rights Of
the people. When fraud, violence or
incompetence controls, the nQblest con-
stitutlon un1 lhc wiScst laws arc useless.
The bayonct IL not ht instrument for
collecting the votes Of free men. II Is
only by u full vote, free ballot and fair
count that the people eau rule in fact, rs
required by the theory OF our Govern
mcut. Take this foundation away and
the whole structure falls.
Public Office IL n trust, not n bounty
bestowed upon the holder, No incom-
pctent or dishonest persons should ever
be entrusted with II, or, II appointed,
they should promptly be elected.
Our material interest, varied and pro-
| grpssiyc, demand our constant and unit
ed efforts. "A scdulOus and sCrupulous
care of tho public credit, together with
wise and economical management of Our
governmental expenditures, should be-
maintained IN order that the labor may
he lightly burdcnrd, and that all persons
may be protected IN their rights 10 the
fruits Of their own industry. The time
has come o. enjoy the substantial hene-
Ats of reconciliation. Az one people we
| have n common interest. Let w en-
courage harmony and generous rivalry
among our own industries, which VIII
revive our langnishiug merchant marine,
extend our commerce with foreign ma
tions, assist our merchants, manufacture
era aud producers 10 develop our vast
natural resources and Increase the pros
perity and happiness Of our people. II
elected, I shall, with Divine favor, labor
with what ability possess 10 diChnrgc
my duties with fidelity according TO my
convictions, and shall take care TO pro-
tect and defend the Union and 10 sec
TINT the laws he faithfully aud equally
executed IN all parts Of the country
alike. will assume the responsibility,
fully sensible OF the fact that TO admin
lister rightly the functions of govern
mcnt IL TO discharge the most sacred du-
~ that can deyolvc upon mn American
citizen. am very respectfully,
NV. s, HANCOCK.
10 Hon. John W Stevenson. President
of the convention; Hon. John 7,
Stockton, Chairman, aud others Of the
committee of tho National Democratic
Convention.