The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1880-08-05

NEW YORK, July 3O.-Following is General
Hancock's letter Of acceptance received from
Governors Island to-day.
GOVERNORS ISLAND, N. Y, July 20.
GENTLEMEN:-I have the honor to acknowledge
the receipt of your letter Of July 18th, 1880, ap'
prising me formally Lof my nomination to the
Office of President Of the United States by the
National Democratic Convention, lately assem-
bled in Cincinnati. l accept the nomination
with grateful appreciation Of the confidence re-
posed In me. The principles enunciated by the
Convention are those l have cherished In the
past and shall endeavor to maintain In the
future. The Thirteenth, Fourteenth and FIJI
teenth amendments to the Constitution Of the
United States embodying the results Of the war
for the Union, are inVioable.
II called to the Presidency, should deem 1t
my duty to resist with all Of my power any at
tempt to impair or evade the full force and effect
Of the Constitution which in every article, sec.
ton and amendment is the supreme law of the
land, The Constitution forms the basis Of
the Government Of the United states
The powers granted to 1t by the
Legislative, Executive and Judicial departments
define and limit the authority of the general
Government; powers not delegated to the United
States by the Constitution nor prohibited by 1t TO
the States belong to the States respectively or to
the people, The general and State Governments
each acting In its own sphere without trenching
upon the lawful Jurisdiction Of the other, con-
stltute
THE UNION.
This union, comprising a general Government
with general powers and State Governments with
State powers for purposes local to States, Is
polity, the foundations Of which were laid In
profoundest wisdom,
This is the union our fathers made and which
has been so respected abroad and so benehcent
at home. Tried by blood aud fire 1t stands to-
day q model form Of free popular Government
o political system, which rightly administered
has been, and will continue to be the admiration
Of the world. May we not say nearly in the
words Of Washington, the unity of the govern
ment which constitutes us one people is justly
dear to US IL is the main pillar in the edifiee OF
our real independence, the support Of our peace,
safety and prosperity, and Of that liberty we so
highly prize and intend at every hazard to pre-.
serve.
Bnt no form of government, however carefully
devised, no principles, however sound, will pro-
tect the rights OF the people, unless the admins.
tration Is faithful and tfficient. 1t is vital
principle In our system that neither fraud nor
force must be allowed to subvert the rights OF the
people. When fraud, violence or incompetence
controls, the nobest Constitutions and wises
laws are useless, The bayonet is not it instru.
menf for collecting the votes Of freemen, 1t is
only by the full vote, free ballot and fair count
that the people can rule In fact, as required by
the theory Of our Government Take this foun.
dation away and the whole structure falls
PUBLIC TRUST,
Public office Is a trust, not bounty bestowed
the holder; no incompetent or dishonest persons
should eyer be:entIusted with it, or ir appointed
they should promptly be elected. Our material
interests varied and progressive, demand our
constant and united efforts sedulous aud un'
scrupulous care Of public credit together with
wise and economical management Of our GOV
ernmental expenditures should be maintained in
order that atlaborImay be lightly burdened and that
all persons may be protected in their rights to the
fruits OF their own industry. The time has come
to enjoy the substantial enefis Of reconciliation,
As one people we have common Interests. Let us
encourage harmony and generous rivalry among
oar industries which will revive our langushing
merchant marine, extend our commerce with
foreign nations, assist our merchants manufac,
turers aud producers TO develop our vast natural
resources and increase the prosperity and happi.
II elected I SHALL with Divine favor, labor
with what ability possess, to discharge nay du.
ties with fidelity according 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
functions OF Government is to discharge the
most sacred duty that can devolve upon an
American citizen.
W. s. HANCOCK.
To Honorable John W. Stevenson President Of
Convention, Honorable John +. stockton,
Chairman, AMI Others Of Committee OF National
Democratic Convention.