St. Landry democrat. (Opelousas, La.) 1878-1894, 1880-08-14
Hon. David Davis, of Illinois,
Declares for Hancock.
WASHINGTON, Aug. S.-The following
is made public to-day by Mr.. Harvey:

BLOOMINGTON. ILL, Aug. 4.
My Dcnr iSu'-The training and habits OF my
life naturally lead me to prefer civilians to sol
ders for great civil trusts: But as parties are
organized voters must choose between candl-
dates they represent, Or stand alo0f. indifferent
neutral, which no good citizen ought to do ut
a Presidential election. l have no hesitation i'll
supporting General Hancock for the best of all
reasons to my mind, because his election will
put an end to sectional strife and to sectional
parties, and will revive patriotic sentiment all
over the land, which political leaders and fac
tons for sinister ends have sought to prevent.
There can be no permanent prosperity with
out pacification. Great rs We're the achieve
ments of Gen. Hancock in war; his conduct in
peace, when i'll command of Louisiana and Tex
as, i'll 1867, was still greater, and justly COM
mends him to the confidence Of the country.
That was time when passion ruled i'll public
councils, and military power was exercised to
silence civil authority. Temptation was strong
to sail with the rushing current; for an nfamed
partisan opinion was too ready to condOne eX-
cesses and to applaud expressions. Gen. Han
cocks order No. 40, in assuming charge OF the
Fifth Military District, announced that the right
of the press, freedom Of speech, natural lights
of persons and rights OF property, must be re-
spected.
These principles are the basis of free govern
ment, and proclamation Of them by Gen. Han
cock stands out in striking contrast with the ac-
ton of his superior, who soon after returned and
drove him from that command for utterlng sen
timents worthy of all honor. The soldier clothed
with extraordinary power voluntarily uncOv-
cred before the civil authority, sheathed his
sword, testified his fidelity to the constitution
and set an example Of obedience to law, which
will pass into history as his proudest claim to
distinction. The man who i'll the midst OF the
excitement of the stormy period was cool enough
to see his duty clearly and courageous enough
to execute it firmly may be well trusted in any
crisis.
His letter to Gen. Sherman recently brought
to light, lifts Gen. Hancock far above the past
appreciation of his civil ability. 1t marks him
as one Of the wisest Of his time, with states
mans grasp of mind and with the integrity of a
patriot whom no sense OF eXpediency could
swcrve from his honest convictions. Long and
uncheckered possession OF power by any party
leads to extravaganza, corruption, and loose
practices. After twenty years of domination
by the Republicans, chronic abuses have become
fastened upon the public service like barnaces
on the bottom of a stranded ship
There Is no hope of reform by leaders who
have created q system of NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.,
and who are interested in perpetuating its evils.
Nothing short OF the sternest remedy gives any
promise OF effective reform. and the first step
toward it is Ill Il change OF rulers. The Govern
ment must be got out Of the rutS in which 1t has
too long been run. New blood must be infused
into the management OF public affairs before re-
lief can be expected. The people demand a
change, and being in earnest, they are likely to
be gratlted
Very sincerely,
....... DAVID DAVIS.
To Hon. James E. Harvey.