The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1880-08-17
DAVID DAVIS FOR HANCOCK.
The Eminent Jurist's Reasons tor
Supporting the Democratic
Nominee.
BLooMINeToN, Ill, Aug. 4. 1880.


BLooMlseroN, ILL., Aug 4. 1880.
My DEAR Sir: The training and hab-
its of my life lead me to prefer civilians
to soldiers for the great civil trusts
But as parties are organized, voters must
choose between the candidates they rep
resent or stand sloof, Indifferent or neu-
trail, which NO good citizen onght to.dn
at Presidential election. have no
hesitation 10 supporting General Han
cock, 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 senti-
iment alr over the land, which political
leaders and factions for sinister ends
have soueis tospreyent There can be
no permanent prosperity without pacifi-
cation.
Great as were the achievements of
General Hancock in war, his conduct in
peace, when in command of Louisiana
and Texas 10 1857, was still greater, and
justly commeDds him to the confidence
of the country. That was time when
passion ruled in the public councils and
military power was exerted to silence
civil authority The temptation was
strong to sail with the rushing current,
for an infamed partisan opinion was too
ready to condoue excesses and to ap-
plaui oppression.
General Hancock's order No. 40, in
assuming charge of the Fifth Military
District, announced ''the right of trial
by jury, the habeas corpus, the liberty
of the press, the freedom of speech, the
natural rights of persons and the rights
of property must be respected" These
principles are the basis of free govern
ment, and the proclamation of them by
General Hancock stands out in striking
contrast with the actions of his supe-
rior, who socn after rebuked and drove
him from that command for uttering
sentiments worthy Of all honor. The
soldier, clothed with extraordinary pow
er, voluntarily uncovered before the civ
il 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 in the midst Of the ex-
citements of that stormy period was
cool enough to see his duty clearly, and
courageous enough to execute 1t firmly,
may be we'll trusted in any crisis. His
letter to General Sherman, recently
brought to light, lifts General Hancock
far above the past appreciation of bis
civil ability. Itmarks him as one Of
the wisest Of his time, with statesman's g
grasp of mind aud with the integrity OF
a patriot whom no sense of expedite cy
could swerve from his honest convic-
tions.
Long and unchecked possession OF
power by any party leads to extrava-
gance, corruption and loose practices -
After twenty years OF domination by
the Republicans, chronic abuses have
become fastened upon the public service
like barnscles on the bottom of strand
ed snip There is no hope of reform by
leaders who have created system Of
maladministration and who are interested
in perpetuating its evils. Nothing short
Of the sternest remedy gives any prom
Use of effective reform, and the first step
towards it is in change Of rulers The
Government must be got out of the ruts
in which it has too long been run. New
blood must he infused into the MANAGE
ment of public affairs before relief can
be expected. The people demand q
change, and being in earnest, they are
likely to he gratifed. Very sincerely,
DAVID DAVIS.
James E. Harvey, Washington City.