South Branch intelligencer. [volume] (Romney, Va. [W. Va.]) 1830-1896, 1880-08-06
LETTER OF ACCEPrANCE.

NANhs July oNs-llc tOtlOWtn-
is Gen. Hancock's letter OF acceptance
otthe democratic nomination Tor presi-
dent OF the United States:
"Gorcrnor's hiasd Nee York Gin
July %. lSso.-Gentlenen: I have me
honor TO acknowledge tue recent OF
your letter or July Is. 1880. apptisIng
ne formally OF my nomination To Tho
oihce OF President OF the United States
ny tue National Democratic Couven.
ZION, lately assembled In Cincinnati;
accept the nomination with grateful
appreciation OF The confidence reposed
IN me. The principles enuncia,csl -bv
the convention are those have cberisL.
Ell IN the past and shall endeavor 70
maintain 10 the future.
The thirteenth. fourteenth and iftecnth
amendments 90 tho constitution OF the
United States. embodying the results ~
the war for tho Union, are inviolable
II called 10 the Presidency I shoniJ
deem IL my duty 20 resist with all OF M.
power any attempt 20 impair or cvade
the 'uii force and effect OF the cousti:u.
ton, which, IN every article, section and
amendment, is the supreme law OF the
iano. The constitution forms the basis
oil the government OF the United States.
inc powers granted 10y it TO the legis,r.
tive, executive and judicial tiepartments
dehno and limit the authority OF the gen.
efsI government. Powers not delega,ei
to the United States 10y the constitution.
nor prohibited by Il TO tho States. ne.
long to the States, respectively. or TO
inc people. Tho general and State
governments, each acting in is own
sphere, without touching upon the lawful
Jurisdiction OF the other. constitute tho
Union. This Union, COMPRISING gen-
erai government with general powres.
ana State governments with State pow.
ers Tor purposes local TO the States, is a
polity the foundations OF which were
laid in the profoundest wisdom. This
IS the Union our fathers made. and
which has been so respected abroad and
so oeneticent at home. Tried by blood
and fire, 1t stands to-day q model form
OF free popular government; a political
system which, rightly administered, has
been and will continue to be the admi-
ration of the world. May we not say.
nearly In tho words OF Washington !:
'Ihe Unity of government which consti-
tutes us one people is justly dear TO us ::
it IS Tue main pillar in Tic edifice Of our
real independence, the support of our
peace, safety and prosperity. and of tia.
liberty we SO highly prize aud intend at
every hazard 10 preserve?
bat 10 form or government, how
ever carefully devised. M principles.
however sound, will protect the rights
OF The people unless the administration
IS faithful aud efficient. It is q vital
principal in our system that neither
fraud nor force must be allowed TO sub
vert tue rights Of tho people. When
fraud, violence or Incompetence controls.
the noblest constitutions and wisest
laws arc useless. The bayonet is rot
mt instrument for collecting the votos
OF ireemen. IL is only by a full vote,
free ballot and fair count that tho Doonlc
can rnlc in fact, rs required by tie the
DRY OF our Sovernnot. Take this foun-
cation away 81 the whole structure falls
Public Office 10 trust, not bounty
bestowed upon the holder. No incom
petent or dishonest person should ever
be entrusted with IL; or, il appointed
they should be promptly rejected. The
basis of substantial, practical civil SER
vice reform must first be established
by the people 10 filing the elective of.
fees. II they fix high standard Of
qualifications for Office. and sternIv re.
ject the corrupt and incompetent the
result will nc decisive in governing the
action OF the servants whom they en-.
trust With the appointing power.
Tho war FOR the Union was success.
iully closed more than hundred years
ago. All classes OF our ucople must
share alike in the blessings Of tie Union.
and arc equally concerned in its perpe.
tuity and ii the proper administration
OF pnolc affairs. We are in a state Of
profound peace. Hcoceforth les it. be
our purpose 20 cultivate sentiments 81
friendship, and not OF animosity. among
our ieiiow-citizens. Our material inter.
csts, varied and progressive. demand
our constant aud united efforts.
y scdulous and scrupulnus core Of
the public credit, together with a wise
and economical management ar our o,r,v.
e7nmental expenditures should so main.
cd, TN order tiat labor may DC igh,lv
burdercd. and that al persons msy be
protected IN their rights 90 the fruits OF
their own industry. The time has como
TO enjoy The substantial bonefts OF re.
Cancellation. As one pcopie We bave
common interests. Let rs encourage tbo
HarmouY & generous rivalry amonp our
own industries which will revive our
ianguisiing merchant marine. extend
our commerce with foreign nations. as.
slst our merchants, manufacturers and
producers 10 develop our vast natural
resources, and increase the prosperity
and happiness OF our people.
If elected ] shall, with the Divine IA.
vor, labor with what ability I possess 10
discharge my duties with fidelity. accor.
ding 20 my convictions. and shall take
care 10 protect aud defend the Union
and 90 sec that the laws be equally and
faithfully executed IN al parts Of the
country alike. 1 will assume the respon.
sibility fully sensible Of the fact that to
rightly the functions Of gov.
eminent is to discharge the most sacred
duty that can deyolve upon IN American
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