The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1880-08-03
HANCOCK AND ENGLISH
SPEAK 70 jO,OOO,OOO OF PEOPLE.
Nrw YoRK. July 30'-The following
is General Hancock's letter of accep'

NEw YoRK. July 30'-The following
is General Hancock's letter of accep'
lance:
GOVERNORS ISLAND, N. I..l
july 20, 1870.
GENTLEMEN: I have the honor to ac-
knowledge the receipt of your letter OF
July 10, 1880, apprising me formally .o'
my nomination for the office OF Presi-
dent of the United States by the Nation
al Democratic Convention, lately as
semhled in Cincinnati. | accept the
nomination with grateful appreciation Of
the confidence reposed in me. Tue
principles enunciated by the Convention
are those 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 Uni'ed States, embodying the re-
suits of the war for the Union, are in
vi'lable. II called to the Presidency, l
should deem it my duty to resist with
all my power anv attempt to impair or
evade the full force ard 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 by it to the Legis-
lative, Executive and Judicial Depart
ments define and limit the authority ot
the general Government The powers
not delegated to the United States by
the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to
the States, belong to the States respec-
lively. or to the people. The general
and State governments each acting in it's
own sphere without trenching upon the
lawful jurisdiction of the other, consti-
tute the UHion This Union, compri-
sing general Government with general
powers and State governments with
State powers for purposes Of local gov.
ernment OF States, is polity, the foun.
dations of which we're laid in the pro-
foundest wisdom.
As is the Union our fathers made, and
what has been so respected abroad and
so benefcent at home. tried by blood
and fire, it stands to day a model form
OF free. popular government, political
system, which rightly administered, has
been, and will continue to be the admi.
ration of the world. May we not say
nearly in the words Of Washington, the
unity of government, which constitutes
US one people, is justly dear to US. II
is the main rillar in the edifce OF oui
real Independence, the support of our
peace, safety and prosperity, and OF tha,
liberty we so highly prize and intend
at every hazard to preserve. But nc
form of government however carefully
devised, no principles however sound
will protect the rights of the people un.
less the administration is faithful and
efficient. It is vital principle in oul
system that neither fraud nor force must
be allowed to subvert the rights of the
people. When fraud, violence or in.
competence controls, the noblest consti.
tuition and wisest laws are useless, the
bayonet is not it instrument for cul.
lecting the vote Of freemen. 1t is only
by full vote, free ballot and fair count
that the people can rule in fact as re
quired bv the theory OF our Government
Take this foundation awav and the whole
structure falls. Public office is q trust
not bounty bestowed upon the holder
No incompetent or dishonest persons
should ever be entrusted with it, or il
appointed they should promptly be ejec.
ted. Our material interests, varied anG
progressive, demand our constant and
united efforts; a sedulous and scrupulous
care Of public credit, together with 6
wise and economical management o
our governmental expenditures should
be maintained, that labor may be lightly
burdened and that all persons may be
protected in their rights to the fruits o
their own industry.
The time has come to enjoy the sub.
stantial benefits of reconciliation. As
one people we have common interests
Let US encourage harmony and a gener.
Gus rivalry among our own industries
which will revive our languishing mer.
chant marine; extend our commerce with
foreign nations; assist our merchants
manufacturers and producers to develope
our vast natural resources and increases
he prosperity and happiness Of our peo.
pie. II elected l shall With divine favor
labor with what ability I possess to dis
charge my duties with fidelity according
to my convictions, and shall take care
to protect and defend our Union and itc
see that the laws be faithfully snd equally
executed in all ports of the country
alike. / will assume the responsibility
fully sensible OF the fact that to admin
lister rightly the functions of the Gov
ernment is to discharge the most sacred
duty that can devolve on an American
citizen. / am very respectfully yours,
/ W S. HANCOCK.
/ To the Hon. Jno. W. Stevenson
President of the Convention, Hon. Jno
P, Stockton, Chairman, and others o
the Committee of the National Demo
cratic Convention.
EugIishss Letter Of A Accontonca