Morris tribune., 1880-08-05
General HancOck's Letter Of Accordance.


29, Gentlemen: I have the honor to
acknowledge the receipt of your letter OF
July ID, 1880, apprising me formally of my
nomination to the Office of President of the
United States by the national Democratic
convention lately assembled in Cincinnati
I accept the nomination with grateful appre-
ciation of the confidence repOsed in me-
The principles enunciated by the Cincinnati
convention are those have cherished in the
past and shall endeavor to maintain in the
future. The thirteenth, fourteenth and
fifteenth amendments to the constitution OF
the United States, among the results OF
the war for the Union,
ARE INvIoLABLE.
II called to the Presidency should deem
il my duty to f.sist with all my power any
attempt to impair or evslie the full force and
effect Of the constitution, which In every
article and amendment is the
SUPREME Law OF THE LAND.
The constitution forms the basis of gov.
ernment in the United States. The powers
granted by it to the Legislative, executive
and Judicial departments define and limit
the authority of the general govern.
ment. Powers not delegated to the United
States by the constitution nor prohibited
by it to the States, belong to the States re.
spectively, or to the people of the general
and State governments, each In itg own
sphere. without trenching upon the lawful
jurisdictions of other constitutions. This
Union, comprising general government
with general powers, and
STATE GOVERNMENTS WITH State POWERS
for purposes local to the States, ia o polrty
the foundations Of which were laid in the
profoundest wisdom. This is the govern
ment our fathers made and which has been
SO respected abroad and 30 benehcent al
home.
TRIED By BLOOD AND FIRE,
it stands to day model form of free popu.
lar governments political system which,
rightly administered, has been and will con-
tiuue to be, the admiration of the world.
May we not say, nearly in the words of
Washington, the unity Of q government
which constitutes one people, is Justly dear
to us. 1t is the main pillar in the edifce of
our real independence, the support of our
peace, safety and prosperity, and of that
heritage which we prize and intend
AT EVERY HAZARD TO PROTECT.
But no form of government, however
carefully devised, no principles however
sound, will protect the rights of the people
unless the administration is faithful and
efficient. It is vital principle in our sys.
tenn, that neither fraud nor force must be
allowed to subvert the rights Of the people,
When fraud, violence or Incompetence
control, the noblest constitution and wisesi
laws are useless
THE BAYoNET Is NOT FIT INSTRUMENT
for controlling the votes of freemen. It is
only by free vote, free ballot and fair
count that the people can rule in fact, az
required by the theory of our government.
Take this foundation away, and the whole
structure falls. Public Office is trust; not
bounty bestowed upon the holder. No in
competent or dishonest person should ever
be entrusted with it, or If appointed they
should promptly be rejected.
QUE MATERNAL INTERESTS,
varied and progressive, demand our constant
and united efforts. sedulous and
scrupulous care of the public credit, to-
gether with wise and economical arrange
ment of our government expenditures
should be maintained, in order that
labor may be lightly burdened, and chat all
persons may be protected in their rights to
the fruits of their own industry.
The time has come to enjoy the substan.
tial benefits Of reconciliation. As one peo-
pie We have common interests. Let MS en-
courage harmony and generous rivalry
among our own industries, which will revive
our languishing merchant marine, extend
our commercs with foreign nations, assist
our merchants, manufacturers and pro-
ducers to develop our vast national re-
sources, and increase the prosperity and hap
piness of our people. If elected. shall with
divine favor labor with what ability possess
to discharge my duties with fidelity, accord.
ing 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 function Of government is to
discharge the most sacred duty that can de-
volve upon an American citizen. I ann very
respectfully yours,
(Signed) W. s. HANcooK.
To the Hon. John w. Stevenson, president
of the convention, at Cincinnati, Ohio.