The weekly Union times. [volume] (Union C.H., South Carolina) 1871-1894, 1880-08-06
GENERAL HANCOCK's LETTER.
GovEHNOH's ISLAND

Gentlemen: have the honour to acknowl7
edge the receipt of your letter of July Ii, 1880,
apprsing me formally Of my nomination to the
office of President of the United States by the
National Democratic Convention lately assem-
bleu in Cincinnati. laccept the nomination with
agrateful appreciation Of the confidence reposed
in me.
The principles enunciated by the Convention
are those have cherished in the past and shall
endeavor to maintain in The future.
THE 18TH, liTH AND l5TH AMENDMENTS
TO the Constitution of the United States cmbody-
ing the results of the war for the Union are in
evioble. IL called to the Presidency should
deem it my duty to resist, with all of my power,
any attempt to impair or evadc the full force
and effect Of the Constitution, which in every
article, section and amendment is the supreme
law of the land. The Constitution forms the
basis of the government of the United States
The powers granted 10y it to the legislative, cx-
ecuive and judicial departments define and linn
1t the authority of tho General Government. -
Powers not delegated TO the United States by
the Constitution nor prohibited by it to the
States belong to the States respectively or to the
ca III acting in itsown sphere without trcrchinp
upon the lawful jurisdiction of the others, CON
stitu,c the Union. This Union comprising the
General Government with general powers and
THE STATE GOVERNMENTS
with State powers for purposes local to the
States, is polty, the foundations of whicl,
were laid in the profoundcst wisdom This is
the Union our fathers made and which has been
respected abroad, and so bencfcent at home
Tried by blood and fire ii stands to-day u model
form OF free popular government, n political sys-
tenn which rightly administered, has been and
will continue to be the admiration of the world
May we not say nearly in the words of Washing
ton, "thc unity of government which constitutes
us one people is justly dear to us; il is the main
pillar IN the edtcc of our real independence,
the support of our peace, safety and prosperity
and ofthat liberty 80 highly prize and intend
at every hazard to preserve"
Bnt no form of government, however carefully
devised, no principles, however sound will pro-
tect the rights OF the people, unless the admin
Istrntion is faithful and efficient.
her fraud nor force mas II be- asWeS TO snbTen
the rights Of the people. When fraud, violence
or incompetence conrols, the nobcst constitu.
tons aud wiscS laws are useless
THE EAYONEr
is not fit instrument for collecting the votes
of free men. 1t is only by full vote free bal.
lot and fair count. that the people can rule i'm
fact as required 10y the theory of our Govern.
ment. Take this foundation away and the whole
structure falls.
rub ic olicc is n trust not bounty bestowed
upon the holder. No incompetent or dishonest
person should ever be cntrustci with it, or if
appointed they should be promptly elected. The
reform must be established by the people in ill.
II elective Offices. II they fix a high standard
or qualifications for Office and sternly reject The
corrupt and incompetent, the result will be de-
clsive IN Ho'erning the action of the servants
whom they entrust with the appointing power.
THE WAR FOR THE UNION
was successfully closed more thar. fifteen years
ago. Ail classes OF our people must share alike
in the blessings of the Union and are equally
concerned in its perpe,uity and in the proper
administration of public affairs. We are in n
state of profound peace llenccforth let il be
our purpose 10 cultivate sentiments Of friend
ship and no animosily against our fellow. citi
zens. Our material interests, varied and prog
ressive, demand our constant ard united efforts
scdulous and scrupulous care of the public
credit, together with wise and economical
management OF our governmental expenditures
should bc maintained, in order that labor may
he lightly burdcned and that all persons may
be protccci IN their rights to the fruits OF their
own industry. The time has come to enjoy the
SUBSTANTIAL BEHETiIs OF RECoHcILlATIoN
As one people we have common interests
Let us encourage that harmony and generous
rivalry among our own industries which will ro-
Vve our ianguishing merchant marine extend
our commerce with foreign countries, assist our
merchants, manufacturers and producers to de
velop our vast national resources and increase
the prosperity and happiness of our people.
II elected, shall, with the Divine favor la
Dor with what ability possess to discharge nv
duties with fidelity according 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 or the country
alike. will assume the responsibility fully
sensible of the fact iha! to administer rightly
the functions of government is to discharge the
most sacred duty that can dcvclvc upon nm
Amtricnn citizen.
! am, very respectfully,
WINFIELD ) HANCOCK