Blount County democrat. [volume] (Maryville, Tenn.) 1879-1883, 1880-08-04
HANCOCK'S LETTER OF AC-
CEPTANCE.

july Nth, lScD,-Ncntlelneu: | have
the honor to acknowledge the receipt
of your letter Of July 18th, 1850, APP
! prising me formally Of my nominal
ton to the Office of president of the
United States, by the national Democrat
! ic convention, lately assembled in Gin
cinnati. | accept the nomination with a
grateful appreciation of the confidence
reposed inme. The principles enumera-
ted by the convention are those | have
CHERISHED IN TIE PAST
and shall endeavor TO maintain in the
future. The 18Th, llth, and 18th
amendments to the constitution of the
United States, embodying the results of
the war for the Union, are inYiolable.
If called to the presidency, | should
deem it my duty to resist with all 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 by
! it to the legislative, executive and judicial
departments, authorize and limit the au-
thOrity of 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 respect
lively. Each acting in its own sphere
without trenching upon the lawful juTis-
diction Of the others, constitutes the
union; this union comprising the general
government with general powers, and
the state government with state powers.
for purposes local to the states is poity,
the foundations of which were laid in the
prOfOundeSt wisdom. This the
UNION OUR FATHERS
made, which has been sorespected abroad
and so benilicent at home. Tried by
blood and fire, it stands to-day model
form offree popular governmental politi-
cal system, which, rightly administered,
has been and will continue to be the adj
mration of the world. May we not say,
nearly in the words of Washington, ''the
unity Of the government which constitutes
Us as one people is justly dear to us. 1t
is the main pillar and edillce of real in
dependence; the support of our peace,
safety and prosperity, and of that liberty
we so highly prize, and intend, at all haz
ard, topreserve."
A"FREE BALLOT"
But no form of government, however
carefully devised, no principles, hOwev-
cr sound, will protect the rights of the
people unless the administration is faith
full and efficient, 1t is the vital princi-
pie in our system that neither fraud or
force must be allowed to subvert the
rights Of the people. When fraud, vio-
lenCe or Incompetence controls, the no.
blest constitutions and wisest laws are
useless. The bayOnet is not a fit instrn-
ment for collecting the votes of free men.
1t il only by full vote, free ballot, and
fair count that the people can rule, in
fact as required by the theory OfOur gov
eminent. Take this foundation away
and the whole structure falls. Public
Office ia
TRUST, NOT BOUNTY
bestowed upon holders. NoincOmpetent
or dishonest person should ever be en-
trusted with it, or if appointed they
should be promptly rejected. The basis
of substantial, practical civil service
reform must first be established by the
people in filling elective offices. If they
fix high standard of qualifications for
Office and stcrnly reject the corrupt and
incompetent, the result will be decisive
in governing the action Of servants whom
they entrust with the appointing power
DOWN WITH THE BLOODY SHIRT!
The war for the Union was success
fully closed more than fifteen years ago,
All classes of our people must share alike
in the blessings of the Union and are
equally concerned in its perpetuity and
the proper administration of public af-
fairs. We are in Il state of profound
peace. Hcnceforth let it he our purpose
to cultivate sentiments of friendship and
no animOSity against our fellOw-citizenS.
Our internal interests, varied and pro-
gresive, demand our constant and united
efforts.
A sEDULOUs AND sCRUPULOUs CARE
of the public credit, together with wise
and economical management of our gov
ornamental expenditures, should be main
tanned in order that labor may be lightly
burdened and that all persons may be
protected in their rights TO the fruits of
their own industry. The time has come
to enjoy the substantial benefits of rec
onciliation. AS one people we have
commandments. Let us encourage the
HARMONY AND GENEROUS RIVALRY
among our own industries which will re-
vive our languishing merchant marine,
extend our commerce with foreign cOm-
tries, assist our merchants, manufactu-
rers and producers to develop our vast
natural resources and increase the pros
perity and happiness Of our people.
PROMISES.
If elected, shall, with Divine favor,
labor with what ability possess to dis
charge my duties with fidelity, accord
ing to my convictions, and shall take
care to protect and defend the union and
20 see that the laws be faithfully
and equally executed in all parts of the
country alike. | will assume the re-
sponsibility fully sensible of the fact
al. .s..1,t 1rr