Clearfield Republican. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1851-1937, 1880-08-04

of the land,
THE UNION UNDER Tue CONSTITUTION.
The constitution forms the basis Of
the Government Of the United States.
The powers granted by it to the Legis-
lauve, Executive and Judicial Depart.
ments define and limit the authority
of the 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 people. The
General and State Governments, each
acting its own sphere without trench
ing upon the lawful jurisdiction of tho
other constitute the Union. This
Union, comprising a General Govern
ment with general powers and State
Governments with State powers for
purposes local to the States, is a polity,
the foundations Of which were laid in
the proloundest wisdom. This is the
Union our fathers made, and which
has been so respected abroad and so
benefcient at home. Tried by blood
and fire it stands to-day q model form
of free popular Government, a political
system which, rightly administered,
has been and will continue to be the
admiration of the world May we not
say, nearly in the words of Washington,
the unity of Government which constl-
tutes ps one people is justly dear to us 2
1t is the main pillar in the cdifice Of
our real independence, the support Of
our peace, safety and prosperity and
OF that liberty we so highly prize and
intend at every hazard to preserve.
FRAUD MUST NOT suBvERT POPULAR
RIGHTS.
But no form of Government, how
ever carefully devisd, no principles,
however sound, will protect the rights
of the people unless the administration
is faithful and efficient. 1t is vital
principle in our system that neither
fraud nor force must be allowed to sub.
vert the rights of the people. When
fraud, violence or incompetence con.
trolls, the noblest Constitutions and
wisest laws are useless, The bayonet
is not n fit instrument for collecting
the votes of freemen. 1t is only by q
full vote, free ballot and fair count
that the people can rule in fact as re.
quired by the theory ofour Govern
ment Take the foundation away
and the whole structure falls.
PUBLIC OFFICE A TRUST
Public office is trust, not bounty
bestowed upon the holder No incom,
petent or dishonest persons should
ever be entrusted with it, or, ifappoint
cd, they should be promptly elected
The basis of a substantial, practical
civil service reform must first be es-
tablished by the people in filling the
elective offices. If they fix a high
standard of qualifications for office and
sternly reject the corrupt and incom.
petent, the result will be decisive in
governing the action of the servants
whom they entrust with appointing
power.
LET US HAVE PEACE.
The war tor the Union was success
fully closed more than fifteen years
ago. All classes of our people must
share alike in tho blessings OF the
Union and are equally concerned in
its perpetuity and in the proper admin.
istration of public affairs We are in
state ofproiound peace. Henceforth
let it be our purpose to cultivate senti-
ments of friendship and not of animos.
ity among our fellow-citizens. Our
material interests, varied and progress
i've, demand our constant and united
efforts. A sedulous and scrupulous
care OF the public credit, together with
a wise and economical management OF
our governmental expenditures, should
be maintained, in order that labor may
be lightly burdened aud that all per.
sons may be protected in their rights
to the fruits of their own industry.
THE WAY TO PROSPERITY.
The time has come to enjoy the sub.
stantial benefits of reconciliation. AS
one people we have common interests.
Let us encourage the harmony and
generous rivalry among our own in
dustries which will revive our languish.
ing merchant marine, extend our com.
mercc With foreign nations, assist our
merchants, manufacturers and produ-
GERS to develop our vast natural re.
sources and increase the prosperity
and happiness of our people.
If elected shall, with the Divine
favor, labor with what ability | pos
sess to discharge my duties with fidel.
ity 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 of the country alike will as.
sumo the responsibility fully sensible
of the fact that to administer rightly
the functions of the Government is to
discharge the most sacred duty that
can devolve upon an American citizen,
| am, very respectfully, yours,
WINFIELD S. HANCOCK.
To the Honorable John w. Ste.
venson, President of the Convention
Honorable John p Stockton, Chair.
man, and others Of the Committee Of
the National Democratic Convention
1t is said that General Hancock has
so small a civic record, " 1t is small
for the reason that most of bis life has
been taken up in fighting the battles