The Portland daily press., 1880-07-31

Especial Dispatch by the American Union Line.l
NEW YORK, July 30.-The following is Gen
Hancock's letter of acceptance:
GOVERNORS ISLAND, New YORK Cry.
July 90
Gentlemen,-I have the honor to acknowl
edge the receipt OF your letter of July 18th
1886, apprisiDg me formally of nv nomination
to the office of President of the United State
by the National Democratic Convention
lately assembled in Cincinnati | accept the
nomination with greatful appreciation of the
confidence reposed in me.
The principles enunciated by the convention
are those have cherished in the past and
shall endeavor to do so in the future The 18th
l4th and 10Th amendments to the constitution
OF the United States embodying the results OF
the war for the Union are inviolate. If called
to the Presidency should deem it my duty to
resist with all OF my power any attempt to i'm
pair or eyade the full force and effect of the
constitution which in every article, section
and amendment is the supreme law of the
land They constitute and form the basis of
the Government of the United States. The
powers granted by it to the legislative, execu-
tive and Judicial departments define and limit
the authority of the general government. Pow
ers not delegated to the United States by the
constitution nor prohibited by it to the states
belong 10 the states, respectively, as to the
people. The general and state governments,
each acting in its own sphere without trench
.
constitute the Union. zThe Union comprising a
general government with general powers,
and state governments with state powers for
purposes local to the states is aspolity the foun-
dations of which were laid in the profoundast
wisdom. This is the Union our fathers made
and which has been so respected abroad and so
benefcent at home. Tried by blood and fire
its stands to-day model form of free popular
government, 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 constitutes us one
people is justly dear to u.s. 1t is the main pill
lar in the edifice in real independence, the
support OF our peace, safety and prosperity
and of that liberty we so highly prize and in
tend at every hazard to preserve" But no
/. form of government however carefully de-
vised, no principle however sound will pro-
tect the rights of the people unless an admin
inistration is faithful and efficient. 1t is a
vital principle in our system that neither fraud
nor force must be allowed to subvert the rights
of the people. When fraud, violence or in
competency controls, the noblest constitutions
and the wiseSt laws are useless. The bayonet
is not fit instrument for collecting the votes
OF free men. 1t is only by full vote, free
ballot and fair count that the people can rule
in fact as required by the theory of our gov
eminent. Take the foundation away and the
whole structure falls.
Public office is a trust not bounty bes tow ed
upon the holder. No incompetent or dishonest
persons should ever be entrusted with it or if
appointed he should be promptly elected.
The basis of a substantial and practical civil
service reform must be established by the
people in filling the elective offices. If they
fix high standard of qualifications for office
and sternly reject the corrupt and incompetent
the result will be decisive in governing the
action of the servant whom they entrust with
the appointing power.
The war for the Union was successfully
closed more than 10 years ago. All classes Of
our people must share alike in the blessings of
the Union and are equally concerned in its
perpetuity and in the proper administration of
public affairs We are in a state of profound
peace. Henceforth let it be our purpose to
cultivate sentiments of friendship and not of
amnesty among our fellow citizens.
Our material interests, varied and progress
sive demand, our constant and united efforts.
A SedulouS and ScrupulOuS care of the public
credit, together with wise and economical
management of our government and expendi-
lures should be maintained in order that labor
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 reconciliation.
AS one people we have common interests. Let
us encourage the harmony and generous rival
~ among our own industries which will
revive Cur languishing merchant marine and
commerceiwith foreign nations, assist our mer-
chants, manufacturers and producers, develop
our vast natural resources and increase the
prosperity and happiness of our people.
If elected I shall with the Devine favor
labor with what ability possess to discharge
the duties with fidelity according to my convic-
ton, and shall take care to protect and defend
the Union and to see that the laws be enacted
faithfully and equally in all parts of the
country alike. will assume 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 on an American citizen
am very respectfully yours,
WINFIELD S. HANCOCK
To the Hon. John W. Stevenson, President of
the Convention; Hon. John P. Stockton
Chairman, and others of Committee of the
National Democratic Convention.