River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1880-08-05
Acceptances of Hancock and English.
The following is Gen. Hancock letter
GOVERNORS ISLAND }


GOVERNORS ISLAND
New York Cry, July 90, 1850.
GENTLEMEN have the honor 10 acknowledge,
the receipt Of your letter of July H. 1880 apprisn
me formally, of my nomination Tor the office os
president Of the United States by the national
democratic convention, lately assembled
in Cincinnati. l accept the nolnina-
ton with grateful appreciation Of the
confidence reposed in me. The principles enuq-
ciated BY the convention are those have cherished
in the past. and shall endayor tn mantain in the
future The 18th, 18th and 18th amendments to
the constitution of the United States, embo'iy-
ing the results of the for the uEiun, are
inSolable If called to the presidency should
deem it my duty to resist with all my power,
any attempt to impair or eVa'e the
full force and effect of the constitution, which III
every article section and amendment II the su.
preme law of the land. The constitution Forms the
basis of the government of the United States,
The powers granted byit to the Legislative eAeeu-
tive and judicial departments, define and aunt the
authority of the general government; fo"ers
not delegated to the United states by th& consul
tuition. nor prohibited by il to the states, belong
to the states respectively or To the people of the
general or state goyenments-eaeh acting IN It's
own sphere without trenching upon the lawful lut-
isdiction Of the other. The constitutional union,
composed of general government WITH
with state powers Tor purposes
local to states i polty, the foundations OF
which were laid in the profOundost Nisdom. This
is the union our fathers made, and which has been
so respected abroad and so beneileent ~ home,
tried by blood and fire, il stands to-day mcdei
form of free popular government, a political sys.
TEN which. rightly administered, has been and
will continue to be, the admiration of the world.
May we not say nearly in the words of W ashIng-
ton: The unity of the government wh(eh CON
stitutes one people is justly dear To as. Ii Is the
main pillar in the edlhce of our real independence
the support of our peace, safety ana
prosperity and of that liberty we SO highly prize
and intend at every hazard to carefully preserve
But no form of government, however carefully
devised no principles however sound, will rotect
the rights of the people unless the administrations
faithful and efficient. 1t is vital principle III
our system that neither fraud nor force must be
allowed TO subyert the rights of the people W len
fraud violence or Incompetence controls, thc no
hlest constitutions and wisest laws are Useless.
The bayonet is not fit instrument for protect
Ing the votes of treemeu. Ii Is only by tull
vote free ballot and fair count that the people
can rule, in fact, required by the theory at cur
government. Take this foundation away, ahd
the structure falls.
Public office is trust not bounty bestowed
upon the holder No incompetent or dtahonest
person should ever be entrusted with It or II APP
pointed they should promptly be elected. cur
material interests varied and progressive, demand
our constant and united efforts. seduoas
and scmpulous Of the public credit together
with wise and economical management Of our
governmental expenditures should be maintained
in order that labor may be lightly burdcnea aud
that all persons may be protected ia their rights to
the fruits of their industry. The time has come
to enjoy the substantial benefits of reconciliation
one people all having common interest.
Let US encourage harmony and gencr-
Gus rivalry among our own industries which
will revive our langushing merchant mariar eX-
tend our commerce with foreign nations. assist our
merchants, manufacturers ami producers 10 de
yelope our vast national resources and Increase
the prosperity and happiness of our people
If eec ed l shall with Divine favor labor with
what ability possess, to discharge my duties with
fidelity, according to my convictions. ana shall
take care to protect and defend the union and To
that the laws are faithfully and equitably eSecat-
ed in all parts of the country alike. l will assume
the responsibility fully sensible Of the
fact that to admin er rightly the functions I
the government is to discharge the host .acrcd
duty that can devolye upon American citizen.
/ am, very respectfully yours,
(Signed) W. ;. HANCOCK.
| To Hon. John W. Stevenson, president Of the
! convention