Butler citizen. [volume] (Butler, Pa.) 1877-1922, 1880-08-04
THE LETTER AT LAST.
FROM HANCoCK-THE HEAD OF THE
TICKET IS DECIDEDLY NON
COMMITTAL.

tlOnal democratic COQNenllOu ldtciy
assembled in Cincinnati. | accept the
nomination with grateful appreciation
of the confidence reposed in me. The
principles enunciated by the Conven-
tion are those | have cherished in the
past, and shall endeayor to maintain
in the future. The thirteenth, four
teenth and fifteenth amendments to
the Constitution of the United States,
embodying the results of the war for
the Union, are inviolable. If called
to the Presidency, | should deem it
nv duty to resist with all my power
any attempt to impare or eyade 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
State. The powers granted by it to
the legislative, executive and judicial
departments define and limit the au-
thority of the general government.
Powers no. delegated to the United
States by the Constitution, nor pro-
hibited to the States, belong to the
to the States respectively or to the
people.
The general and State governments
each acting in its own sphere, without
trenching upon the lawful jurisdiction
of the other, constitute the Union.
The Union, comprising general gov
ernment, with general powers, and
State Governments, with State powers
for purposes local to the States, is
polity the foundations of which were
laid in the profoundest 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 it stands to-day model
form of free popular government,
political system which, rightly admin
istered, has been and will continue to
be the admiration of the world May
we not say nearly in the words of
Washington, 1.-THE unity of government
which constitutes us one people is
Justly dear to us. 1t is the main
pillar in the edifce of our real inde-
pendence, the support of our peace,
safety and prosperity, and of the lib
erty, we SO highly prize and intend
at every hazard to preserve" But no
form of government, however carefully
devised, no principles, however sound,
will protect the rights Of the people
unless the administration is faithful
and efficient.
1t is a vital principel in our system
that neither fraud nor force must be al
lowed to subvert the rights of the peo-
pie. When fraud, violence or incom-
petence controls, the noblest constitu-
tions and wisest laws are useless.
The bayonet is not iit instrument for
collecting the votes Of freemen. 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
ernment. Take this foundation away
and the whole structure falls.
A public Office is trust, not
bounty bestowed upon the holder.
No incompetent or dishonest person
should be intrusted with it. or if ap-
pointed they should promptly be eject
ed. The basis of substantial, prac-
tical civil service reform must be es-
tablished by the people in filling the
elective Offices. If they fix high
standard of qualifications for Office, and
sternly reject the corrupt or incompe=
tent. the result will be decisive In
governing the action of the servants
whom they entrust with the appoint
ing power.
The war for the Union was success
fully closed more than fifteen years
ago. All classes of our people should
share alike in the blessings of the
Union, and are equally concerned in
it's perpetuity and in the proper adj
ministration of public affairs We are
in state Of profound peace henceforth
let it be our purpose to cultivate SEN
timents of friendship and not Of ami
mostly among our fellow citizens.
Our material interest, varied and pro7
eressige, demand our constant and
united efferts.
A ecdulous and scrupulous care Of
the public credit, together with wise
and economical management Of our
expenditures, should be maintained in
order that labor may be lightly bur-
dened, and that all persons may be pro-
tected in their rights to the fruits of
their own industry. The time has
come TO enjoy the substantial benefits
Of reconstruction as one people. We
have common interests. Let US en-
courage harmony and generous rivalry
among our own industries, which will
revive our languishing merchant ma
rlne, extend our commerce with foreign
nations, assist our merchants, manu-
facturers and producers to develop our
vast national resources, and increase
the prosperity and happiness Of our
people.
II elected shall, with Divine favor,
labor with what ability ] possess to
discharge my duties with fidelity ac-
cording TO my convictions, and shall
take care to protect and defend the
Union and TO sec 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 government il to dis,
charge the most sacred duty that can
devolve upon an American citizen,
am, very respectfully, yours,
WINFIELD S. HANCOCK.
To Hon. John w. Stevenson, Presi-
dent Of the Convention, Hon. John =.
Stockton, Chairman, and others Of the
Committee of the National Demo
cratic Convention.
A Beaver County Farmers Suicide
By Hanging.
For many years Mr.. Adam Stein
bach, n farmer, has resided in Marion
township, Beaver county, short dis
tance from the Curry" Church He