The Northern Pacific farmer. [volume] (Wadena, Minn.) 1878-1885, 1880-08-12
Acceptances Of Hancock and English.
The following is Gen. Hancock's letter
Of acceptance:
GOVERNORS ISLAND,
New York CITY, July 20, 1880.


New YoRK CITY, July 20, 1857
GENrLEMES:-I have the honor to acknowledge
the receipt of your letter: Of July IL 1881 apPsnS
me, formally, of my nomination for the office OF
president of the United States, by the national
democratic convention, lately, assembled
in Cincinnati. I accept the ne no 4i'o
confidence rcposed in me- The principles ennn,
ciated by the convention are those have cherished
in the past and shall endavor to maintain IN the
future. The 18th, l4th and 10Th amendments to
the constitution Of the United States, embody-
involable. If called to the presidency, should
deem it my duty to resist, with all my power,
any attempt to impair or evade the
full force and effect Of the constitution, which in
every article. section and amendment Is the s'l.
preme law Of the land. The constitution forms 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. Powers
not delegated to the United States by the constl-
tuition nor prohibited by it to the states, heiong
to the states respectively to the people OF the
general or state governments-each acting in its
own sphere, without trenchinS upon the lawful !ur-
isdiction Of the other. The constitutional union
composed of a general government, with
general powers, and state governments
local to state Suites, is polity the foundations Of
which were laid in the profoundest wisdom. This
is the union oar fathers made, and which has been
80 respected abroad, and so benefcent at home;
tried by blood and fire, it stands to-day model
form Of free popular government, {: political sys,
tenn which, rightly administered has been and
will continue TO be- the admiration OF the world.
May we not say nearly in the words of Washing
ton: ",rhe unity Of the government which con-
stitutcs one people Justly dear to us. 1t is the
main pillar in the etfce of ourreal independence;
the support of peace, safety and
prosperity, and of that liberty we highly prize
and intend at every hazard to carefully preserve.
But no form Of government, however carefully
devised, princ pies, however sound, will rotect
the rights Of the people unless the administration Is
faithful and efficient. IT. q vi tai principle IN
our system that neither fraud nor force must be
allowed to subyert the rights of the people. W hen
fraud, violence or incompetence controls, the no
blest constitutions and wisest laws are useless.
The bayonet is not fit instrument for protect
ing the votes Of freemen. 1t is only by full
can rule, in fact, required by the theory Of our
government. Take this foundation away: and
the structure falls.
Public office is trust. not bounty bestowed
upon the holder. No incompetent Or dishonest
person should ever be entrusted with it or if APP
pointed they should promptly be elected. Our
material interests varied and progressive, demand
our constant and united efforts. 4 sedulous
and scrupuo,,s care Of the public credit together
with wise and economical management OF our
governmental expenditures SnOUN NC nlsit1tilllleu
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 reconciliation as
one people, all having common interest.
Let us encourage harmony and gener-
Gus rivalry among our own industries which
will revive our lanyuishing merchant marine, ex-
tend our commerce with foreign nations: assist on,
merchants. manufacturers and producers to de-
velope our vast national resources and increase
the prosperity and happiness Of our people.
If elected, I shall, will, Divine favor labor with
what ability possess, to discharge my duties will
fidelity according to my convictions. and shall
take care to protect and defend the union and to
that the laws faithfully and equitab!y execut-
cd i'll all parts of the country alike will assume
the responsibility: fully sensible Of the
fact that to administer rightly the functions o1
the government is to discharge the most sacred
duty that can devove upon an American citizen
I am: very respectfully yours.
(SisneD W., S. HANCOCK.
70 Hon. John W. Stevenson, president Of tn.
convention.