National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1880-07-31

General Hancccks Letter OF AOcept"hoc'
NEw York, July 30.--The following is
General Hancock's letter of acceptance;
GOVERNORS ISLAND, N. Y,
July 20, 1880.
To the Hon. John W. Stevenson, president of
tho conventions; Hon. John =. Stockton,
chairman, and others of the committe OF
tho national democratic convention
GENTLEMEN: / have tho honor to acsnowl-
edge the receipt of your letter OF July ID,
1880, apprising me formally of my nomina-
tion to the Office of president of the United
States by tho national democratic conven.
tion lately assembled In Cincinnati. ac-
cept tho nomination with grateful appreciation
of the confidence rep0sed III mo.
The principles enunciated by the conven-
tion are those have cherished In tho past
and shall endeavor to maintain In the future.
The thirteenth, fourteenth and fifteenth amend
ments to the constitution Of the United States,
embodying' the results Of the war for tho
union, are inviolable. If called 10 tho prosi-
dency l should deem it my duty to resist
with all of my power any attempt to impair
or evade tho full force and effect Of the con-
stitution, which in every article, section and
amendment Is the supreme law Of the land.
The constitution forms the basis of the gov
ernment OF the United States. The powers
granted by II to tho legislative, executive and
judicial departments define and limit the
authority of the general government; powers
not delegated to the United States by the con-
stitution, nor prohibited by it to tho states,
belong to the states respectively, or TO the
people. Tho general and state governments,
each acting in its own sphere without trench
ing upon the lawful jurisdiction of tho other,
constitute tho union.
This union, comprising q general govern
mont with general powers and state govern
mcnts 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
benefcont at home. Tried by blood and fire,
it 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. it is tho main
pillar In tho edfico of our real independence,
the support of our peace, safety aud prosperity,
and Of that liberty we SO highly prize aud in
tend vt ovory hazard to preserve.
But no form of government, however care
fully devised, no principles, however sound,
will protect tho 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 subvert
the rights of the people. When fraud, violence
or incompetence controls, the noblest constitu-
tions and wisost laws are useless, The hcbayonet
is not a fit 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
ernmcnt. Take this foundation away and the
whole structure falls. Public Office is q trust,
not bounty, bestowed upon tho HOLDER no
incompetent or dishonest persons should ever
be intrusted with it, or, if appointed, they
should bo promptly elected.
The basis of n substantial, practical civil
service reform must bo first established by
the people ia filling tho elective offices; If
they fix high standard of qualifications for
office, and sternly reject tho corrupt aud in
competent, tho result will be decisive in gov
erning the action of the servants whom
they intrust with appointing power.
The war for tho union was successfully closed
more than fifteen years ago. All classes OF
our people share alike in tho blessings of the
union, and are equally concerned in its pcrpe-
tuity, and in the proper administration OF
public affairs. Wo are in q state Of profound
peace Hcnceforth Let it be our purpose to
cultivate sentiments of friendship aud no an
imosity against our follow-citizens Our
material interests, varied and progressive,
demand our constant and united efforts
A seduous and scrupulous care Of tho pub
lie credit, together with wise and economical
management of our governmental expendi-
turos, should bc maintained, in order that
labor may be lightly bprdenod, and that all
persons may DO protected in their rights to the
fruits OF their own industry. The time has
come to enjoy the substantial benefits Of re-
Cancellation. AS one people we have common
interests. Let us encourage tho harmony and
generous rivalry among our own industries
which will revive our languishing merchant
marine, extend our commerce with foreign
countries, assist our merchants, manu- facturers
aud producers to develop our vast nat
nral resources, and increase tho pros
perity and tho happiness of our people.
If elected | shall, with tho divine favor
labor with what ability possess to discharge
my duties with fidelity, according tC
my convictions, and shall take care
to protect and defend tho union ant
to soc that the laws be faithfully and
equally executed in all parts of tho country
alike. | will assume the responsibility, fully
sensible Of the fact that to administer rightly
the functions of government is to discharge
tho most sacred duty that ,can devolve upoI
an American citizen. l am, very respectfully
WINFIELD S. HANCOCK.