The Newtown bee., 1880-08-04
General Hanoock's Letter o1
 Accordance.

The following IS the full text of GeE- eral Hancock's letter accepting the Democratic nomination for President.
 GOVERNORS ISLAND.
 NEW YoRK CITY,
 July 29, 1880.
 GENTLEMEN: Ihave tbe honor to ac knowledge the receipt of your letter oi July l3, 1880, apprising me formally ci my nomination to the office of Presi. dent of the United States by the Ma. tional Democratic Convention lately assembled in Cincinnati. I accept the nomination with grateful appreciation of the confidence reposed in me.
 The principles enunciated by the con- vention are those I have cherished in the past, and shall endeavor to matn- tain in the future.
 The thirteenth, fourteenth and if. teenth amendments to the Constitution of the United States, embodying the re. suits of the war for the Union, are in. vioble. If called to the presidency, 1 should deem it my duty to resist with all of 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 supreme law of the land. The Constitution forms the basis of the government of the
 
 by it to the legislative, execu- tive and judicial departments de- fine and limit the authority of the gen. eral governments powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitu- tion, nor prohibited by 1t to the States, belong to the States respectively, or to the people. The general and State gov efnments, each acting in it's own sphere without trenching upon the lawful Jurisdiction of the other, constitute the Union. This Union, comprising gen. eral government 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 sorespected abroad and so benefcient at home. Tried by blood and fire, it stands to- day model form of free popular government-a 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: The unity of government which constitutes us one people is justly dear to us; it is the main pillar in the editice of our real Independence, the support of our peace, safety, and pros- perity, and of that liberty we so highly prize and intend at every hazard to pre- serve.
 But no form of government however carefully devised, no principles how ever sound, will protect the rights of the people, unless administration is faithful and efficient. It is vital principle in our system that neither fraud nor force must be allowed to subvert the rights of s01o incompetence controls, the noblest Con- stitutions and wisest laws are useless. The bayonet is not fit instrument for collecting the votes of freemen. It is only by full vote, free ballot, and fair count that the people can rule in fact as required by the theory of our govern ment. Take this foundation away and the whole structure falls.
 Public office is 8 trust, not bounty bestowed upon the holder: no incompe- tent or dishonest persons should ever be intrusted with it, or if appointed, they should be promptly elected. The basis of substantial, practical civil service reform must first be established by the people in filling the elective offices; if they fix high standard oi qualifications for office, and sternly reject the corrupt and incompetent, the result will be decisive in governing the action of the servants whom they in. trust with appointing power.
 The war for the Union was success. fully closed more than fifteen years ago All classes of our people must share alike in the blessings of the Union, and are equally concerned in it's perpetuity and in the proper administration Of pub. lie affairs. We are in state of pro found peace. Heneeforth let it be ou, purpose to cultivate sentiments ot friendship, and not of animosity, among our fellow-citizens. Our material in. terests, varied and progressive, demand our constant and united efforts. A sedulous and scrupulous care of tht public credit. together with wise and economical management 0 l our government expenditures, should be maintained in order that labor 1 may be lightly burdened, and that al persons may be protected in their right! to the fruits of their own industry. The time has come to enjoy the substantial benefits of reconciliation, As one peo. pie we have common interests. Let u: | encourage the harmony and generou: rivalry among our own industries whicl will revive our languishing merchant ! marine, extend our commerce with for eign nations, assist our merchants nanuIacIurers ana producers to develop our vast natural resources, and increas, the prosperity and happiness of our peo ole.
 If elected shall, with the Divine favor, labor with what ability possess, to discharge my duties with fidelity, ac cording to my convictions, and shal take care to protect and defend the Union, and to see that the laws be faith. fully and equally executed in all parts of the country alike. I will assume the responsibility fully sensible of the fact that to administer rightly the functions Of government is to discharge the most sacred duty that can devolYe upon an American citizen.
 am, very respectfully, yours,
 WINFIELD s. HANCOCK, To the Hon. JOHN w. STEVENSON, presi
 dent of the convention; the Hon
 JOHN F. STOCKTON, chairman, ant others of the committee of the Ma 1 tiOnal DemOcratic convention