The Lexington dispatch. [volume] (Lexington, South Carolina) 1870-1917, 1880-08-11
THE STATE GOVERNMENTS

tons of which we're laid in the pro-
foundest wisdom. This is the Union
q fathers made and which has been
respected abroad, and so benehcent
at home. Tried by blood and fire 1t
stands to-day a model form OF free
popular government, a political sys-
tenn which, rightly administered, has
been and will continue to be the ad-
miration Of the word. May we not
say nearly in the words OF Washing
ton, "the unity Of government which
constitutes US one people is justly
dear to US, it is the main pillar in
the edi6ce of our real independence,
the support of our peace, safety and
prosperity, and Of that liberty We 50
highly prize and intend at every
hazard to preserve"
But no form of government, how
ever carefully devised, no principles,
however sound, will protect the
rights of the people, unless the adj
ministratien is faithful and efficient.
1t is a vital principle in our system
that neither fraud nor force must be
allowed to subvert the rights OF the
people. When fraud, violence or in-
competence controls, the noblest con-
situations and wisest laws are useless.
THE BAYoNET
is not q fit instrument for collecting
the votes of free men. It is only by
a full vote, free ballot and fair count,
that the people can rule in fact as re-
quired by the theory Of our Govern
ment. Take this foundation away
and the whole structure falls.
Public Office is a trust, not a boun-
ty bestowed upon the holder. No In
competent or dishonest person should
ever be entrusted with it, or if ap-
pointed they should be promptly
elected. The basis Of any substantial,
practical civil service reform must be
established by the people in filling
elective Offices. If they fix a high
standard of qualifications for office
and sternly reject the corrupt and In
competent, the result will be decisive
in governing the action of the SER
wants whom they entrust with the ap'
pointing power.
THE WAR FOR THE UNION
was successfully closed more than fit
teen years ago. All classes of ou'
people must share alike in the bless
; inps of the Union and + equally
concerned in its perpetuity and in the
fpf0pgr auy6rnrsTfa tTon Of nnhioLas
fairs. We are in q state OF profound
peace. Henceforth let it be our pur
pose to cultivate sentiments of friend
} ship and no luminosity against oul
) fellow-citizens. Our material inter
} ests, varied and progressive, demand
our constant and united efforts. A
sedulous and scrupulous care of the
public credit, together with q wise
and economical management OF ,oul
governmental expenditures should be
maintained, in order that labor may
be lightly burdened and that all per
sons 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 We have common in
t~erests. Let US encourage that har.
mony and generous rivalry among
our own industries which will revive
our languishipg merchant marine, ez-
tend our commerce with foreign couu'
tries, assist our merchants, manufac-
turers and producers to develop our
vast national resources, and increase
the prosperity and happiness OF our
people.
If elected, I shall, with the Divine
favor, labor with what ability [ pos
sess to discharge my duties with fl
deity according to my convictions,
and shall take care to protect aud de-
fend the Union and to see that the
laws be faithfully and equally execu-
ted in all parts of the country alike.
T will assume the responsibility fully
sensible of the fact that to administer
rightly the functions of government is