Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1880-08-10
Spirit Of aetterson.
chsrlestown, Jenerson County, We., Va.
TUESDAY MORNING. AUGUST 10, 1850.
THE PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN
Letters of Acceptance from Gen. W.
s. Hancock and Hon. W. 81. English,

| AVE" ho3h, July 5U.-The following is
Gen. Hancock's letter of acceptapce Of ,b.
Democratic nomination for President of ,ba
United States:
-" Gouernor's Island, Ne1 York Gin Julv
~, 1851 -Gentlemen-I have the honor IN
acS now'edge the receipt of your letter of ] nIv
10, 1851, apprisiDg me formally of nv uomi.
patton to the Office of President of the Tni,sa
| States BY the National Democratic Conven-
tion, lately assembled in Cincinnati. acoen,
the nomination with grateful appreciation Of
the confidence reposed in ME. The prinei.
Piles enunciated by the convention are those
l have cherished in the past and shall en-,
deavor to maintain in the future.
"The thirteenth, fourteenth and fifteenth
amendments to the constitution of the Uni
ted States, embodying the results of the
war tor the Union, are inviolable. II called
TO the Presidency | should deem il nv duty
to resist with all of my power any attempt to
impair or evade the full force aud effect of
tue constitution, which, In every article, sec
t,on ano amendment is the supreme law of
the land. Tho 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 authority of the general gov.
ernment. Powers not delegated to the Uni,
ted States by the constitution nor prohibited
oy It to the States. belong to the States. ro>
spectlVeiy, or to the people. The general
aho atate governments, each acting in it's
own sphere, without touching upon the law
tul Jurisd lotion Of the other. constitnta ,bo
Union. This Union, com Uprising general
government with general powers, and State
governments with State powers for nurnoses
local to the States ia poIity the foundations
OF which were laid in the profoundest wis.
| dom. This is the Union our fathers node
and which has been so respected abroad and
so benehcent at home. Tried by blood and
hre, 1t stands to-day a model form of free
pnpn'ar government; political system
"nich' rightly administered. has been and
will continue to be the admiration of rho
world May we not say, nearly in rho words
OF Washington: "The unity of government
which constitutes us one nconle IL ;,s,Ir
dear to us; it is the main pillar in the ed flee
OF our real indie ependence, the support of our
peace, safety and prosperity, and Of that lib-
erty we 40 highly prize and intend at everv
hazard to preserve?
but no form of government, however
carctu!ly devised, no. principles however
sound, vii! protect the rights of the peoo;e
un'eSs the administration is faithful and
efficient. It is vital principle in our svs.
tom that neither fraud nor force mnst be
allowed to subvert the rights Of the reonIe
W hep fraud. violence or inconretence con.
trolls, the nohlest constitutions and wises,
laws are useless. The baynnet is not n ft
instrument for collecting the votes of free
men. 1t is only hy a full vote. free bnlIo.
ana 'a'r count that the people can rule in
'ac'' as required by the theory of our gov.
ernment Take this foundation avav' and
| the whole structure falls
"PubIic Office is a trust, not bopntv be,
slowed upon the holder. No iucomnetent
or dishonest persons should ever be entrusted
with it; or, if appointed, should be nrom,,lv
| rejected. Tho basis of substantial. practical
civil service reform must first be established
nv the people in filing the elective offices
RI they tlx high standard of qualifications
Tor "1hce, and sternly reject the corrupt and
lncompctent. the result will be decisiye in
| governing the action OF tho servants whom
they entrust with the appointing power.
Tho war for the Union was successfully
closed moro than hundred years ago. All
classes OF our people must share alike in the
blessings OF the Union, and are equally con-
cerped IN Its perpetuity and in the proper
administration of public atfuirs We are in
state OF profound peace. Henceforth let
1t be our purpose to cultivate sentiments of
feilow-citizens. Our material interests va
ried aud progressive, demand our constant
and united efforts.
ga sedulous and scrupulsus care of the
public credit, together with a wise and eco>
nomlcal management of our governmental
expenditures, should be maintained 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. Asone peonle ve
have common interests. Let US encourage
the harmony aud generous rivalry anonp
| our own Industries which will revive our
Ianguishing merchant marine, extend our
commerce with foreign nations. assist opr
merchants, manufacturers and producers to
develop our vast natural resources, and in.
crease the prosperity and happiness of our
people.
"lf elected I shall, with tho Divine favor.
labor with what ability possess to discharge
my duties with fidelity. according to nv
convictions. and shall take care to protect
and defend the Union and TO see bat the
laws be equally and faithfully executed in all
parts OF the country alike l will assume the
responsibility, fully sensible Of the fact tba
to administer rightly the functions of GOV.
ernmen. is to discharge the most sacred dntv
that eso devOfve upon an American citizen.
am, respectfully. yours,
"W1NFIELD S. HANCOCK.
''To the Hon. John ". Stevenson. nresidant
OF the convention. Hon. John F Stock
ton chairman. and others, committee of
the National Convention"
Mr. English's Acceptance.