The Carbon advocate. [volume] (Lehighton, Pa.) 1872-1924, 1880-08-07
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T.ETTER OF ACCEpTANCE.


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LETTER OF ACCEPTANCE.
GovERSoR's 1sLASn, New York City,
July 20, $780, Gentlemen: have the honor
TO acknowledge the receipt Of your letter Of
July 18th, $50, apprsing mo formally ofmy
nomination to the Office of President of the
United States by the "National Democratic
Convention" lately assembled in Cincin
natl. accept the nomination, with CRATE
full appreciation Of the confidence reposed
in me.
The principles euunciated by the Conven-
tion ave those have cherished in the past
and shall epdeavor to maintain in the fu-
ture.
The Thirteenth, Fou-tsenth and Fifteenth
Amendments to the Constitution of the
United States, embodying the results of the
war fer the Union, are inviolable.
II called to the Presidency, l shoud deem
1t my duty 10 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
United States. The powers granted by it to
the legislative, executive and judicial de-
partments define and limit the authority of
the General Government powers not dele
gated to the United States by the Constitu-
tion, nor prohibited by it 10 the States, be-
long to the States respectively or TO the peo
pie. The general and State governments,
each acting in their own sphere, without
trenching upon the lawful jurisdiction of the
other, constitute the Union. This Union,
comprising general govenment,with gen.
eral powers, and State governments with
State powers, for purposes local to the States,
is policy, the foundations Of which were
laid in the profoundest wisdom.
This is the Union which our fathers made
and which has been SO respected abroad and
80 benefcient 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 govern
ment 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 so highly prize and intend
at every hazard to preserve. But no form of
government, however carefully devised, no
principles, however sound, will protect the
rights of the people unless administration 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 ncompe.
tence controls, the noblest constitutions
and wisest laws are useless. The bayonet is
not fit instrument for collecting the votes
of free-men. 1t is only by a iull vote, free
ballot and fair count that the people can
rule in fact, as required by the theory of our
Government. Take this foundation away
and the whole structure falls.
Public office is trust, not bounty be.
slowed upon the holder; no incompetent OF
dishonest persons should ever be entrusted
with it, or if appointed, should be promptly
rejected. The basis of a substantial, prac
tical civil service reform must first be es-
taelished by the people in filling the elective
oiices;if they fix a high standard of qualif-
cations for Office, and sternly reject the cor
Tupt and incompetent, the result will be de
cisive in governing the action of the ser
wants whom they entrust with appointing
power.
The war of the Union was successful,
closed more than fifteen years ago. Al
classes Of our people must share alike in tn
blessings of the Union, and are equally con
cerned in its perpetuty and in the prope
administration OF public affairs. We are il
a state of profound peace. Henceforth let /
be purpose to cultivate sentiments O
friendship, aud not OF animosity, amonJ
cur fellow citizens.
Our material interests, varied and progres!
i've, demand our constant and united efforts
sedulous aud scrupulous care of the publ
credit, together with wise and economic,
management OF our Governmental expendi
tures, should be maintained, in order tn,
the lAborer may be lightly burdened an
that all persons may be protected in the
rights to the fruits of their own industr
The time has come to enjoy the substanti
benefits Of the reconciliation. As one pc,
pie, we have common interests. Let us el
courage the harmony and generous rival
among our own industries which will revi'
our lauguishing merchant marine, exteI
our commerce with foreign nations, ass
our merchants, manufacturers and pr
ducers To develop our vast natural resource
aud increase the prosperity and happnC
ofour people.
If elected, shall, with the Divine fave
labor with what ability possess to dischar
my duties with fidelity, according to Ii
conviction, and shall take care to prot,
aud defend the Union, and to see that Il
laws are faithfully and equally executed
ell parts Of the county alike. l will ass1r
the responsibility fully sensible Of the f.
that to administer rightly the functions
Government is to discharge the most saar
outy that can deyolye upon on Americ
citizen.
am, very respectfully, yours,
WINFIELD S. HANCOCK.
To the Hon. Jno. ". Stevenson, Preside
Of the Convention; Hon. John Stocktt
Chairman, and others, OF the Committee
the National Democratic Convention.