The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1880-08-05
General Hancoek's Letter Of Acceptance,

GOVERNORS ISLAND, New YoRK Cry, July
20, $780, Gentlemen: have the honor to
acknowledge the receipt of your letter OF
July Is, 1880, apprising me formally of my
nomination to the Office of President Of the
United States by the national Democratic
convention lately assembled insGlncinnati
1 accept the nomination with grateful appre.
citation Of the confidence reposed in me
The principles enunciated by the Cincinnati
convention are those have cherished in the
past and shall endeavor to maintain in the
future. The thirteenth, fourteenth and
fifteenth amendments to the constitution Of
the United States, among the results OF
the war for the Union, tT1esis z ss-
ARE rNv1oLABIE. ...
If called to the Presidency L should deem
it my duty to resist with Ill my power any
attempt to impair or evade the full force and
effect Of the constitution, which in every
article and amendment is the
SUPREME Law OF THE LAND. -.-.
The constitution forms the basis of gov
eminent in the United States. The powers
granted by it to the legislative, executive
and judicial departments define and limi
the authority of the general y govern
ment. Powers not delegated to the United
States by the constitution nor prohibited
by it to the States, belong to the States re-
spectively, or to the people of the general
and State governments, each in its owl
sphere. without trenching upon the Lawful
jurisdictions of other constitutions. This
Union, comprising a general 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 govern,
ment our fathers made aud which has been
so respected abroad and so benefcent a,
home, E'-'' ---.- +tfa B
TRIED BY BLOOD AND FIRE,
it stands to DAY model form of free popu.
lar governments political system which,
rightly administered, has been and will con.
tinue to be, the admiration of the world
May we not say, nearly in the words OF
Washington, the unity of a government
Which constitutes one people, is justly dear
to us. It is the main pillar in the edifice of
our real Independence, the support of our
Peacs, safety and prosperity, and of that
heritage which we prize and intend s:
AT EVERY HAZARD TO PROTECT.
But no form of government, however
carefully devised, no principles howeve,
sound, will protect the rights of the people
unless the administration is faithful and
efficient. 1t is vital principle in our sys
tenn, that neither fraud nor force must be
allowed to subvert the rights of the people
When fraud, violence or Incompetence
control, the noblest constitution and wisest
laws are useless.
TEE BAYoNEr Is NOT FIT INSTRUMENT?
for controlling the votes OF frrenen. 1t is
only by free vote, free ballot and fail
count that the people can rule in fact, AZ
required by the theory of our government
Take this foundation away, and the whole
structure falls. Public office is a trust; moi
o bounty bestowed upon the holder No in
competent or dishonest person should eve,
be entrusted with it, or if appointed they
should promptly be rel ected.
OUR MATERIAL INTERESTS,
varied and progressive, demand our constan
and united efforts. A sedulous ant
scrupulous care of the public credit, to
gether with . wise and economical arrange
ment of cur government expenditure
should be maintained, in order tina
labor may be lightly burdened, and that al
persons may be protected in their rights Il
the fruits of their own industry. .-a
The time has come to enjoy the substan
tial benefits of reconciliation. AS one PEG
pie we have common interests. Let US en-
courage harmony and generous rivalr,
among our own industries, which will reviv,
our languishing merchant marine, extent
our commerce with foreign nations, assis
our merchants, manufacturers and pro
ducers to develop our vast national re
sources, and increase the prosperity and hap
piness of our people. If elected, shall will
divine favor labor with what ability I posses
to discharge my duties with fidelity, accord
ing to my convictions, and shall take care t
PROTECT AND DEFEND THE UNION,
and to see that tho laws be faithfully ant
equally executed in all parts of the countr
alike. will assume the responsibility full
sensible of the fact that to administe
| rightly the function of government is t.
discharge the most sacred duty that can de
volve upon an American citizen. I am YER
| respectfully yours, @, S..
(Signed) w. S. HANCOCK.
! To the Hon. John W. Stevenson, presiden
Of the convention, at Cincinnati, Ohio.