Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1880-07-31

The following Is General HancOck'5 letter OF
acCe ptanCe:
GOVERNORS ISLAND, !
NEw YORK CITY, July 30, 1880
Ge1'tle7nen-I have the honor to acknowledge
the receipt OF your letter of July 18th, 1881, ap.
prising me formally of my nomination to the
National Democratic Convention, lately as
sembled in Cincinnati. l accept the nomlna-
tion with grateful appreciation OF the conr-
dence reposed in me. The principles enuu-
ciated by the convention are those 1 have
Cherished in the past, and snail endeavor to
maintain In the future. The Thirteenth, Four
stitution OF the United States, embodytng the
results OF the war for the Union, are invloIable
II called to the presidency, 1 should deem it
my my DUTY to resist with all OF my power any at
rect or the Constitution, which, In every ar
ticle, 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 1t to the legislative eX-
ecutive and judicial departments define and
limit the authority Of the general government;
the Constitution, nor prohibited by ft to the
states, belong to the states, respectively, or TO
the people. The general and state govern
mems. each acting In its own sphere, without
other, constitute the Union. This Union, com
pfising 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 pIofoundest wisdom. This is the Union
our fathers made, and which has been So
home. Tried by blood and fire it stands to-day
model form Of tree popular government; a
political system which, rightly administered,
Las Las been, and VIII continue to be the admIra
t1On Of the world. May we not say nearly in
the words OF Washington: 1.-The unity of gov
ernment Which constitutes us one people Is
Justly dear to u.s. it is the main pillar In the ed-
tice Of our neutrality-suspicious., the support OF our
we so highly prize and intend at every hazard
10 preserve, But no form OF gov arnment now
ever carefully devised; no principles, however
less administration is faithful and efficient.
that that neither frapd nor force must be
tie people. When fraud, violence or incompe
teGce controls, the nOblest constitutions and
Wisest laws are useless The bayonet is not q
Il. instrument n for collecting the votes Of free-
fair count that the people can rule in fact as
required by the theory of our government.
Iahe 1s fas aGnnda19n pnhc aWay ana the whole
bounty, bestowed upon the holder; no incompe-
tent CT al. dishonest p. rsons should ever be en-
I1s5ea WITH IT, or If app apponted they should be
practical civil service reform must first be es-
tablished by the people in filling the elective
offices. II they fix high standard Of qualifca-
tions for office, and thereby reject the corrupt
and incompetent. the result will be decisive in
governing the action OF the servants whom
they entrust with the appointing power. The
war for 1.-THE union was successfully closed
more than fifteen years ago. All classes Of our
people must share alike in the blessings of tue
Union, and are equally concerned In its per-
petuity and in the proper administration of
public affairs. We are In state of profound
peace. Henceforth let ii be our purpose to cul-
t1vate sentiments of friendship and not of ami
mostly among our fellow. citizens. Our national
interests, varied and progressive, demand our
constant and united efforts. sedulouS and
with Wise and economical management OF our
governmental expenditures, should be main
ta1ned, in order that labor may be lightly bur
dened and that all persons may be protected In
their rights to the fruits Of their own indus
try. The time has come to enjoy the suo-
stahual benetlts OF reconciliation. AS one
people we nave common interests. Let us en-
courage the harmony and generous rivalry
among our own industries, which will revive
our langufSh1ng merchant marine, extend our
CONNER ce with foreign nations, assist our mer-
chants, manufacturers and producers to develop
our vast natural resources and increase the
prosperity and happiness of our people. II
elected, / shall, with the Divine favor, labor
win what ability possess to discharge my
duties with fidelity, according to my cOnvtc-
tioDS. and shall take care to protect and defend
the Union, and to see that the laws be eQuali;
and faithfully executed in all parts of the cou1.
try alike Will assume the responsibility, full
sensible to the fact that to administer rightly
the functions OF government is to discharge the
most sacred duty that can devOlve upon an
American citizen.
am very respectfully yours,
WINFIELD 8. HANCOCK
To the Hon. John W. Stevenson. President OF
the Convention, Hon. John P. Stockton, Chair
man, and others, Committee OF the National
Convention.