The Colfax chronicle. [volume] (Colfax, Grant Parish, La.) 1877-1981, 1880-08-07

the States, belong to the States re-
spectively, and to the people. The
general and State governments. each
acting in its own sphere without
trenching on the lawful jurisdiction
of each other, constitute the Union.
This Uuion, comprising general
government with general powers, and
State governments with State pow
ers, for purposes local to States, is q
political system, the foundations of
which we're laid in the profoundest
wisdom. This is the Union our ia
theirs made and which has been so
respected abroad and so benefcent
at home. Tried by blood and fire it
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 world. May we not
say nearly in the words of Washing
ton: "An unity of government which
constitutes us one people is justly
dear to u.s." 1t is the main pillar in
the edifice of our real independence,
the support Of our peace, salty and
prosperity, and of that liberty we so
highly prize and intend at eyery haz-
ard to preserve. But NO form Of
government, however carefully de-
vised, no principles, however sound,
will protect the rights of the people
unless the administration is faithful
and efficient. 1t is vital principle
in our system that neither fraud nor
force mnst be allowed to subvert the
rights OF the people. When fraud,
violence or Incompetence controls,
the noblest constitution and wisest
laws are useless. The bayonet is not
fit instrument for collecting the
votes of freemen. 1t is only by q
full vote, free ballot aud fair count
that the people can rule in fact as
required by the theory OF our gov
ernment. Take this foundation away
and the whole structure falls. Pub
lie Office is trust, not bounty be-
slowed upon the holder. No incom-
petent or dishonest person should
ever be entrusted with it, or if ap-
pointed they should be promptly
elected. A basis of substantial prac-
tical civil servi g reform must first
be established by the people in filing
elective Offices. II they FIX q high
standard Of qualifications for Office
andrsternly reject the corrupt and in
competent, the result will be decisive
in governing the action Of the SER
wants whom they entrust with the
appointing power.
The war for the Union was sue
cessfully closed more than fifteen
years ago. All classes of our people
must share alike in the blessings of
the Union and are equally concerned
in its perpetnity and the proper ad-
ministration of public affairs. We
are in state OF profound peace.
Henceforth let it be our purpose to
cultivate sentiments of friendship
and no luminosity against our fellow
citizens. Our material interests, va
ried and progressive, demand our
constant and united efforts. A sedu-
lous and scrupulous caro- of public
credit, together with q wise and eco
nomical management Of our govern.
mental expenditures, should be main
tanned 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 sub
stantial benefits of reconciliation. As
one people we have common inter
ests. Let MS zburage harmony and
generous rivalry among our own in.
dustries, which will revive our Ian
gushing merchant marine, extend
our commerce with foreign coun.
tries, assist our merchants, manufac'
turers and producers to develop oul
vast natural resources, and increase
the prosperity and happiness at oul
people.
If elected / shall, with Divine ia
vor labor with what ability possess
to discharge my duties with 6delit,
according to my convictions. ant
shall take care to protect and defene
the Union, and to see that the law
be faithfully aud equally executed il
all parts of the country alike. vii
assume the responsibility fully sen
sible Of the fact that to administe
rightly the functions of government
is to discharge the most sacred dut..
that can devolve upon an American
citizen. / am very respectfully,
WINFIELD 5. HANCOCK.
No Middle Ground Vet!
1