The home journal. (Winchester, Tenn.) 1858-188?, 1880-08-05
Cen. W. s. Hancock's Letter
of Acceptance,
Brief and Pointed.

Governors Island, Mem York Cty,
July 29.-Gentlcmen: have the honor
to acknowledge the receipt Of your let.
ter of July IS, 1880, apprising me Cor
mally of my nomination to the office OF
President of the United States by the
National Democratic Convention, lately
assembled in Cincinnati. accept the
nomination with grateful appreciation
Of the confidence reposed in me. The
principles enunciated by the convention
are those | have cherished in the past
and shall endeavor to maintain in the
future. The thirteenth, fourteenth and
fifteenth amendments to the Constitu-
ton of the United States, embodying
the results Of the war for the Union,
are inviolable. If called to the Prcsi-
dency, should deem it my duty to re-
sist with all my power any attempt to
impair or evade the full force and effect
of the Constitution, which, in every ar
ticle, section and amendment, is the SUI
preme law of the land. The Consttu-
ton forms the basis of the Government
of the United States. The powers
granted by it to the legislative, execu-
tive and judicial departments define and
lir,it the authority of the General Gov
eminent. Powers not delegated to the
United States by the Constitution, nor
prohibited by it to the States, belong to
the States respectively or to the people.
The General and State governments,
each acting in its own sphere, without
trenching upon the lawful jurisdiction
of the other constitute the Union. This
Union, comprising general govern
ment with general powers, and State
governments with State powers for pur-
poses local to the States, is polity, the
foundations of which were laid in the
profoundest wisdom. This is the Union
our fathers made and which has been
so respected abroad and so beniticent at
home. Tried by food and fire, it
stands, to-day, a model form of free
popular government-a 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, that the
unity Of government which constitutes
us one people is Justly dear to us? 1t
is the main pillar in the edifce 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 I'M
less the 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 Incompetence controls, the noblest
and the wisest laws are USE
less. The bayonet is not fit instru-
ment for collecting the votes of freemen.
1t is only by full vote, free ballot and
a 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
bestowed upon the holder. No incom-
petent or dishonest persons should ever
be entrusted with it, or, if appointed,
they should promptly be elected.
Our material interests, varied and
progressive, demand our constant and
united efforts. A sedulous and scrupu-
lous care of the public credit, together
with wise and economical management
of our governmental expenditures,
should be maintained in order that the
laborers may be protected in their rights
to the fruits of their own industry. The
time has come to enjoy the substantial
benefits of reconciliation. AS one peO-
ole we have common interest. Let
US encourage harmony and generous
rivalry among our own industries, which
will revive our languishing merchant,
marine, extend our commerce with for
eign nations, assist our merchants. man
uf:,cturers and producers to develop our
vast natural resources and increase the
prosperity and happiness Of our people.
If elected, I shall, with Divine favor,
labor with what ability possess to dis
charge my duties with fidelity according
to my convictions, and shall take care
to protect and defend the Union and to
see that the laws be faithfully and equal
" executed in all parts of the country