Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1880-08-03

to-day model form of free popular
government; a political system which
rightly administered, has been, and will
continue to be, the admiration of the
world.
FAITHFUL AND EFFICIENT ADMINS.
TRATION NEEDED.
May we not say nearly in the words
OF Washington, "The unity of govern.
ment which constitutes us one people il
justly dear to us? It is the main pillar
in the edifice of our real Independence
the support of our peace, safety, and
prosperity, and of that liberty we SC
highly prize and intend at every hazard
to preserve" But no form of govern.
ment, however carefully devised, nc
principles, however sound, will protect
the rights of the people, unless the ad.
ministration is faithful and efficient. 1t
is 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 constitutions and
wisest laws are useless. The bayonet ia
not tit instrument for collecting the
votes OF freemen. It is only by q full
vote, fFee 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.
CIvIL-sERvICE REFORM.
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 be promptly elected. The
basis of substantial, practical civil-ser-
vice reform must first be established by
the people in filling the elective offices
If they fix high standard of qualifica-
lions for Office and sternly reject the cor
rupt and incompetent, the result will
be decisive in governing the action O
the servants whom they entFust with
the appointing power,
THE BLESSINGS OF pHH UNION FREI
TO ALL.
The war for the Union was success
fully 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 it's perpetpity
and in the prhpar' administrator q
public affairs. We are in a state of pro,
found peace. Henceforth let it be oul
purpose to cultivate sentiments o.
friendship and not Of luminosity among
our fellow-cititizens. Our material in
terests varied and progressive, demand
our constant and united efforts.
THE PUBLIC CREDIT.
A sedHlo9s and acrpp4lo4a care Of the
public credit, together with Q wise ant
economical management OF our govern
mental expenditures, should be main.
tanned In order that labor may be light
ly burdened and that all persons may
be protected in their rights to the fruits
of their own industry. The time has
come to enjoy the substantial dement's 2,
reconciliatiAn. As one people we have
common interests. Let us encourage
the harmony and generous rivalry &:
mong our own ina4atfiea which will
revive our langQishipg merchant ma.
rine, extend our commerce with fOreigr
nations, assist our merchants, manufac
turers, and producers to develop our vas
natural resources and increase the pros
perity and happiness of our people,
HEs goBBE :sE # T. 2 ft1 H,n!
If elected shall. with the Divine fa
vor. labor with what ability I possess tt
discharge my duties with fidelity &C
cording to my convictions, and shall
take care to protect and defend the
Union, and to see That the laws be faith
fully and equally executed in all parts o
the country a like. ] will assume the re-
sponsihility, fully eenaible of6tha Iact
that to administer rightly the functions
of government is to discharge the mos
sacred duty that can dev0lve upon al
| American citizen. 49,
| am, very respectfully, yours,
| WINFIELD s.. HANCOCK.
To the Hon. John w. Stevenson, presi
dent of the Convention Hon. Johl
P. Stockton, chairman, and others 0
the Committee pr the National Demo
cratic CnnYeptioh.