Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1880-08-14
Gen. Haucock's Letter Of Accep.
Iumce.

"GovERNoRs ISLANp, New YORK CI-
TY, July 90, lsS0-Gentlemen: l have
the honor to acknowledge the receipt OF
your letter Of July Is, 1890, apprising
me formally Of my nomination 10 thee
fee of President of the United States
by the National Democratic Conyeu-
.ion,' lately assembled in Cincinnati. l
accept the nomination with grateful APP
precistiop of the confidence reposed in
me. The principles enunciated by tho
convention are those | have cherished
in the past and shall endeavor 10 maln-
tain in the future.
"The thirteenth, fourteenth and ff-
teen,h amendments TO the constitution
of the United States, enbodying the re-
suits of the war for the Union, are lnvio-
liable. If called to the presidency |
should deem it my duty 10 resist with
all my power any attempt Ia impair or
eyade the full force and effect Of the
constitution, which, IN every article, sec
ton and amendment, is the supreme
law Of the land. The constitution forms
the basis OF the government OF the Uni
ted States. The powers granted by II
to the legislative, executive ard judicial
departmen,s, define and limit the author
ity of the general government Powers
not delegated to1he United States by
the constitution, nor prohibited by il TO
the States, belong TO the States, respec.
lively, or 10 the people. The general
and State governments, each acting
in its own sphere, without touching
upon the lawful jurisdiction OF the 9th
er, constitute the Union. This Union
comprising a general government with
general powers, and State governments
with State powers for purposes local TO
the States, is a polily the foundations OF
which were laid in the proioundesi wis
dom. This is the Union our fathers
made, and which has been so respected
abroad and so benilicent at home. Tried
by blood aud fire, it stands to-day
model form of free popular government;
n political system which, rightly admin
istered, has been and will continue TO
be the admiration Of the world. May
we not say, nearly in the words OF Wash
ington: "The unity Of government
Which constitutes us one people is justly
dear 10 us; it is the main pillar in the
edfice of our real independence, ,hesnp-
port of our peace, safety and prosperity.
and of that liberty We So highly prize
and intend at every hazard 10 prcservef'
"But no form OF government, howev-
er carefully devised, no principles, how
ever sound, will protect the rights of the
people unless the administration Is faith
ful and efficient. 1t is q vital principal
in our system that neither fraud nor
force must be allowed TO snbvert tho
rights Of the people. When fraud, vic.
lence or incompetence CONTROLS, tho
noblest constitutions aud wisest laws
are useless. The bayonct is not o IT.
instrument for collecting the votes OF
freemen. 1t is only by full vote, ireo
ballot and fair count that the people
can rule 10 fact, as required by the thco-
ry of our government. Taks this foun-
dstiou away anG the whole structure
falls.
"Public Office is trust, not q bounty
bestowed upon the holder. No incorn-
petcnt or dishonest persons should cyor
be entrusted with it; or, if appointed,
they should be promptly rejected. Tho
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-
,ions for Office, and sternly reject the
corrupt aud Incompetent, tho result
will be decisive In governing the action
OF the servants whom they entrust with
the appointing power.
"The war for the Union was SUGGEST
fully closed more than hundred years
ago. All classes Of our people must
share alike in the blessings Of tho
Union. and are equally concerned in It's
perpetuity and in the proper admins
tration Of public affairs, We are in
state of profound peace. Iienceforili
let it be our purpose 10 cultivate scnIi.
meuts OF friendship, and not OF animosi-
ty, among our fellow citizens Our
material interests, varied and progres-
rive, demand our constant aud united
efforts.
a. sedulous aud scrupulous care Of
the public credit, together with wise
and economical management Of our
governmental expenditures, should he
maintained, 10 order that labor may be
lightly burdened, and that all persons
may be protected in their rights 10 tho
fruits Of their own industry. The tino
has come TO enjoy the substantial bene-
fits Of reconciliation. As one people
we have common interests. Let us en-.
courage the harmony and generous VI
valry among our own ministries which
will revive our languisbing merchant
marine, extend our conierce with for
eign nations, assist our merchants, man
ufacturers and producers TO devclope
our vast natural resources, aud increase
the prosperity and happiness Of our
people.
"if elected shall, with the Divine
favor, labor with what ability / possess
to discharge my do;ies with fidelity,
according TO my convictions, and sbaIl
take care 10 protect and defend the
Union and 10 see that the laws Lc
equally aud faithfully executed in all
parts Of the country alike. will as
sumo the responsibility fally sensible
of the fact that 10 administer tightly
the functions Of governipent is 10 dis
charge the most sacred duty that can
devolve upon an American citizen. !
am, very respectfully, yours,