The weekly Union times. [volume] (Union C.H., South Carolina) 1871-1894, 1880-08-06
GENERAL HANCOCK's LETTER.
GoyERNoR's ISLAND.

Y, J
UeNIFWrH: nave Inc honour TO acknowI1
edge the receipt of your letter of July ID, 1880,
apprising me formally Of my nomination to the
office of President of the United States by the
National Democratic Convention lately assem-
bed in Cincinnati. laccept the nomination with
agrateful 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 18TH, l4TH AND l5TH AMENDMENTS
to the Constitution of the United States embody-
ing the results of the war for the Union are in
evitable. If called to the Presidency should
deem it my duty to resist, with oil of my power
any attempt to impair evade the full force
and effect Of the Constitution, which in every
article, 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 it to the legislative cx-
ecutiVe ana judicial departments define and linn
IT the authority of the General Government
Powers not delegated 10 the United States by
the Constitution nor prohibited by it to the
states belong to the States respectively or to the
caih acting in itsowu sphere without trer ching
upon the lawful jurisdiction of the others. con.
stitu.e the Union. This Union, comprising the
General Government with general powers and
THE STATE GOVERNMENTS
with state powers for purposes 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
respected abroad, and so benefcent at home
Tried by blood and fire il stands to-day a model
form OF free popular government n political sys.
tenn which rightly administered, has been md
VIII continue to be the admiration of the world
May we not say nearly in the words of Washing
ton' 1.-The unity of government which constitutes
us one people is justly dear to us; il is the main
of ind
the support OF our peace, safety and prosperity,
ana ofthat liberty we so highly prize and intend
ut every hazard to preserve"
But no form of government however carefully
devised no principles, however sound, will pro-
tect the rights of tho poople, unless the admin:
istration is faithful and efficient.
nor r Be sabVsa
the rights OF the people. When fraud, violence
or incompetence controls, the nobest constitu.
tlons aud wiscst laws are useless.
TIE EAYoNEr
is not fit instrument for collecting the votes
of free men. 1t is only by full vote, free bal
lot and fair count, that the people can rule in
TACT rs required by the theory Of our Govern.
ment. Take this foundation away and the whole
structure falls
Pubic Office is a trust, not bounty bestowed
upon the holder. No incompetent or dishonest
person should ever be entrusted with il. or if
appointed they should be promptly elected. The
basis OF any substantial practical civil service
reform must be established by the people in fill.
ing elective Offices. Ifthey fix high standard
OF quallhcations for Office and sternly reject the
corrupt anu incompetent, the result will be de-
elslVe in governing tire action of the servants
"hom they entrust with the appointing power
THE WAR FOR THE UNION
was successfully closed more thar. fifteen years
ago. All classes of our people must share alike
In the blessings of the Union and ore equally
concerned In its perpeuity and in the proper
administration of public affairs We are in n
state of profound peace. Iienceforth let it be
our purpose 10 cultivate sentiments of friend
snip and no animosity against our fellow cti
zens. Our material interests, varied and prog
rcssive, demand our constant and united efforts
a sedulous and scrupulous care of the public
crcdlt, together with a wise and economical
management of our governmental expenditures
should be maintained, in order that labor NAV
be lightly burdened and that all persons may
be protecte in their rights TO the fruits of tbe;r
own industry. The time has como to enjoy the
SUBSTANTIAL BENEFITS OF RECONCILIATION.
AS one people we have common interests-
Let us encourage that harmony and generous
rivalry among our own industries which will ro.
VlVe our l9nguishing merchant marine extend
our commerce with foreign countries, assist our
merchants, manufacturers aud producers to de-
veiop our vast national resources, and increase
'h1 prosperity anu happiness OF our people.
Ii elected, shall, with the Divine favor, To-
Dor with what ability possess to discharge nv
duties with fidelity according to my onvictions,
anu snail take care to protect and defend the
Union and to see that the laws be faithfully and
equally executed in all parts Of the country
alike. l will assume the responsibility fully
sensible of the fact that TO administer rightly
the functions OF government is to discharge The
most sacred duty that can devolve upon an
Amtrican citizen.
am, very respectfully,