Litchfield enquirer., 1880-08-12
Hancock's Letter of Acceptance.
GOVERNORS gfsLAND, -. -
NEW YoRK Orgy. July 20. 1880, r

GovERNoR,s dsLAND, -. IL q
NEW YoRK CITY, July 20, 1880. -
Gentlemen: have the honor to acknowl-
edge the receipt of your letter of July 18th,
1850, appfising me formally of my nomina-
ton to the ofRce1of president of the United
States by the national democratic conven-
ton" lately assembled in Cincinnati ac-
cept the nomination with grateful apprecia-
ton of the confidence reposed in me. The
principles enunciated by the, convention are
those Ihave cherished in the past and shall
endeavor to maintain in the future.T R5a II
The general and state governments, each
acting in its own sphere without Fenching
upon the lawful Jurisdiction of the other, con-.
stitute the union. This union, comprising a
general government with. general powers and
state government with state powers for pur-
poses local to the states, is polity, the foHnd-
atious of which were laid in the profoundest
wisdom.
The thirteenth gfourteeeth-, and fifteenth.
amendnients. to the constitution of the United
States, embodying the results of the war for
the union, are inviolable. If called to the
presidency, should deem it my duty to resist
with my power any attempt toimpair or evade
the full force and effect of the constitution,
which, in every article, section and amend
ment ID the supreme law of the land - !
The constitution forms the basis of the gov
eminent of the United States. The powers
granted by it to the legislative, executive and
judicial departments define and limit the au-
thority of the general government. Powers
not delegated to the United States by the coD-
stitiitisn nor prohibited by it to the states be-
long to the states respectively or to the peo-
pie. MAR .ssntftrgaL 4.
This is the union our fathers made and
which has been respected abroad and 50 be-
nificent at home Tried by blood and fire, it
stands to-day model form of free popular
government, political system, which, rightly
administered mas been and viii continue to be
the admiration bf the SJwDrldy May we not
cay nearly in the words of Washington: The
unity of government which constitutes US one
people is Justly dear,to US. 1t is the main
pillar in the edifice of our real independence,
the support of our peace, safety and prosper
ity, and,of that libertysw so highly prize and
intend ataevery Hazard 10 preserEe.&--4y Ia. &
But no form of government hwoever care
fully devised, 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 must be allowed to subvert
the rights of the people. When fraud, yio-s
lence or incompetence controls, the mob lest
constitutions and wisest laws are useless.
The bayonet is not fit instrument for collect
vote, free ballot, and a fair count, that the
people can rule In fact. as required by the
theory of our government. Take this founda-
ton away and the whole structure falls
Public Office is trust not bounty be-
slowed upon the holder. Ne incompetent or
dishonest persons should ever be entrusted
with it, or, if appointed they should be
promptly rejected The basis pof'a substan-
tal practlcsf civil service reform must first be
established by Che people in filling the elective
offices. II they fix high standard of qualifi-
cations for office and sterny reject the cor
ruptaHd incompetent, the result will be de-
cisive IN governing the acfion'of the servants
whom they entrust with the appointing pow.
The war. for the union was successfully
closed morethan fifteen years ago. All class
es of our people must share alike in the bless.
ing of the union, and are equally concerned in
its perpetuity and in the proper administration
of public affairs. We are ina state of pro-
found peace. Hence forth let it be our ,pur-
pose to cultivate sentiments of friendship and
not of animosity among our fellow citizens.
Our material interests, varied and progress
sive, demand our constant and united efforts.
A sedulous and scrupulousc care of the public
credit together with wise and economical
management of our governmental expendi-
lures should be maintained in order that labor
may be lightly burdened and that all persons
may be protected in their rights to the fruits
of their own industry. \ Il:7 . ttJfI +
The time has come to enjoy the substantial
benefits of reconciliation. AS one people we
have common interests. Let us encouragejthe
harmony and generous rivalry among our own
Industries which will revive our languishing
merchant marine, extend our commerce with
foreign nations, assist our merchants, manu-
facturers and producers to deyelope our vast
natural resources, and increase the prosperity
and happiness of our people, ..E...-
If elected shall, with the divine favor, la
Dor with what ability Ipossess to discharge my
duties with fidelity according to my convic-
tons, and take care to protect and defend the
union and to see that the laws are faithfully
and equally executed in alr parts of the coun-
try alike. l will assume the responsibility,
fully sensible of the fact that to administer
rightly the functions of government is to dis
charge the most sacred duty that can devolve
upon an American citizen.
am very respectfully you're.
% w. s.. HANCOCK