Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1880-08-06
oUn WASHINGTON LETTER

WAsHINeToN, ID. c., Aug. 2, 1880.
The Democratic press is loud in its praise OF
Hancock's letter Of acceptance, considering II
as above criticism, " ringing with patriotic sen-
Imeut, the word Of patriot." We always eS-
pecl much during q canvass, and mere Plat-
tudes precised as immortal thoughts, but for
asy one to seriously consider the exraoi dinarY
document. called Hancock's acceptance, 80 the
recorded thoughts OF a statesman is tue height
OF absurdty. What between Tanner, and Has
cocks expected letter, the public was wrought
up to highly electoral condition, and the lei
down was exhausling. This letter Of accept
ance, is perhaps all that could have been ex
pected from a man " hose whole life had been
spent in 6eld and camp. II is a smoothly
written doc ume ut, and contains as many trusms
IS we're ever massed together in the same
space.
The object Of the writer was evidently
10 say nothing in the most powerful language
he could command, and lie was successful be-
yond all conjecture. Ills acceptance Of the late
Constitutional A nendmeuts is the only strong
thing in his letter. But Why should Hancock
come out and give his support to these Amend
menlsf For they are as much part of the
Constitution as the FIRST part Of 1t. Why should
not Mr. Garfield have done the same thing
B cause it was unnecessary. Every one knows
that the amendments will be respected by the
Republican party, while Gen. Hancock thinks
it essential t. record promise that the Democ-
racy will,do the same thing. He knows II Is
necessary 10 proclaim his palty's Loyalty
But thoughtful northern Democrats will not
thank him for II. The rest ofthe letter is made
up OF digui6ed platitudes. It contains nothing
about the financial question, and says nothing
about Civil Service or tariff. 1t does however
ackuoN ledge that the war is over, aad that it ia
nesessary to have peace. Well, does the Re-
publican party stand in the way Of peace Has
not the Government done snonsh (or the South
srn citizens2 Must the Government apologize
for enforcing the laws2 There is simply moth
ing 10 the letter but dreary waste Of n thing
ness. Yet Hancock has a notion about Civil
Service reform. lie has heard some place that
"public Office is a trust" aud not a bounty
aud lie has no reason to doubt it. And the way
to get Civil Service reform is " just as easy
set up a high standard OF qualification and elect
good men, aud let them make good appoint
ments. What is easier Strange that no Que
has discovered this before. lthss been wick
edly suggested thatthe united wisdom of tie
| Democratic leaders would be drawn upon to
furnish this long expected expression OF the
candidates sentiments and purposes. There
have been alleged Consultations, but if they
were ever suggested they certainly never took
place, for not practical idea mars the sweet
unamity of the letter. and il must be Hancock's
| own. Ii will be difficult 10" swear it on - any
one else. Some useful literary friend might
| have helped him tn smooth the gentle periOds
that seem to flow so softly, but no practica
| politician ever had sight uf This precious pure
| iiitY. 1t gives us altogether new view uI
the "superb," front view Of a very baby il
politics, an IL the Democrats are satisfied al
| they say they are. do not see as the Republi
cans have reason to complain, for think 1t viii
do what the " hsstv plate of soup" did for hi,
namesake make him an nbject Of rIdinule t.
statesmen and learned politicians. TOM.