, 1880-07-23
our WASHINGTON LETTER.

WASHINGTON. ID. c. July ., lSSO.
Before the campaign grows warm,
it is we'll for Us all to understand Why
Hancock was nominAted--Hancock,
a Union soldier, nominated by the
democratic party. dis action, while
Governor at New Orleans in 1867
indicated plainly the direction of bis
sympathies, but il was not only in
recognition Of his services in their
5ebslf that he was nominated. The
cry is that he "will take his seat"
II seems they know their man, that
they can depend upon him in the
event Of a doubtful election, whether
right or wrong, to lay claim TO, and
6ght for bis seat. At Cincinnati q
story was circulated among the del.
cgations which had the effect OF caus
ing that sudden aud enthusiastic
stampede to the "superb soldier" 1t
is as follows: That during the ex-
citing times preceding Hayes in
auguration, when, by every political
plot or intrigue known, the demo
cracy was endeavoring to deprive
the republicans Of the fruits of vic
tory, General Hancock, then as now
commanding the department of the
east, declared, in letter to General
Sherman, that he believed that Til
had been elected, and that should he
take the oath of office on the Sd oil
March, he would support him, and
aid him to secure the presidency.
That, in fact, he was ready, had Til
den consented, to place himself at
the head OF q rebellion, to place the
Pretender in tho Presidential chair.
To disregard the decision Of the con.
itutional authorities, if adverse to
II den, and use his military power
break down lawful government, and
virtually deprive the people of their
liberties as embodied in the decision
of the electoral commission. Is it
then any surprise that the democrats,
being made aware Of the facts should
hasten to his standard {? If he were
SO ready to fight for the assumed
rights of another under the same
conditions would he not do as much
and more for himselfp To the dem
ocraIic party, whose only chance for
success lies in their ability to com
nit frauds and to manipulate returns
Hancock seemed a fitting tool and
they placed him at their head, hop
ing his loyal record would prove nm
effective mask to their purposes.
But they are mistaken; we know the
party, we know its intentions too
we'll for them to be hidden, and We
shal! see to it that the plot now
known to be in contemplation shall
fail as did the one in 1876.
These fact are OF denied, but are
rather applauded by his supports.
But il by them vote can be gained
from loyal men, | am much mistaken
1t is amusing to note upon what
slight grounds democrats ba SO claims
of majorities in doubtful states.
They have now placed Maine in the
doubtful squad. They believe that
because Senator Blaine is making
protracted visit to Virginia Springs,
he will not do much for his state, and
that consequently it will go demo.
cratic. The distinguished senator is
taking a rest, preparing to go into
the campaign with unusual vigor.
He will appear in Maine some day
soon, take of his coat, roll up his
sleeves, aud the result will be the
complete annihilalion Of the sanguine
democracy Of that sialwart old state. !
Since Hancoek's nomination the
democrats 10 the department have
been unusuR!Iy insoleut. The other |