Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1880-08-06
HANCOCK AND ENGLISH.
Their Letters Of Acceptance.
The letters of acceptance of Gen. Hancock
and Mr.. English, published herewith, were
given to the daily press last Saturday.


AAS ASNhSAo VI eSNNBeohNN VI Cbhs AAhhbbNh
and Mr.. English, published herewith, were
given to the daily press last Saturday.
Gen. HIancocL's Letter.
GovERNoR's ISLAND,
New York CRY, July 80, 1880. J
Gentlemen! l have the honor TO acknowl
edge the receipt Of your letter of July 13,
1880, apprising me formally of my nomina-
ton to the Office of President of the United
States, by the National Democratic Conven-
ton, b" lately assembled in Cincinnati. ac-
cept the nomination with grateful appreca-
ton of the confidence reposed in me.
The principles enunciated by the conven-
ton are those l have cherished in the past
and shall endeavor to maintain in the future.
The thirteenth, fourteenth and fifteenth
amendments 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 il my duty to re-
sst with all my power any attempt to impair
or evade the full force and effect of the con-
stitution, which in every article section and
amendment is the supreme law of the land.
The constitution forms the basis of the gov
eminent of tho 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 con-
stitution, nor prohibited by it to the States,
belong to the States respectively, or to the
people. The general and State governments,
each acting in its own sphere without trench
ing upon the jurisdiction of the other, con-
stitute the Union. This Union, comprisinga
general government with general powers, and
State governments with State powers for pur-
poses local to the States, is a polty, the foun-
dations of which were laid in the profoundest
wisdom.
This is the Union our fathers made, and
which has been so respected abroad and so
benefcent at home. Tried by blood and fire,
il stands to-day model form of free popular
government political system which, right
ly administered, has been, and will continue
to be, the admiration of the world. May we
not say, nearly in the words of Washington,
The unity of government which constitutes
us one people Is Justly dear to us it is the
main pillar in the edifice of our real indepen-
dence the support of our peace, safety and
prosperity, and of that liberty we so highly
prize and intend at every hazard to preserve.
But no form of government, however care
fully devised, no principles, however sound,
| will protect the rights of the people unless
administration is faithful and efficient. II is
a vital principle in our system that neither
fraud nor force must be allowed to subvert
the rights of the people. When fraud, yio-
lence or incompetency controls, the noblest
constitutions and wisest laws are useless. The
| bayonet is not fit instrument for collecting
| the votes of freemen. IL is only by full
vote, free ballot, and fair count that the peo-
pie can rule in fact, as required by the theory
of our government. Take this foundation
| away, and tho whole structure falls
| Public office is q trust, not bounty be-
slowed upon the holder no incompetent or
dishonest persons should ever be intrusted
with it, or, if appointed, they should be
promptly elected. The basis Of substan-
tial, practical civil service reform must first
be established by the people in filling the
elective offices if they fix high standard of
| qualifications for office, and sternly reject the
corrupt and incompetent the result will be
decisive in governing the action of the ser
wants whom they intrust with appointing
power.
The war for the Union was successfully
closed more than II years ago. All classes
of our people must share alike in the bless
ings of the Union, and are equally concerned
in its perpetuity and in the proper admins
tration of public affairs. We are in state
of profound peace. Henceforth let it be our
purpose to cultivate sentiments of friendship
and not of luminosity among our fellow citi.
zens. Our material interests, varied and pro
gressve, demand our constant and united eff
forts. sedulous and scrupulous care of the
| public credit, together with wise and econ
omical management of our governmental ex'
| penditures, should be maintained in order
that labor may be lightly burdened and that
all persons may be protected in their rights &c
the fruit Of their own industry. The time
has come to enjoy the substantial benefits OF
reconciliation. As one people we have com
mon interests. Let us encourage the harmo
ny and generous rivalry among our own in
dustries which will revive our languishinl
merchant marine, extend our commerce with
foreign nations, assist our merchants, manu-
facturers and producers to develop our vas
natural resources, and increase the prosperity
and happiness of our people.
If elected l shall, with the Divine favor
labor with what ability possess to discharge
my duties with fidelity, according to my con
victions and shall take care. TO protect anC
defend the Union, and to see that the laws b,
faithfully and equally executed in all parts o.
the country alike l will assume the respon
sibility fully sensible of the fact that to ad
minister rightly the functions of government
is to discharge the most sacred duty that cal
devove upon an American citizen. l am
very respectfully yours,
WINFIELD S. HANCOCK.
To the Hon. JOHN W. STEVENSON, Presiden
Of the Convention the Hon. JOHN p
STOCKTON, Chairman, and others, of tn
Committee of the National Democratic Con
ventiOn.
MR.. English'H Letter.
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind, July 80, 1880.