Millheim Journal. [volume] (Millheim, Pa.) 1876-1984, 1880-08-05


vlolable. If called to the presidency ]
should deem it my duty to resist with
all my power any attempt to impair or
evade the full force and effect of the
constitution which in every article,
section ond amendment is the supreme
law of the land.
The constitution forms the basis of
the government of the United States,
Tie powers granted by it to tho legis-
latiYe, executive and iudical depart
ments, define and limit the authority
of the general government. Powers
not delegated to the United States by
the constitution nor prohibited 10y it to
the state govern ments each acting in
its own sphere without trenching up
on the lawful jurisdiction of the other,
constitute the unicn. This union COM
prising a general government with gen.
eral powers and 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 faith
ers made, and whic has been so res
pected abroad, and so beneficial at
home. Tried by blood and fire it stands
to-day model form Of free popular
government, 20 litical system which
rightly admin istered has been, and will
continue to be the admiration Of the
world. May we not say in the Ian.
guage of Washi ngton: 1.-The unity of
government VIII Ich constitutes us one
people is Justly dear to Us. 1t is the
main pillar in the edifice Of our real in
dependence, the support of our peace,
safety and prosperity, and Of that liber-
ty we 50 highly pri re and intend at ev-
cry hazard to pr eserve." No form of
| government however carefully devised,
no principles however sound, will pro
tect the rights Of the people unless the
admiration is faithful nd efficient. 1t
is vital rinciple in our system that
neither fraud nor for ce must be allow
ed to subvert the rights of the people.
When fraud, violence or incompetence
controls, the nobleSt constitution and
WiSest laws are useless. The bayonet
is not fit Instrument for collecting
the votes of freemen. 1t is only by a
fnll vote, free ballot aud fair count
that the people can rule in fact. Take
this foundation away and the whole
structure falls. Public offic is a trust,
not bounty bestowed upon TIE hold
er. No incompetent or dishonest per-
sons should ever be entrusted with it
or if appointed they should be prompt.
ly elected. The basis of a substantial
practical civil sci vice reform must first
be established By the people in filling
the elective offices. If they fix {, high
standard of qualification for Office and
sternly reject the corrupt and incompe
tent the result will be decisive in gov
erning the actionof the servants whom
they entrust with appointing powers,
The war for the union was success
fully closed more than fifteen years ago.
All classes of our people must share
like in the blessings Of the union and
are equally concerned in its perpetuity
and in the proper administration Of
public affairs. We are in state of
profound peace; henceforth let it be
our purpose to cultivate sentiments of
friendship and not of animOsity among
our fellow citizens. Our material in-
terests varied aud progressive, demand
our constant and united efforts. A
sedulous and scrup pul0us care of the
public credit together with u wise and
economical management Of our,goyern-
mental expenditures should be main
LaiDed in order that labo. may be light
ly burdened and that all persons may
be protected in their right to the fruits
of their own industry. The time has
come to enjoy the substantial benefits
of reconciliation. AS one people we
have common interests. Let Us EN-
courage the harmony and generous
rivalry among our own industries.
which will revive our languishing
merchant marine, extend our commerce
with foreign nations, assist ouT
merchants, manufacturers and prOduc-
ers, to develop our vast resources and
increase thep prosperity .and happiness Of
our people. Ifelected shall, with the
Divine favor, labor with what ability I
possess to discharge my duties with
fidelity according to my convictions and
shall 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. | will as.
sumo the responsibility fhllY sensible
Of the fact that to administer rightly
the functions of government is to
discharge the most sacred duty that
can develop upon an American citizen.
[ am, very r~spectfully,
WINFIELD S. HANCOKK.
To the Hon. John w. Stevenson,
president of the convention, Hon. John