Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1880-08-06
GEN. HANCOCK'S LETTER OF AC-
CEPTANCE.
NEW YoGK, July 30.--The following is
Gen. Iancock's letter of acceptance
GOvERSoR'S ISLAND,
NEM YORK CITY. July 29th. lsSn.

! Gen. Iancock's letter of acceptance
GOvERNoR's ISLAND,
NEw YORK CITY, July 18th, lsSo- !
| GESrLEMEN Il have the honor TO acknowledge
the receipt of your letter of July 18Th, lsso apprs-
ing me formally of my nomination 10 the Office OF
| President OF the United States by the "Nalolal
! Democratic Convention" lately assembled in Gin
! ciunafi | accept the nomination with grateful ap-
| nrpciation of the confidence repOsed in me. The
principles enunciated by the convention are those
| | have cherished in the past and shall endearor 10
maintain in the future.
| THE CONSTITUTIONAL. AMENDMESTS.
| The thirteenth fourteenth and fifteenth amend
ments 10 the Constitution of the United States en-
bodying the result of the war 1or the mon are IN
| yolable II called TO the presidency should deem
| it my duty TO resist with ali OF my power any at
tempt to impair or evade the full force and effect of
the Constitution which in every article, section and
| amendment is the supreme law of 1.-THE land. The
Constitution forms the basis OF the government OF
the United States. The powers granted by 1t to the
| legislative. executive and judicial Departments de
| fine and limit the authority of the general govern
| ment Powers not delegated 70 the United States 10y
the Constitution prohibited by 1t TO the States
belu TO the States respectively or to the people.
| OUR FORM OF GOVERNMENT.
| Il, general and state governments, each acting
| in il Jwn sphere without trenching upon the law
| ful iiisdction of the other, constitute the Union.
| This Mon comprising general government with
| gen al powers and state governments with state
pow IS for purposes local 10 the stafes is poliiy,
| the foundations of which were laid in the pre-
| foun lest wisdom. This is the Union our fathers
mad, and which has been SO respected abroad and
| so benehcent at home. Tried by blood and fire, it
| stands to day model form of free government.
political system which rightly 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 con-
siitutes us one people Is justly dear to u.s. II Is the
| main pillar in the edfce OF our zeal independence,
the support of peace safety and prosperity, and
of that liberty We so highly prize and intend al
\ every hazard 10 preserve.
EQUAL RIGHTS.
| But no form of government however carefully
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 he al
| lowed 10 subvert the rights of the people. When
| fraud violence or incompetence controls, the
noblest constitutions and wisest laws useless
The Layonet is not fit instrument for collecting
the votes of freemen II is only by full vote. free
ballot and fair count that the people rule in
fact as required by the theory of our government.
Take this foundation away and the whole structure
falls.
CIyI. SERVICE REFORM.
Public onlce is 4 trust not a bounty bestowed
upon the holder. No incompetent dishonest per-
sons should ever be entrusted with it, or if appoint
ell they should be promptly elected. The basis OF
a substantial, practical civil service reform must
first he established by the people In filling the cleo
tive offices. II they nN high standard of quail
ficaons for office and sternly reject the corrupt
and incompetent, the result will he decisive in gov
erning the action of the servants whom they ell
trust with appointing power.
THE GENERAL OUTLOOK.
The war for the Union was successfully closed
more than fifteen years ago. All classes of our
people must share alike III The blessings Of the
tnon and are equally concerned in its perpetuty
and in the proper administration of public affairs.
We are i'll a state Of profound peace. Hence
forth let it be our purpose TO cultivate the
sentiment OF friendship and not anmosty
among fellow citizens. Our material
interests varied and progressive demand
our constant and united efforts selulous and
scrupulouS care Of the public credit together with
n n
mental expenditures should he maintained in or
der that labor may he lightly burlened, and that
all persons may lie protected in their rights of 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
encourage the harmony and generous rivalry
among our own industries which will revive
commerce with foreign nations; assist our mer-
chants, manufacturers and producers 10 develop
our vast natural resources and Increase the pros
peri:y and happiness of our people
IN CONCLUSION.
II elected. shall, with the divine favor, labor
with what ability possess to discharge nv duties
take care to protect and defend the Union an, 10
see that the laws he faithfully and equally executed
in all parts of the country alike. will assume the
responsibility fully sensible of fhe fact that 10 al
minister rightly the functions of the government is
10 discharge the most sacred duty that deyolye
upon an American citizen.
am, very respectfully, yours,
WINFIELD s. ItScocK.
To the Honorable John W. Stevenson. president of
the convention the Honorable John z. Stock
ton chairman and others of the committee of
the National democratic convention.