Daily Kennebec journal., 1880-07-14
POLITICAL.
0arfelA,s Accepeaace Letter.

L ~s6W 4OkAs 00Ay uC OSt SAYS w e
had hoped rather than supposed that Gen.
Garfield would rise above ordinary parsisan-
ship and give the country discussion on pub
lie interests which would rally its most ad-
vanced convictions, educate the general mind
and impart freshness and impetus to the can
vas thar would have been itself q victory. Ii
cannot be said, however, that he has done so.
He Is neither courageous nor frank. only re-
spectacle and moderate. and We fear that his
uncertain phrases vii. fail TO give satisfaction
to either branch of the party he represents
and to stir the hearts of the people.
The Commercial says: Gar6eld's letter is
creditable to the writer and will be satisfac-
tory to the party. With the exception of his
position on the Chinese question, there is
much in the letter to commend.
The Express says: Garleld's letter is a
cleverly written political paper, evidently in-
tended to meet supposed exigency rather
than express and justify the writer's personal
convictions.
The Herald says: Garfeld's letter is very
satisfactory. 1t distinctly Identifies the can
didate with the prevailing doctrines of his
party, and tends to simplify and clearly points
out the distinction between republicans and
democrats.
The World says: The letter of Garfield
will be y decided disappointment to the stall
warts, and ii is doubtful whether il will please
the independent voters any better. Inde-
pendent voters are not, as a rule, opposed to
Chinese immigration, which is the most i'm
portant topic of the letter, after improvement
of the Mississippi, and they are interested in
civil service reform, which Garfield's letter
dismisses almost as contemptuously as the
Chicago convention. Garfield does not ad-
vance single reason why anybody should
al,
such reason known outside of his letter of ac-
ceptance.
The Tribune says Garfields letter is like
the man, plain-spoken, honest and courage
Gus, animated with genuine love of liberty
and unfailing sympathy with all that tends TO
the progress Of his country 1t cannot fail to
strengthen him in the minds of all who want
to see a statesman always in the Presidential
chair. After commencing various POINTS of
the letter, the Tribune says: James A. Gar
field was well chosen as the republican stand
ard bearer, and his voice is the voice of the
American people.
The Times says: The letter in reference
to the rights of electors is temperate, clear
and comprehensive, and it would have
been well had he pointed out some method
by which all our dollars should be equal. On
the tariff question his views are unequal to
him where he most needs strength. His posi-
ton on the civil service is below the platform.
On the whole the letter is very uneven, and
fails to place him in that commanding position
which he has especially assumed.
The Sun has no editorial.
The Star styles it feeble and habby docu-
ment.
Hancock and English.
The comn,tfaa IN pnfifx bn
candidates arrived at Governors Island on a
special boat, and were met by Gen. Hancock
in the parlor of his house.
The official letter of the committee inform
ing Gen. Hancock of his nomination, after
notifying hlm of his selection by the conven-
tion, and inviting attention to the resolutions
adopted by that body, says: Your nomination
was not made alone because in the midst of
arms you illustrated the highest qualities of
the soldier, but because when war was ended
and when in recognition of your courage and
fidelity you were placed in command of a
part Of the Union undergoing the process Of
restoration, and while you were thus clothed
with absolute power, you used it not to sub
vert but to sustain civil laws and rights they
were established to protect. Your fidelity to
those principles manifested in the important
trusts heretofore confided to your care, gives
proof that they will control your administra-
tion of the National government, and assures
the country that our indissouble union of
indestructible States and the Constitution
with its wise distribution of power and regard
for the boundaries of State and federal author
ity. will not suffer in your hands You will
maintain the subordination of the military to
civil power, and will accomplish the purifca-
tion of the public service. and especially that
government which we love will be free from
reproach or stain of sectional agitation or
of malice in any shape or form.
Hancock in reply to the official notification,
thanked them for the honor conferred and
stated he would have his letter of acceptance