The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1880-07-31

New YORK, July sO.--The following for.
NAL letter of acceptance OF General Win.
! field Scott Hancock, the Democratic nomi.
nee for President of the United States, was
given 10 the press here tonight ut 10
O'Clock
GovERYoR's ISLAND, NEW YORK.,
july 20, 1880.
GentIemen,-I have the honor to acknow-
ledge the receipt OF your letter OF July 18th,
1880, apprising me formally OF my nomina-
ton to the office OF President OF the United
States by the National Democratic Conyen-
ton lately assembled in Cincinnati. i ac-
cept the nomination with grateful appre.
citation Of the confidence reposed in me.
The principles enunciated by the Conven-
ton are those have cherished In The past
and shall endeavor 10 maintain In the
future.
Tue CONSTITUTION AS THE SUPREME LAW OF
| THE LAND.
The thirteenth, fourteenth, and fifteenth
amendments to the Constitution OF the
United States, embodying the results Of the
war for the Union, are invio'able. liz called
to the presidency should deem it my duty
10 resist with all ofmy power any attempt 10
impair or evade the full force and effect Of
the Constitution, which. in every article,
section, and amendment, Is the supreme
law of the land. The Consultation forms
the basis Of the Government OF the United
States. The powers granted by it to the
legislative, executive, and judicial depart
ments define and limit the authority OF the
General Government. Powers not delegated
TO the United States by the Constitution
nor prohibited by it to the States belong to
the States respectively or 10 the people.
THE UNION OF OUR FATHERS.
The General and State Governments, each
acting in its own sphere without trenching
upon the lawful jurisdiction OF the other,
constitute the Union. This Union, COM
prising a general government with general
bowers and State governments with State
powers for purposes local TO the State, IS a
polty the foundations Of which were laid
in the profoundest wisdom. This Is the
Union our fathers made, and which has been
so respected abroad and so beneticent at
home. Tried BY blood and fire, it stands to-
day model form Of free popular govern
ment: a political system which, rightly adj
mini,tered, has been, and VIII continue TO
be. the admiration OF the world.
FAITHFUL AND EFFICIENT ADMINISTRATIONS
NEEDED.
Nav we not say nearly in the words OF
Washington, "The unity OF government
which constitutes us one people is Justly
dear to Us? 1t is the main pillar in the edl-
fee OF our real independence, 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 carefully de-
yised. no principles, however sound, Will
protect the rights OF the people, unless the
administration is faithful and efficient. IL
is a vital principle in our system thal
neither fraud nor force must be allowed 10
subvert the rights OF the people. When
fraud, violence. or Incompetence controls,
the noblest constitutions and wisest laws
are useless. The bayone: is not tit In
strument for collecting the votes OF free
men. 1t is only By full vote, free bal
lot. and fair count that the people
can rule in fact, as required by
the theory OF our Government. Take
this foundation away and the whole struc
ture falls.
CIvII.-SERv1CE REFORM
Public Office il trust, not bounty
bestowed upon the holder. No incompe
tent or dishonest persons should ever be
, entrusted with il, or. II appointed, they
should be promptly elected. The basis o
a substantial, practical civil-service reform
must first be established by the people IL
filling the elective offices. II they Tx higl
, standard OF qualifications for office ant
sternly reject the corrupt and incompetent
the result will be decisive in governing IN
, action OF the servants whom they cntruo
with the appointing power.
THE BLESSINGS OF THE UNION FREE TO ALL
2 The war for the Union was successfully
, closed more than fifteen years ago. Al
e classes OF our people must share alike IL
the blessings OF the Union, and are equal
, concerned in It's perpetuity and in the pro
per administration OF public affairs. w
, are in state OF profound peace. Hence
2 forth let il be our purpose 10 cultivate sent
= ments Of friendship and not OF animoslt
] among our fellow-citiZens. Our materla
5 interests, varied and progressive, deman
: our constant and united efforts.
THE PUBLIC CREDIT.
A sedulous and scrupulous care OF IN
public credit, together with a wise and eco
' nomical management OF our government
expenditures. should be maintained in orde
that labor NAV be lightly burdened and tina
all persons may be protected In their right
y 10 the fruits OF their own industry. Th
time mas COlut w tuIOi tiiN '~
e6ts OF reconciliation. As one people W
: have common interests. Let us encourag
T.. the harmony and generous rivalry anon
our own industries which will revive OH
! Ianguisbing merchant marine. extend on
commerce with foreign nations, assist on
: merchants, manufacturers, and producer
q TO develop our vast natural resources an
= increase the prosperity and happiness G
/ our people.
q HIS COURSE IF ELECTED.
|. II elected shall, with the Divine favor
: labor with what ability possess to dl'
. charge nv duties with fidelity according
9 nv convictions, and shall take care to pro
I tect and defend the Union, and to see thi
s the laws be faithfully and equally execute
8 in all parts OF the country alike. l WI
a assume the responsibility fully sensible
@ the fact that TO administer rightly the fun'
:. tions Of government is to discharge IN
. most sacred duty that can deyolve upo
d an American citizen.
r / am, very respectfully, yours,
WINFIELD 5. HANCOCK
To the Hon. John w. Stevenson, presider
OF the Convention; Hon. John z. Sloci
- ton, chairman. and others OF the Comm
: tee of the National Democratic Convei
ton.