Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1880-07-31
General HancOck's Letter Accepting the
Nomination.

General HancOck's Letter Accepting the
Nomination.
Following is General Hancock's letter of
acceptance -
GovERNoRs ISLAND, I
New York City, July 18th. !
Gentlemen-I have the honor to acknowl-
edge receipt of your letter of July 18th. APP
prising me formally Of my nomination to the
Office of President of the United States
by The National democratic convention"
lately assembled in Cincinnati. accept the
nomination. with grateful appreciation of the
confidence rcposed in me- The principles
enumerated by the convention are those l
have cherished in the past and shall endeavor
to maintain in the future.
The 18th, 14th, and 18th amendments to
the Constitution of the United States,
embodying the results of the war
for the Union, are inviolab!e- If
called to the Presidency. | should deem
it my duty to resist with all my power any at
tempt to impair or impede the full force and
effect of the Constitution, which in every
article, section and amendment is the supreme
law of the land. The Constitution forms the
basis of the government of the United States.
The powers granted by it to the legislative.
executive and Judicial departments, define
and limit the authority of the general govern
ment. Powers not delegated to the United
States by the Constitution. nor prohibited by
it to the States. belong to the States respec-
lively, or to the people. 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, comprising the general
government. with general powers, and State
government with State powers, for purposes
local to States, is polity, 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
benificent at home. Tried by blood and fire,
it stands. to-day the model form of free,
popular 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 W ashington, 1.-The unity of government
which constitutes US one people is justly dear
to us. 1t is the main pillar in the ediice OF
our real independence, the support OF our
peace, safety, and prosperity, and of that
! liberty we so highly prize, AMI intend, at
every hazard, to preserve" But no form of
government however carefully devised. no
| principle however sound, will protect the
! rights of the people unless their administra-
/ ton is faithful and efficient 1t Is vital
principal in our system that neither fraud for
1
of the people. When fraud. violence, or in
competence controls, the noblest constitutions
and wisest laws are useless. The bayonet IS
not a fit instrument for collecting votes of
freemen 1t is only by a full vote. free bal
lot. and fair count that the people can rule in
fact as required by the theory of our govern
men,. Take this foundation away and the
whole structure falls. Public Office is a trust,
not bounty bestowed on the-holder. No
incompetent or dishonest person should ever
be entrusted with it; or, if appointed. they
should be promptly elected. The basis Of
substantial, practical, civil service reform
must first be established by the people in fill
ing elective Offices. If they fix high stand
ard Of qualification for Office and sternly
reject the corrupt and Incompetent, the result
will be decisive in governing the action Of
the servants whom they entrnst with the APP
pointing power.
The war for the Union was successfully closed
more than fifteen years ago. All classes OF
our people must share alike in the blessings Of
the Union and are equally concerned in its
psrpetuify and in the proper administration OF