The farmer and mechanic. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1877-1885, 1880-08-05
Hancock's Letter Of Acceptance,

Il accept the nomination with grateful
appreciation of the confidence reposed in
me. The principles enunciated by the Con
yeption ale those have cherished in the
mast and shall endeavor to maintain in the
future. The thirteenth. fourteenth and
fifteenth amendments to the constitution of
the United States emb ,dying the results
Of the Union. are inviolable. If called to
the Presidency [ should deem it my duty
to resist with all of my power any attempt
70 impair or evade the full force and effect
of the constitution, which in every article,
section and amendments 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 depart
ments, define and limit the authority OF the
general government. The powers not del
egated to the United States by the Consti-
States, respectively, or to the people.
The General and State Governments,
each acting in its own sphere, without
touching upon the lawful jurisdiction of the
other constitute the Uni n. This Union
comprising general government with gen
eaI powers, and State governments with
State powers for purposes local to the States
is a 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 benefcient
qt home. Tried by blood and fire, it
stands today model form Of free, popular
government; political system which,
rightly administered, has been, and will con-
tinue to be, the admiration of the world.
May we not say, nearly In the words of
Washington, THE unity of the govern
ment which constitutes Us one peo
pie should be justly dear to us.
It is the main pillar In the edifice
9f 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
0fgovernment. however carefully devised :;
no principles, however sound, will protect
The rights of the people unless their ''ad-
mnstration is faithful and efficient"
1t is vital principle in our system that
neither fraud nor force must be allowed to
>ubvert the rights of the people. When
frau1, violence or incompetence controls,
the neblest constitutions and wisest laws
are useless The bavonet is not the tit in
strument for collecting the votes of free
men. 1t is only by full vote, free ballot,
fact. as required by the theory Of our gov
ernment. Take this foundation away and
the whole structure falls. Public office is
a trust, not a bounty bestowed upon the
holder. No incompetent or dishonest person
should ever be entrusted with it. or if ap
pointed, they should be promptly elected.
The basis of substantial practical civil ser
vice refoIm must first be established by the
people in filing elective offices. If they fix
high standard of qualifications for office,
and sternly reject the corrupt and incompe-
tent, ;he result will be decisive in govern
ing the action of the servants whom they
entrust with the appointing 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 con-
cerned in it's perpetuity and in the proper
administration of public affairs. We are
IN a state of profound peace; hencefOrth,
let it be our purpose to cultivate sentiments
Of friendship and no animosity against our
fellow citizens. Our material interests, var
led and progressive, demand our constant
and united efforts A sedulous and scrup-
uIOus care of public credit, together with q
wise and economical management OF
our governmental expenditures, should
be maintained, in order that labor
may be lightly burdened, and that all
persons may be protected in their rights to
he 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 bar
neny and generous rivalry among our own
industries which will revive our languishing
merchant marine, extend our commerce
with foreign countries, assist our merchants,
manufactures and producers to develop our
vast natural resources, and increase the