Alpena weekly argus. [volume] (Alpena, Mich.) 1871-1893, 1880-08-04

ZION. John p stockton. Chairman and Others
of the Committee OF the National Democratic
CONVENTION:
GENTIEMEN-I have the honor
10 acknowledge the receipt of
your letter of July Is, 1850, APP
prising me formally of my nomina-
ton 70 the Office of President of
the United States by the National
Democratic Convention, lately as
sembled In Cincinnati. / accept
the nomination with a grateful APP
probation of the confidence repos-
ed In me.
The principles enunciated by the
convention are those | have cherish
ed in the past and shall endeavor
to maintain in the future.
The thirteenth, fourteenth and
fifteenth amendments of the Con-
stitution of the United States, en-
bodying the results of the war for
the Union, are inviolable. If call
ed to the Presidency l should deem
it my duty TO resist, with all my
power, any attempt to impair or in
wade the foil 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 power granted by the Legisla-
ture, Executive and Judicial De-
partments, define and limit the
authority of the general govern
ment. The powers not delegated
to the United States by the Consti.
tuition, nor prohibited by it to the
States, belong to the States re.
spectively or to the people. The
general and State governments
each acting in its own sphere
without trenching upon the Lawful
jurisdiction of the other, consti
tute the Union.
This Union, comprising genera
government with general powers
and State governments with Stat,
powers for purposes local to tn,
States, is a policy the fundation
of which were laid in the profound
est wisdom. This is the Uniol
our fathers made, and which ha
been so respected abroad and s.
benefcent at home. Tried b.
blood and fire it stands to-day
model form of free popular govern
ment, political system which
rightly administered, has been, an
will continue to be, the admiratio
of the world. May we not sa,
nearly in the words of Washington
the unity of the government whic
constitutes us one people is just
dear to ms, it is the main pillar !
the edifice of our real indepenC
ence, the support of our race, safet
aud prosperity, and of that liberI
we so highly prize and intend {
every hazard to preserve.
But no form of government how
ever carefully devised, no principle
however sound will protect Il
rights of the people unless Il
administration is faithful and eff
cient. II is vital principle in OF
system that neither fraud nor for,
must be allowed to subvert Il
rights of the people. When frau
violence or incompetence control
the noblest constitutions and Il
wisest laws are useless. The ba
onet is not a flt instrument for &C
lecting the votes of freemen.
is only by full vote, free ball
and fair count that the people c,
rule in fact, as required by Il
theory of our government. Tai
this foundation away and the who
structure falls.
Public offices are trust, not
bounty bestowed upon the holde
No incompetent or dishonest pc
son should ever be intrusted wi
them, or, il appointed, they shou
promptly be elected.
The basis of substantial prac'
cal civil service reform must first
established by the people in fillir
the elective offices. II they fix
high standard Of qualifications {
Office and strictly reject the CO
rupt and incompetent, the rest
will be decisive in governing SC