The People's vindicator. [volume] (Natchitoches, La.) 1874-1883, 1880-10-23

General hancock's Patriotic Utter.
ances.
When fraud, violence, or incom-
petence controls the noblest Constitu-
lions and wisest laws are useless.
The bayonet is not fit instrument
for collecting the votes Of free men.
1t is only by full vote. free ballot. and
fair count that the people can rule in
fact. as required BY the theory OF our
Government. Take this function away
and the whole structure falls.
The greatest principles of American
liberty are still the rig htful inheritance
of this people, and ever should be.
The right Of trial by jury. the habeas
corpus, the liberty of the press, the
freedom of speech. the natural rights Of
persons, and the rights of property
Wust De preserved.
The Thirteenth. Fourteenth, and
Fifteenth amendments to the Constitu-
ton of the United States. embodying
the results of the war for the Union. are
inviolable.
fcalled to the Presidency, I should
deem it my duty to resist. with all my
power. any attempt to impair or evade
the full force and effect of the Con-
stitution, which, in every article, Sec
ton, and amendment, is the supreme
law of the land.
This Union, comprising a General
Government with general powers, and
State Governments with State powers
for purposes local to the States, is Il
pOlity the foundations of which were
laid in the profoundest wisdom.
This is the Union which our fathers
made, and which has been so respected
abroad and SO beneicent at home.
The war for the Union was success.
fully closed more than fifteen years ago.
All classes of our people must share
alike the blessings of the Union. and are
equally concerned in its perpetuity, and
in the proper administration of public
affairs.
We are in state of profound peace.
Henceforth let it be our purpose to cul.
tivate sentiments of friendship. and not
OF animosity, among our fellow citizens.
As one people we have common in
terests.
A sedulous and scrupulous care of the
public credit. together with wise and
economical management of our Govern.
mental expenditures. should be main.
tanned, in order that labor may be
lightly burdened. and that all persons
NAV he protected in their rights to the
fruits Of their industry.
Let us encourage the harmony and
generous rivalry among our own indus
tries which will revive our languishing
merchant marine. extend our COM
merce with foreign Nations. assist our
merchants, manufacturers and produce
ers to develop our vast natural re-
sources. and increase the prosperity
and happiness of our people.
Public Office is trust, not a bounty
bestowed upon the holder.
The basis of subst antial. practical
civil service reform must first be estab.
lished by the people in filling the elect
i've Offices; if they fix high standard
Of qualifications for Office. and sternly
reject the corrupt and incompetent. the
result will be decisive in governing the
action Of the servants whom they in
trust with appointing power.
No form of government. no matter
how carefully devised. no principle.
however sound, will protect the rights
of the people unless administration is
faithful and effici ent.
Power may DESTROY the forms but not
the principles Of Justice; these will live
in spite even Of the sword.
The true and proper use of the mill
tarv mower, besides defending the Ma
tional honor against foreign nations. is
to uphold the laws and civil Govern
ment. and to secure to every person re.
siding among us the enjoyment of life,
liberty and property.
The regular army should be 80 di.
rected by its superior officers as to be
recognized as = bulwark in support Of
the rights of the people and of the law.
I would. under no circumstances. al
low myself or my troops to determine
who were the lawful members of q State
Legislature.
Our system does not provide that one
President should inaugurate another.
There might be danger in that. and it
was studiously left out of the charter.
The army should have nothing to do
with the election or Inauguration Of
Presidents. The people elect the Pres
ident The Congress declares in joint
session who he is.
l like Jefferson's way of inaugural
ton; it suits our system. He rode alone
on horseback to the Capitol. tied his
horse to rail fence. entered. and was
duly sworn: then rode to the Executive
Mansion and took possession.
Judge ]. 3. Black on NObilier Garfield.
Judge Jere S. Black sends to the