Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1882-07-28
HorsR OF REPRESENTATIVES,.


WASHINGTON, d G 25sh july, 1882
Messrs Philip NJ Russell Fl. ". Hopkins. Alien
Fort r S Burch, HOke Smith, Washington
Dessdu. John 0. WGddeh ). N. GttnaoTe,
Pope BdrrolC Committee, etc:
DEAR SIRs-Your letter of the 10th inst.
officially Informing me that l had received
the nomination of the State Democratic
Convention for the Office Of Governor for
the coming term and requesting me to sig
pify nv acceptance thereof, was handed me
that day on the eve Of my departure from
Atlanta and, under the heavy pressure OF
business since my return to WASHINGTON.
this is the first convenient opportunity
have had to respond to the same.
Allow me now TO say that the nomination
is cheerfully accepted /; and for the great
honor thus conferred upon me under exist
ing circumstances, | take this occasion 10
express to you, aud through you to those
whom you represent, my feelings OF pro
found gratitude.
Be assured, II under Providence l shall
live and be elected, it shall be my earnest
desire and endeavor so to perform the high
and responsible duties coufded to me as
that no one Of any party or class or condi-
ton Of life, can justly say. st the expiration
of the term, that be or she suffered any in
Jury or wrong from any act OF commission
or omission or neglect on my part.
Those time. honored principles OF Democ-
racy to which the convention In Its platform
refers, in which was reared and to which
1 shall ever adhere, are, indeed, l believe,
the basis upon which all our past glory was
achieved, and to which alone for our higher
career In the future we can only hopefully
look. Some Of these 1t may be proper here
to set forth as they were announced by Jef-
ferson, the great founder of the party, more
than three-qusrters Of century ago:
equal and exact justice to all men OF
whatever state or persuasion, religious or
political"
"The support of the State governments in
all their rights, as the most competent ad-
ministrations of our domestic concerns and
he surest bulwark against anti-Republican
tendencies; the preservation OF the General
Government In its whole constitutional
vigor as the sheet anchor OF our peace at
home and safety abroad"
ga jealous care of the right of election
by the people"
"Absolute scuuiescence in the decisions
of the msiority-the vital principle of re-
publics, from which there is no appeal but
to force, the vital principle and immediate
parent OF despotism."
"The supremacy of the civil over the
military authority"
ECONOMY in the public expense, that
labor may De lightly burdened."
Encouragement of agriculture and COM
merce, Its nanOmalu.
Freedom of religion, freedom OF the
press, freedom Of person, under the protec-
ton Of the habeas corpus, and trial by juries
impartially selected"
"These are some of the principles which
constitute the creed of our political faith,
the text of civil instruction, the touchstone
by which TO try the services Of those we
trust; ard should" said Jefferson, 1--WE
wander from them in moments of error or
alarm, let us hasten to retrace our steps and
TO regain the road which alone leads to lib
ertv and safety"
The foregoing, gentlemen, embodies the
leading ideas and principles by which my
administration shall be governed, IL the
people OF Georgia shall call me to her chief
executive chair. They are all in strict accord
with the broad, liberal and catholic platform
adopted by the convention, which most
cordially indorse. May l entertain the hope
and express the wish that all In our beloved
State who desire good government may
unite in harmonious action In sustaining
these fundamental principles, and thus
secure the peace and prosperity of ''the old
commonwealth" as well as promote the
peace, prosperity and happiness OF our
IN stehless Federal Union of Ststesg
For you, personally, gentlemen, please
accept my kindest regards, as well as my
best wishes for our common country. Yours
truly, ALEXANDER II. STEPHENS.