The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1882-08-17
A. HI. STEPHENS.
His Letter of fAcceptance-AC Clear,
Crisp Enunciation of Jeffer-
sonian Democracy.

sOnian Democracy.
The following is the letter of the
Hon. a. FL. Stephens accepting the
nomination as the regular Demo-
cratic candidate for governor of
Georgia:
DEAR SIRs-Your letter of the
twentieth instant, officially inform
lug me tLat l had received the NOM
ination of the state Democratic con-
vention for the Office ex-governor for
the coming term, and requesting me
to signify my 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 to say that the nomination
is cheerfully accepted and for the
great honor thus conferred upon me
under existing circumstances, take
this occasion to express to you, and
through you to those whom you
represent, nv feelings of profound
gratitude. Be assured, if under
Providence, shall live and be elect
ed, it shall be my earnest desire and
endeavor so to perform the high and
responsible duties confided to me as
that no one of any party or class, or
condition of life, can justly say, at
the expiration of the term, that he
or she suffered any injury or wrong
from any act of commission or omis-
sion, or neglect on my part. Those
time-honored principles OF Democ-
racy, to which the convention in its
platform refers, in which was rear
ed, and to which shall ever adhere,
are, indeed, the basis upon which all
our past glory was achieved, and TO
which, for our highest careerGn the
future, we can only hopefully look.
Some of these it may be proper here
to set forth, as they were announced
by Jefferson, the great founder of
the party, more than three-quarters
of century ago:
Equal and exact justice to all
men of whatever state or
persuasion, religious or political.
The support of the state govern
ment in all their rights as the most
competent administration of our do
mestic concerns, and the surest bull
wark against anti-republican ten
denotes; the preservation of the
general government in its whole con-
stitutional vigor as the sheet-anchOr
of our peace at home and safety
abroad.
A jealous care of the right of cleo
ton by the people.
Absolute acquiescence in the de-
cision of the majoriIy-the vital
principle of republics, from which
there is no appeal but to force, the
vital principal and immediate parent
of despotism.
The supremacy of the civil over
the military authority.
Economy III the public expense,
that labor may be lightly burdened.
Encouragement of agriculture and
commerce, its handmade.
Freedom of religion, freedom of
the press, freedom of person, under
the protection of the habeas corpus,
and trials by jury impurtially
selected.
These are some of the principles
which constitute the creed of our
political faith the text of civil in
struction, the touchstone by
which TO try the services of
those we trust; and should,
said Jefferson, eve 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 liberty and safety"
The foregoing, gentlemen, en-
bodies the leading ideas and princi-
piles by which my administration
shall be governed, if the people of
Georgia shall call me TO her chief eX-
ecutive chair. They are all in accord
with the broad, liberal and catholic
platform adopted by the convention,
which L 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 sus-
tanning these fundamental principles
and thus secure the peace and pros
perity of " the old commonwealth y
as well as promote the peace, pros
perity and happiness of our match
less federal union of states?
For you, personally, gentlemen
please accept my kindest regards as
well as MY best wishes for our COM
mon country Yours, truly,
ALEXANDER Ii. STEPHENS.