Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1884-08-22
GOV. CLEVELAND,s LETTER


Governor Cleveland has issued his let
ter accepting the Democratic nomination
for President. We publish extracts touch
ing upon the most important subjects, as
follows:
THE PRESIDENT BUT AN EXECUTIVE.
1t should be remembered that the office
of President is essentially executive IN It's
nature. The laws enacted by the lcgisla-
tive branch of the government the Chief
Executive is bound faithfully to enforce,
and when the wisdom of the political par
~ which selects one OF its members as
nominee for that Office has outlined its
policy and declared its principles, it seems
10 ne that nothing in the character of the
Office or the necessities of the case re-
guircs more from the candidate accepting
such nomination than the suggestion OF
certain well-known truths so absolutely
vital to the safety and welfare of the ma
ton that they cannot be too often recalled
or too seriously enforced.
PEOPLES GOVERNMENT.
We proudly call ours government by
the people. 1t is not such when class is
tolerated which arrogates to itself the
management of public affairs, seeking to
control the people instead of representing
them.
When an election to office shall be the
selection by the voters Of one of their own
number to assume for i time a public
trust instead of his dedication to the pro-
fession of politics, when the holders of tho
ballot, quickened by 4 sense Of duty, shall
avengc truth betrayed and pledges
broken, and when the suffrage shall be
altogether free and interrupted, the full
realization of = government by the people
will be ut hand.
ONE TERM FOR TIE PRESIDENT.
And Of the means to this end not one
would, in my Judgment, be more effective
than an amendment to the Constitution
disQualifying the President from re-clec-
ton. When we consider the patronage Of
this great office, and allurements OF power,
the temptation 70 retain public place once
gained, and, more than all, the available
ity party finds in IN incumbent whom a
horde of ofliccholders, with zeal born of
benefits received and fostercd by the hope
OF fayors yet to come, stand ready to aid
with money and trained political service,
we recognize in the eligibility Of the
President for reelection most serious
danger to that calm, deliberate and intel
ligent political action which must charac-
tcrize government by the people.
DIGNITY OF LABOR.
\ true American sentiment recognizes
the dignity of labor, and the fact that
honor lies in honest toll. Contcnted labor
is an element of national prosperity.
Ability TO work constitutes the capital
and the wage of labor the income of a
vast number of our population, and this
interest should be zealously protected.
Our workingmen are not asking unreas-
enable indulgence, but us intelligent and
manly citizens they seek the same consid-
Grafton which those demand who have
other interests at stake.
They should receive their full share Of
the care and attention of those who make
and execute the laws, to the end that the
wants and needs Of the employers and the
employed shall alike be subscrved and the
prosperity of the country, the common
hpritaUe ,,f botb hp ,lyancp5
HONEST AND FRUGAL GOVERNMENT.
believe that the public temper is such
that the voters of the land are prepared to
support the party which gives the best
promise of administering the government
in the honest, simple and plain manner
which is consistent with its character and
purposes. They have learned that mys-
terry and cOncea!ment in the management
of their affairs cover tricks and betrayal.
The craftsmanship they require consists
in honesty and frugality, prompt re-
Spouse to the needs of the people as they
arise, and the vigilant protection of all
their varied interests.
If should be called to the chief mag
istracy of the nation by the suffrages Of
my fcllow-citizens, 1 will assume the du-
ties OF that high office with the solemn
determination to dedicate every effort to
the cOuntry's good, anu witk an humble
reliance upon the favor and support of
the Supreme Being, who l believe will
always bless honest human endeavor in
the conscientious discharge of public duty.
GROVER CLEVELAND.