The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1884-08-14
Gov. Cleveland Notified.

On the 2sth ult., the Committee appointed
by the Democratic National Convention
to notify Gov. Cleveland of his nomina-
ton as a candidate for the Presidency, met
at Albany. The address of Col. Villas, the
chairman Of the Committee, was delivered,
to which Mr.. Cleveland responded as fol-
lows:
s.Mr. Chairman anG Gentlemen of the
Committee: Your formal announcement
does not. of course, convey to me the first
information of the result of the Conven-
vention lately held by the Democracy of
the nation, and yet when as | listen to
your message see about me representa-
tives from all parts of the land of the great
party which, claiming to be the party of
the people, asks them to entrust to it the
administration of their government and
when l consider under the influence of
the stern reality which the present sur
rOundings create that | have been chosen
to represent the plans, purposes and the
policy of the Democratic party, am pro-
foundly impressed by the solemnity OF the
occasion and by the responsibility OF my
position.
Though | gratefully appreciate it, do
not at this moment congratulate myself
upon the distinguished honor which has
been conferred upon me, because my mind
il full of an anxious desire to perform well
the part which has been assigned to me.
Nor do l at this moment forget that the
rights and interests of more than fifty
million of my fell0w-citizens are involved
in our efforts to gain Democratic suprem-
acy. This reflection presents to my mind
the consideration which more than all
others gives to the action Of my party in
re a nd
serious aspect The party and its repre-
sentatiyes which ask to be entrusted at
the hands of the people with the keeping
of all that concerns their welfare and their
safety should only ask it with the full APP
probation of the sacrednesS OF the trust
and with firm resolve to administer 1t
faithfully and well.
Il am Democrat because believe that
this truth lies at the foundation of true
Democracy. l have kept the faith because
believe, if rightly and fairly administered
and applied, Democratic doctrines and
measures will insure the happiness, con-
in the contest upon which we now enter
we steadfastly hold to the underlying prin-
ciples of our party creed, and at all times
keep in view the peoples good, we shall be
strong, because we are true to ourselves
and because the plain and Independent
voters of the land will seek by their suf-
frages to compass their release from party
tyranny where there should be submission
to the popular will. and their protection
from party corruption where there should
be devotion to the peoples interests.
These thoughts lend a conservation to
our cause and we go forth not merely to
gain a partisan advantage, but pledged to
give to those who trust us the utmost ben
eft and honest administration of national
affairs. No higher purpose or motive can
stimulate us to supreme effort or urge us
to continuous and earnest labor and eff
fective party organization. Let us not
fail in this, and we may confidently hope
to reap the full reward of patriotic ser
vices well performed. l have thus called
to mind some simple truths, and trlte
though they are, it seems to me we do well
to dwell upon them at this time. shall
soon. / hope, signify in the usual formal
manner, my acceptance of the nomination
which has been rendered to me. In the
meantime | gladly greet you all as CO.
workers in the noble cauSe.''