The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1884-08-23
District Electors
Gov. Cleveland's Letter.

Gov. Cleveland's letter accepting the DEM
ocratic nomination for President was given to
the public in the daily papers on Wednesday,
and we print it in another column in the
ADVOCATE. 1t is characteristic of the man,
plain and straightforward. 1t is unlike any
document Of its kind. There is nothing in it
that savors of demagogism, neither is it
dragnet, intended to catch voters of all po-
ltical creeds and idiosyncrasies. He has
carefully considered the platform adopted by
the Democratic convention, and in cordially
approving it he does not consider it necessary
to repeat it paragraph by paragraph and en-
large upon it. 1t needs no supplement or
explanation, says Mr. Cleveland, as it is
plain statement of Democratic faith and prin-
ciples. He does not substitute platform of
his own for that ofthe party. Gov Cleveland
has correct idea of the functions pertaining
to the Office of President. If one unfamiliar
with our system of government were to read
the letters of Blaine and Butler, he would
conclude that the President was in fact the
government-the executive, Legislative and
judicial all in one. They discuss everything
pertaining to public affairs, and give their
views as to what ought and ought not to be
done, whereas they are powerless to do any
thing. The office of President is essentially
executive in its nature, says Gov. Cleveland,
fact that neither Blaine nor Butler seem to
understand, and a fact that no President has
comprehended for some years. 1t is the duty
of the President to see that the laws are faith
fully enforced, and that the public service is
pure and efficient, but he cannot enact or
undo single law. He can recommend and
he has the veto power, but he is not the leg
islative branch of the government.
: After approving the platform of the party,
Gov. Cleveland has something to say upon
govesnment by the people, asserts that pro-
per regard of the workingman is inseparably
connected with the integrity of our institu
tions, that individual rights should not be
curtailed by unnecessarily interfering with the
habits and customs of the people, that the
people are entitled to fair and honest work
from public employees and that questionable
party service from them should neither be
expected nor allowed.
One other point touched upon by Gov.
Cleveland in his brief and terse letter, is the
term of office of President. He regards one
term sufficient, and would limit it to that
by constitutional amendment His reasons
therefor, in the light of recent experience, are
strong and convincing, and we cite our read
ers to that part of his letter particularly. The
patronage of the Executive is so great that it
is almost impossible to prevent an incumbent
from securing his denomination. President
Arthur was only beaten by the shameful de-
bauchery of delegates to the Republican ma
tional convention. Had not the party become
weakened by long abuse Of power, no honest
endeayor against him could have prevailed.
With re nomination secured, backed by the
vast machinery of the government Presi-
dent can, under ordinary circumstances, as
sure his election. And if for two terms, why
not for more? Gov. Cleveland's recommen-
dation is one that should be adopted. With
bold, bad men in power, there is no reckon
ing possibilities. Let us provide against any
serious strains upon the republic before it is
too late.
We commend the whole letter to a close
study 1t is short, but there are volumes in
it. swell known truths" as the Governor
expresses it, 'that cannot be too often re-
called or too seriously enforced