The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-06-27

secure and save the cherished institutions,
the welfare and happiness OF nation Of
freemen.
Familiarity with the great Office which
/ hold has but added TO my apprehension
OF its sacred character and conservation de-
manded OF him who assumes its immense
responsibilities. II is the repository of the
peoples will and power. Within its
vision should be the protection and well
fare of the humblest citizen, and with
quick ear Ii should catch from the re-
hottest corner of the land the plea Of the
people for justification and for right.
For the sake OF the people he who holds
this office of theirs should resist every en-
croachment upon its legitimate functions,
and for the sake OF tho integrity and use
fulness Of the Office il should be kept near
to the people and BIO administered in full
sympathy with their wants and needs.
This occasion reminds me most wildly
OF the scene when four years ago re-
ceived a message from my party similar to
that which you now deliver With all
that has passed since that day can truly
say that the feeling Of awe with which ]
heard the summons then is intensified
many fold when II is repeated now.
-Four years ago | knew that our chief
executive office, II not carefully guarded,
might drift little by little away from the
people TO whom IL belonged, and become
perversion vi all II ought to he, but did
not know how much its moorngs had al
ready been loosened. knew four years
ago how well devised were the principles
OF true Democracy for the successful opera
ton OF a government by the people and
for the people, but did not know how alb
solutely necessary their application then
was for the restoration 10 the people OF
their safety and prosperity. ] knew then
that abuses and extravagances had crcpt
into the management Of public affairs, but
| did not know their numerous forms nor
the tenacity OF their grasp. knew then
something Of the bitterness OF partisan OBJ
struction, but did not know how bitter,
how reckless and how shameless II could
be. knew, too, that tho American peo-
Pile were patriotic and just, but did not
know how grandly they loved their coun.
try nor how noble and generous they
were.
al shall not dwell upon the acts and the
policy Of the administration now drawing
to its close. Its record rs open to every
citizen Of the land
"And yet will not be denied the priv
ilege Of asserting at this time that in the
exercise OF the functions OF the high trust
conhded TO me, have yielded obedience
only TO the constitution and the solemn
obligation Of my oath OF Office.
"Ibavc done those things, which, In the
light OF the understanding God has given
me, seemed most conducive 10 the welfare
of my countrymen and the promotion Of
good government. would not II could
for myself nor for you, avoid a single con-
sequence Of a fair Interpretation Of my
| course.
at but remains for me 10 say 10 you, and
through YOU 20 the Democracy Of the ma
ton, that ! accept the nomination with
which they have honorcd me, and that
will in due time signify such acceptance In
the usual formal manner"
The Presidents remarks were made In
an earnest aud emphatic manner, and
were frequently interrupted by applause.
This closed the speech making. and ther
all present proceeded 70 tho state dining
room and partook Of light nlrcshmonts.
Afterwards the committees became, ths
guests OF the Columbia club, and wcro
| driven about the city.