Alpena weekly argus. [volume] (Alpena, Mich.) 1871-1893, 1888-07-04
The Presidents Response.

The committee from the Democrat
ic National convention, having notified
President Cleveland of his re-nomna-
ton by reclamation, he responded as
follows:
cannot but be profoundly impress
sed when | see about me the messen-
gers Of the National Democracy bear
ing its summons to duty. The polit-
ical party to which l owe allegiance
both houors and commands me. Ii
places in my hands its proud stand
ard and bids me bear it high in front
in a battle which it wages-bravely
because conscious of right, confidently,
because its trusts is in the people, and
soberly, because it comprehends the
obligation which success imposes. The
message which you bring awakens
within me the liveliest sense of per-
sonal gratitude and satisfaction and
the honor which you tender me is in
itself so great that there might well
be no room for any other sentiment.
And yet | cannot rid myself of grave
and serious thoughts when | remem-
Der that party supremacy is not alone
involved in the conflict which presses
upon us, but that we struggle to Sc
cure and save the cherished institu-
tons, the welfare and happiness of a
nation of freemen.
Familiarity with the great Office
which | hold has but added to my
apprehension of its sacred character
and the conservation demanded Of
him who holds its immense response
bilities. 1t is the repository of the
peoples will and powers. Within
its vision should be the protection
and welfare Of the humblest citizen,
and with quick ear it should catch
from the remotest corner of the land
the plea of the people for justice and
for right. For the sake Of the peo-
pie, he who holds this office of theirs
should resist every encroachmcnt up
on its legitimate functions, and for
the sake of the integrity and useful
ness of the Office it should be kept
near to the people and be administra-
ted in full sympathy with their wants
and needs.
This occasion reminds me most WV
idly of the scene when, four years ago,
| received a message from my party
similar to that which you now deliv-
err. With all that has passed since
that day, | can hereby say that the
feeling of awe with which | heard the
summons then is intensified many
fold when it is repeated now. Four
years ago knew that our Chief Ex-
eoutive office, if not carefully guard
ed, might drift little by little from the
people, to whom it belonged, and be-
come a perversion Of all 1t ought to
be but | did not know how much
its moorings had already been loosen
ed.
| knew four years ago how well de-
viscd were the principles of true De-
mocracy for the successful operation
of a government by the people for
the people, but did not know how
absolutely necessary their application
then was for the restoration to the
people of their safety and prosperity
knew then that abuses and ex-
travaganccs had crept into the man
agement of public affairs, but / did
not know their numerous forms nor
the tenacity of their grasp.
knew then something of the Bit
terness Of partisan obstruction, but /
did not know how reckless and shame.
less it could be.
| knew, too, that the American peo-
pie were patriotic and just, but | did
not know how bravely they loved
their country and how generous they
were.
shall not dwell upon the acts and
policy Of the Administration now
drawing to a close. Its record is open
to every citizen of the land, and yet
! will not be denied the privilege Of
asserting at this time that in the ex-
ercse of the functions Of the high
trust con6ded to me have yielded
obedience only to the Constitution
and the solemn obligation of my oath
of office.
have done those things which, in
the light of the understanding God
has given me, seemed most conducive
to the good of my country and fc he
promotion of good government. l
would not if | could, for myself nor
for you, avoid single consequence Of
fair Interpretation of my course.
Ii but remains for me to say to you
and through you to the Democracy of
the nation, that ] accept the nomina-
ton with which you have honored me,
and that | will in due time signify
such acceptance in the usual manner.
Tho National / angina If Democrat-