Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1888-06-27
Tne Presidents Speech.

The Presidents Speech.
In reply to the letter notifying him OF his
nomination for President; handed him ny the
committee appointed by the st. Louis conven'
ton for that pnrpose. mention of which was
made in yesterday GAZETTE, Mr.. Cleveland
replied: 81, ;.uo,,oa
when l see about me the messengers OF the
national democracy, bearing its summons
to duty. The political party to which l owe
allegiance, both honors and commands me;
It places 10 my hand its proud standard, ana
bids me bear it high at the front, 10 battle
which it wages. brsvely because conscious oil
right, confidently because its trust is IN the
people, and soberly because it comprenenos
the obligations which success imposes.
1.-The message which you bring aWakens
within me the liveiest sense of personal
gratitude and satisfaction, and the honor
which you tender me is in itself 30 great that
there might we'll be no room for any other
sentiment. And yet | cannot lid myself OF
grave and serious thoughts when remem-
Der that party supremacy is not alone invoi-
ed in the conflict which presses upon US, but
that we struggle to secure and save tne
cherished institutions, the welfare ana inc
happiness of nation Of freemen.
Familiarity with the great office which l
hold but added to my apprehenslons OF Its
sacred character aud the consideration de
mauded of him who assumes It's immense
responsibilities. 1t is the repository OF the
peoples will and power. Within Its vision
should be the protection and welfare OF us
humblest citizen and with quick ear IL
should catch from the remotest corner OF the
| ~ for Al
for right For sake of The people, he who
holds this office of theirs should resist every
encroachment upon it's legitimate functions;
and for the sake of the integrity and useful
ness of the cffce, it should be kept near to
the people aud be administered in full sym
| pathy with their wants and needs,
"This occasion reminds me most wildly
of the scene VI hen four years ago received
| message from my party similar to that
7! 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
/ it is repeated now.
-Four years ago knew that our chief ex-
ecutive office, if not carefully guarded, might
drift little by little away from the people to
whom it belonged and become perversion
| of all it ought to be; but did not know
how much its moorings had already been
Ioosened. l knew four years ago how well
devised were the principles OF true demo
cracy for the successful operation of gov
erpment by the people and for the people,
but did not know how absolutely necessary
their application then was for the restora-
ton to the people of their safety and pros
perity. | knew then that abuses aud eX-
| travagances had crept into the management
of public affairs, but did not know their
numerous forms nor the tepaciy OF their
grasp. knew then something of the bitter
ness Of partisan obstruction, but did not
know how bitter, how reckless, and how
shameless it could be. l knew, too, that the
American people were patriotic and just, but
did not know how grandly they loved their
country, nor how uoble and generous they
were
II shall not dwell upon the acts and the
policy Of the Administration now drawing
to its close It's record is open to every citi-
zen of the land.
And yet I will not be denied the privi-
lege of asserting at this time that in the ex-
ercse of the functions of the high trust con
6ded to me, | have yielded obedience only
to the Constitution and the solemn obliga-
tion of nv oath Of Office. / have done those
things which, in the light ofthe understand
Jog God has given me, seemed most condu-
Give to the welfare of my countrymen and
the promotion Of good government. would
not if I could for myself nor for you, avoid q
single consequence Of q fair Interpretation OF
my course.
"It but remains for me TO say to you, and
through you to the democracy of the nation,
that l accept the nomination with which
they have bonored ne, and that will in
due time signify such acceptance in the u.s.
ual formal manner"