The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1888-06-28
nr. cleveland's Acceptance.

/ appeared in our dispatches yesterday, in
response TO the official notification that he
had again been chosen the standard-bearer
Of the national democracy, will strengthen
him with the people II shows that he has
profound appreciation Of the duties and
responsibilities of the great Office which he
fills, and for which he has again been nOmi-
mated, and that his aims and purposes are
high The presidency, he says, ought to be
kept near TO the people, and it VIII not be
denied that he has exerted himself % keep
linear them. He has never permitted him
self 70 be controlled by the politicians, and
all Of his acts indicate that ne has always
sought to do what he believed TO be for the
peoples interest. In making appointments
he has endeavored 10 select the best men,
and he has improved every opportunity to
check extravaganza and compel obedience
to the laws
1t will be said, doubtless, during the cam
paign that he is inconsistent because, hav-
ing in his letter of acceptance in 1884 de-
clared himself TO be in favor Of only one
term for a President, he accepted a renomi-
nation. A moments thought. however,
will show that he is not. He be-
lieved when he wrote that letter, and,
doubtless, he believes now, that it would be
better for tho country if the President were
not eligible for reelection, but because he
holds that belief 1t does not follow that he
is inconsistent in accepting a denomination.
IL his refusal TO accept a denomination
would establish precedent chat would
have the effect Of a law, there might be
some grounds for criticising his acceptance,
but it would not II he had refused the
denomination his SUCCESSORS would not feel
bound by his action, and the reform that
he advised and favors would not be accom-
plished Moro than ten years ago Mr..
Thurman suggested the advisability Of
limiting President to one term, and it is
rather remarkable, in view of the rapid
increase in the patronage Of the presidency,
and the great temptation to use it 10 secure
a second, and even third term, that no
serious effort has been made by congress to
declare President ineligible for reelection.
1t cannot be charged, however, that Mr.
Cleveland secured denomination by the
use Of patronage. The st. Louis conven-
ton expressed the viii of the democratic
masses. In the primary conventions the
ofiiceholders were conspicuous by their alb
sence, and in the national convention there
were very few Of them. Mr.. Cleveland did
not depend upon them for any assistance,
and nothing would have caused him more
annoyance than the appearance in the con-
ventions which selected the state delega-
lions any considerable number Of his ap-
pointees.
Being unanimously called TO be the stand
ard bearer of his party for a second time,
he could not upon any reasonable ground
refuse the honor and its attendant responsi-
bllites. His party said that it needed him,
and it was his duty to respond to its de-
mand. If the charge is made during the
campaign that he was inconsistent in &C
cepting a denomination, his supporters can
satisfactorily answer it by referring to his
record as President, and to the unanimity
with which he was renominated.
Was there ever another president who
could say, as he said TO the committee who
notified him of tho action Of the st. Louis
convention, 81 will not be denied the
privilege of asserting at this time that in
the exercise of the high trust confided 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 welfare Of my countrymen and the pro-
motion Of good government. would not.
if could, for myself nor for you, avoid a
single consequence Of a fair Interpretation
Of my course"
There is no doubt that Mr.. Cleveland has
aimed to serve the country faithfully, and
that he has no act Of his administration to
regret shows that he has been guided by a
singleness of purpose ana a conscientious
devotion to the public welfare that are as
remarkable as they are unparalleled.