Chariton courier. (Keytesville, Chariton County, Mo.) 1878-current, 1888-07-05
Cleveland Accepts.

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when see about me the messengers
of the national Democracy bearing
its summons to duty. The political
party to which / owe allegiance both
honors and commands me. 1t pla-
ces in my hand its proud standard
and bids me bear 1t high at the front
in n battle which 1t wages, bravely
because conscious Of right, conf
IDENTIFY because Its trust is in the peo-
pie, and soberly because it compre-
hends the obligations which success
imposes,
1.-The message which you bring
awakens within me the livellest sense
of personal gratitude and satlsfac-
tion, and the honor which you ten
der me is in itself so great that there
might well be no room for any other
sentiment. And yet l cannot rid
myself of grave and serious thoughts
when remember that party su-
premacy is not alone involved in the
conflict which presses upon us, but
that we struggle to secure and save
the cherished institutions, the well
fare and happiness of a nation of
freemen.
"FamiIiarity with the great office
which hold has but added TO my
apprehension of its sacred character
and the conservation demanded of
him who assumes the immense re-
sponsibilities. 1t is the repository
of the peoples will and power.
Within its vision should be the pro-
lection and welfare of the humblest
citizen; and with quick ear 1t should
catch from the remotest corner of
the land the plea of the people for
justice and for right. For the sake
of the people he who holds this Of
flee should resist every encroach-
ment upon its legitimate functions;
and for the sake of the integrity and
usefulness of the office, it should be
kept near to the people and be ad-
ministered in full sympathy with
their wants and needs.
"This occasion reminds me most
vivIdly of the scene when four years
ago received 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 l
heard the summons then is intensl-
fed many fold when it is repeated
now.
"Four years ago knew that our
chief executive office, if not careful
ly guarded, might drift little by lit
tie away from the people to whom it
belonged and become a perversion
of all it ought to be; but l did not
know how much of its moorings had
already been looscned. l knew four
years ago how well devised were the
principles of true Democracy for the
successful operation of a govern
ment by the people and for the peo
pie, but did not know how abso-
lutely necessary their application
then was for the restoration to the
people of their safety and prosperi-
ty. L knew then that abuses and
extravasances had crept into the
management of public affairs; but l
did not know their numerous forms
ncr the tenacity of their grasp.
knew then something of the bitter
ness of partisan obstruction; but
did not know how bitter, how reck-
less and how shameless it could be.
l knew, too, that the American peo-
pie were patriotic and just; but 1
did not know how grandly they loved
their country, nor how noble and
generous they were.
II shall not dwell upon the acts
and the policy of the administration
now drawing to its close. Its record
is open to every citizen of the land.
"And yet L will not be denied the
privilege of asserting at this time
that IN the exercise of the functions
Of the high trust confided to me,
have yielded obedience only to the
constitution and the solemn obliga-
tion of my oath of cflice. l have
done those things which, in the
light of the understanding God has
given me, seemed most conducive to
The welfare of my countrymen ard
the promotion of good government.
l would not, if could, for myself
nor for you, avoid single conse-
queDce of fair Interpretation OF my
course.
at but remains for me to say to
you, and through you to the Democ-
racy Of the nation, that 1 accept the
nomination with which they have
honored me, and that l will in due
time signify such acceptance in the
usual formal manner"
RLJI. R, r.. D:1.L.yo R.o4or,,