The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1888-06-27

and the diminution Of the expenses Of the gov
ernment, throws down a direct and defiant
challenge for an exacting scrutiny of the ad-
mlnistration of the executive power, which four
years ago was committed in its trust to the
election of Grover Cleveland President of the
United States and for the most searching in
qulry concerning its fidelity aud devotion TO the
pledges which then invited the suffrages of the
people. An engrossed copy of that PLATFORM
adopted without dissenting voice, is herewith
rendered to YOU
In conveying sir, to you the responsible trust
whlch mas been conflded to them this committee
pegs, individually and collectively, to express
the great pleasure which they have felt at the
results attending the national convention Of the
democratic party, and to offer to you their best
WISHES for official and personal success and
Obedent servants
The letter was signed by all the members
of the committee
Thomas s. Petit. secretary Of the notifi-
cation committee, then presented Mr. Cleve-
land with handsomely engrossed copy of
the platform adopted at the national demo-
cratic convention.
THE PRESIDENTS REPLY.
The President then said:
cannot but be profoundly impressed 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 places in my
AAehhdS llS pEOuu sLduUtTu ana DltlS me Dear IL
high at the front in battle which it
wages bravely, because, conscious of
right, confidently because its trust is in
the people, and soberly because it
comprehends the obligations which success
imposes. The message which you bring awak-
ems within me the liveliest sense of personal
gratitude and satisfaction, and the honor
winch you tender me is in itself so great that
there might well be no room for any other SEN
timent And yet cannot rid myself of grave
and serious thoughts when | remember that
party supremacy is not alone involved in the
conflict which presses upon us, but that we
struggle to secure and save the cherished insti-
tutions, the welfare and the happiness of a
nation of freemen.
THE SACRED CHARACTER OF THE OFFICE.
Familiarity with the great Office which hold
mas but added to my apprehension of its sacred
character, and the ConSecration demanded of
him who assumes its immense responsibilities.
1t is a repository of the peoples will and power.
Within its vision should be the protection and
the welfare of the humblest citizen and with q
quick ear it should catch from the re-
motest corner of the land the plea of
the people for justice and foresight. For the
sake Of the people he who holds this Office of
theirs should resist every encroachment upon
its legitimate functions, and for the sake of the
integrity and the usefulness of the office, it
should be kept near to the people, and be ad-
ministered in full sympathy with their wants
ana needs. This occasion reminds me most
vividly of the scene when four
years ago l 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
heard the summons then is intensified MANIFOLD
when il is repeated now. -Four years ago
knew that our chief executive 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 MORNINGS had
already been loosened. l knew four years ago
how we'll devised were the true principles of
true democracy for the successful operation of
the government oy the people and for the peo-
pie. But did not know how absolutely neces-
sary their application then was for the safety Of
the people. knew then of all the extravagances
that had crept into the management of public
affairs, but did not know their numerous forms
nor the tenacity of their grasp.
PARTISAN BITTERNESS.
knew then something Of the bitterness of
partisan obstruction but did not know how
bitter how reckless, and how shameless IL could
be. Prolonged applause.] / knew, too, that
the American people were patriotic and just,
but did not know how grandly they loved their
country. nor how noble nor how generous they
were. l shall not dwell upon the acts and the
policy of the administration now drawing to its
close. It's 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 exercise of
the high trust confided to me | have yielded
obedience only to the constitution and the
solemn obligation Of my oath of office,
MOST CONDUCIVE TO THE coUNTRY's WELFARE.
have done those things which in the light of
the understanding God mas given me seemed
most conducive to the welfare of my country
men and the promotion of good government.
/ would not, if / could, for myself nor for you,
avoid single consequence of fair interpreta-
tion of my course.
1t but remains for me to say to you, and
through you to the democracy Of the nation,
that accept the nomination with which they
have honored me- and that will in due time
signify such acceptance in the usual formal
manner.
The Presidents remarks were made in an
earnest and emphatic manner, and were
frequently interrupted by applause.
This closed the speech making and then
all present proceeded to the state dining
room and partook of light refreshments.
Aiterward the committees became guests
of the Columbia club and were driven
about the city.