The Clifton clarion., 1888-07-04
A Aanly Response.

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 The formal notification of bis nomination was presented to President Clevelanl June 26th. He replied in the following words
 "I cannot be but profoundly impressed when 1 see about me messengers of the national De- mocracy bearing its summons to duty. The political party to which l owe allegiance, both hon. ors and commands me. It places ID my hands the proud standard, and bids me bear it high at the front ID the battle which it wages brsvely, because conscious of right. confidently, because its trust is in the people, and soberly, be- cause it comprehends the obliga- tions which success imposes. The message which you bring awakens within me the liveliest sense of personal gratitude and the satis- faction, and the honor which you tender is in itself so great that there might we'll be DO call for any other sentiment. And yet I can not rid myself of grave and seri- ous thoughts when l 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 institutions and the welfare and happiness of a nation of freemen. Familiarity with the great office which I hold has but added to my apprehension of its sacred character and the conse- cration demanded of him who assumes its immense responsibili- ties. It is the repository Of the peoples will and power. Within its vision should be the protection and welfare of the humblest citi- zen, 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 people, he who holds this office of theirs, should resist every enroachment upon its leglti- mate functions, and for the sake of the integrity and usefulness of the office it should be kept near to the people. and be administered in full sympathy with their wants and need. This occasion reminds me most wildly of the scene, when four years ago 1 received a message from ny party similar to that which you now deliver. With all that has passed since that day I can truly say that the feeling of awe with which I heard the sum- mons then is intensified manifold when it is reported now. Four years ago I 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 $ perverslon of all 1t ought to be. But I did not know how much its mooriugs already had been loos ened. I knew four years ago how we'll devised were the principles of true democracy for the success ful operation of the agreement by the people and for the people; but I did not know how absolutely necessary their application then was for the restoration to the peo- pie of their safety and prosperity. I knew then that abuses and ex- travagauce had crept into the management of the public affairs, but I did not know their numerous forms nor the tenacity of their grasp. I knew then something of the bitterness of partisan obstruc- tiou; but I did not know how bit ter, how reckless and how shame less it could be. l knew. too, that the American people were patriotic and inst, but I did not know how grandly they loved their country nor how noble and generous they were. I shall not dwell upon the acts and policy of the administra- ton now drawing to its close. Its record is open to every citizen of the land. And yet 1 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, I have yielded obedience only to the constitution and my obligation of my oath of office. I have done those things which, in the light of the under standing God has given me.seemed most conducive to the welfare of my countrymen and promotive of good government I would not if I could, for myself nor for you, avold a single consequence of 8 fair interpretation of my course. It but remains for me to say to you and through you to the De- mocracy of the nation, that I ac- cept the nomination with which they have honored me. and that I will in due time signify such ac- ceptance i'll the usual formal man. DorD