Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1888-09-14
FROM Mr.. CLEVELAND.
The Presidents Letter Accept
ing the denomination,
HIS OPINIONS SET FORTH
ae Speaks at Length of Important
Campaign Issues.

High Tariff and the Surplus-He Says,
''We Have Entered Upon No Crusade of
Free Trade"-Concerning Unrestricted
Immigration-A Word About "Trusts."
He Urges Immediate Action.
WASHINGTON, Sept. 9-The following is
the presidents letter of acceptance:
WASHINGTON, Sept s. 1888.
The Hon. Patrick A. Collins and Others,
Committee, etc.
GENTLEMEN-In addressing to you my
formal acceptance of the nomination to the
presidency of the United States, my thoughts
persistently dwell upon the impressive rela-
ton of such action to the American people
whose confidence is thus invited, and to the
political party to which l belong, just enter
ing upon contest for continued supremacy.
The world does not afford a spectacle more
sublime than is furnished when millions Of
free and intelligent American citizens select
their chief magistrate, and bid one of their
number to find the highest earthly honor and
the full measure of public duty in ready sub
mission to their will.
It follows that a candidate for this high
Office can never forget that when the turmoil
and the strife which attend the selection of its
incumbent shall be heard no more, there must
be in the quiet calm which follows a complete
and solemn self conservation by the peoples
chosen president of every faculty and en-
deavor to the service of confiding and gen.
erous nation of freemen.
These thoughts are intensified by the light
of my experience in the presidential office,
Which has soberly impressed me with the
severe responsibilities which it imposes, while
it has quickened my love for American insti-
tutions and taught me the priceless value of
the trust of my countrymen.
1t is of the highest Importance that those
who administer our government should jeal-
ously protect and maintain the rights Of
American citizens at home and abroad, and
should strive to achieve for our country her
proper place among the nations of the earth;
but there is no people whose home interests
are SO great and whose numerous objects of
domestic concern deserve so much watchful-
ness and care.
Among these are the regulation of sound
financial system suited to our needs, thus Sc
curing an efficient agency of national wealth
and general prosperity; the construction and
equipment of means of defense to insure our
national safety and maintain the honor be-
protection of our national domain still stretch
ing beyond the needs of century's expansion,
and its preservation for the settler and the
pioneer Of our marvellous growth; a sensible
and sincere recognition Of the value of Ameri-
can labor, leading to the scrupuleus care and
Just appreciation of the interests of our work
ingmen the limitation and checking of such
mOnopolistic tendencies and schemes as in
terfere with the advantages and benefits which
the people may rightly claim; a generous
gard and care for our surviving soldiers and
Sailors and for the widows and orphans of
such as have died, to the end that while the
appreciation of their services and sacrifices
is quickened, the application of their pension
fund to improper cases may be prevented;
protection against a serv1le immigration,
which injuriously completes with our labor
ing men in the field of toll and adds to
to our population an element ignorant of
our institutions and laws, impossible of
assimilation with our people and danger
GUS to our peace and welfare; a strict and
steadfast adherence to the principles of civil
service reform and a thorough execution of
the laws passed for their enforcement thus
permitting to our people the advantages of
business methods in the operation of their
government; he guarantee to our colored cit
liens of all their rights of citizenship, and
their just recognition and encouragement in
al things pertaining to that relation; firm,
patient and humane Indian policy, SO that in
peaceful relations with the government the
civilization Of the Indian may be promoted,
with resulting quiet and safety to the settlers
on our frontiers; and the curtailment of pub
lie expense by the introduction of economical
methods in every department of the govern
nlent.
The pledges contained in the platform
adopted by the late convention of the national
Democracy lead to the advancement of these
objects, and insure good government-the as
piration of every true American citizen and
the motive for every patriotic action and eff
fort. In the consciousness that much has
been done in the direction of good govern
ment by the present administration, and sub
hitting its record to the fair inspection of
my countrymen, l endorse the platform thus
presented, with the determination that if I
am again called to the chief magistracy there
shall be a continuance of devoted endeavor to
advance the interests of the entire country,
Our scale Of federal taxation and it's conse-
quences largely Ell gross at this time the at
tention of our citizens, and the people are
sdberly considering the necessity Of measures
Of relief
Our government is the creation of the peo-
pie established to carry out their designs and
accomplish their good. 1t was founded on
Justice, and was made for a free, intelligent
end virtuous people. 1t is only useful when
within their control, and only serves them
well when regulated and guided by their con-
slant touch. 1t is free government because