Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1888-07-03
The Presidents Acceptance.


The Committee appointed by the
National Democratic Convention to
notify the nominees of their selection
waited upon President Cleveland
last Tuesday and formally discharged
that duty. The President in response
said:
''I cannot but be profoundly impressed
| when see about me the messengers of the ma
tional Democracy bearing its summons to du-
ty The political party to which owe ale
glance both honors and commands me. 1t
places ia my hand the proud standard and
bids me bear it high at the front in a battle
| which 1t wages, bravely because conscious OF
right; confidently, because its trust is in the
people, aud soberly. because 1t comprehends
| message which you bring awakcns within ME
the liveliest sense of personal gratitude and sat
isfaction. and the honor which you tender me
is in itself SO great that there might well be no
room for any other sentiment. And yet can
not 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 institutions, the welfare
and the happiness of a nation of freemen.
q Familiarity with the great Office which ]
hold has but added to my apprehension OF its
sacred character and the conservation de-
handed of him who assumes its immense re-
sponsibities. 1t is the repository of the peo-
pies will aud power. Within its vision should
be the protection and welfare of the humblest
citizen and with quick ear it should catch
from the reinotcst 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 incroach-
ment upon its legitimate functions and for
the sake of the integrity and usefulness of the
Office it should be near to the people and be
administered in full sympathy with their
wants and needs.
:: This case reminds me most wildly of the
scene when. four years ago. 1 received a mes
sage 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 many fold when it is repeated now.
Four years ago knew that our Chief EXecu-
tive office. if not carefully guarded, might
drift little by little away from the people to
whom il belonged and become pervcrsion of
all it ought to be; but did not know how
much its moorings had already been loosened.
I knew four years ago how well devised were
the principles of true Democracy for the sue
cessful operation of q government by the peo-
pie and for the people: but did not know
then was for the restoration to the people of
their safety and prosperity. L knew, then,
that abuses and extravagances had crept into
the management of public affairs. but did
not know their numerous forms nor the tenac-
ity of their grasp. knew, then something of
the bitterness of partisan obstruction, but
did not know how bitter, how reckless and
how shameless it could be. I knew, too, that
the American people were patriotic and just.
but did not know how grandly they loved
their country, nor how noble and generous
they were.
~ 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 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 to the solemn obligation of my oath of Of
fee. I have done those things which. in the
light of the understanding God has given me.
seemed most conducive to the welfare of my
countrymcn and the promotion of good gov
eminent. 1 would not if could, for myself
nor for you, avoid single consequence of u
fair Interpretation of my course.
1t remuns 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.