Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1888-07-04
The Presidents Reply to the Notification
Committee.

On Tuesday, June 26th, in reply to the
letter of the Committee, appointed by the
National Democratic Convention at st.
Louis, to notify him formally of his nomi-
nation for reelection, President Cleveland
delivered the following excellent remarks
81 cannot but be profoundly impressed
when see about me the messengers of the
national democracy, bearing it's summons to
duty. The political party to which owe
allegiance, both honors and commands me.
1t places in my hand its proud standard,
and bids me bear it high at the front, in a
battle which it wages, bravely because
conscious of right, confidently because it's
trust is in the people, and soberly because
| it comprehends the obligations which sue
cess imposes.
"The message which you bring awakens
within me the liveliest sense of personal
gratitude and satisfaction, and the honor
which you tender me in itself so great that
there might well be no room for any other
sentiment And yet 1 cannot rid myself of
grave and serious thoughts when l remem-
Der that party supremacy is not alone invol-
ed in the conflict which presses upon US,
but that we struggle to secure and save the
cherished institutions, the welfare and the
happiness of nation of freemen.
Familiarity with the great office which
1 hold but added to my apprehensions of its
sacred character and the consideration de-
manded Of him who assumes its immense
responsibilities. 1t is the repository of the
peoples will and power. Within its vision
should be the protection and welfare of its
humblest citizen; 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 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 usefulness of the Office, it should be
kept near to the people and be administered
in full sympathy with their wants and needs.
"This occasion reminds me most wildly
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, l can truly say that
the feeling of awe with which 1 heard the
summons then is intensified many fold
when it is repeated now.
"Four years ago l 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 a
pervelsion of all it ought to be; but / did
not know how much its moorings had al
ready been 1oosened. l knew four years
ago how well devised were the principles OF
true democracy for the successful operation
of a government by the people and for the
people, but did not know how absolutely
necessary their application then was for the
restoration to the people of their safety and
prosperity. knew then that abuses and
extravagances had crept into the manage
mont Of public affairs, but | did not know
their numerous forms nor the tenacity OF
their grasp. I knew then something of the
bitterness of partisan obstruction, but l did
not know how bitter, how reckless, and
how shameless it could be. / knew, too,
that the American people were patriotic and
just, but did not know how grandly they
loved their country, nor how noble and gen
erous they were.
policy of the Administration now drawing to
its close. It's record is open to every citi
zen of the land.
"And yet will not be denied the priv
lege of asserting at this time, that in tina ex-
ercise Of the functions of the high trust CON
fided to ne, have yielded obedience. only
to the Constitution and the solemn obliga,
ton of my oath of office. l have done
those things which, in the light of the I'M.
derstan ding God has given me, seemed
most conducive to the welfare of my coun.
try men and the promotion of good govern
ment. would not if could for myself
} nor for you, avoid single consequence Of
a fair Interpretation of my course.
'It but remains for me to say to you, and
through you to the democracy of the nation,
that l accept the nomination with which
they have honored me, and that l will il
due time signify such acceptance in the
usual formal Manner