Saint Mary's beacon. [volume] (Leonard Town, Md.) 1867-1983, 1888-07-05

In reply to the formal notification
Of his selection as the Democratic
Nominee Tor the Presidency, Mr..
Cleveland said
Il cannot but be profoundly in.
pressed when see about me tie
messengers of the National Democracy
bearing its summons to duty. The
political party to which l owe allegi
ance, both honors and commands me.
1t places in my hand its proud stand.
ard, and bids me bear it high at the
front in battle which it wages brave
", because conscious of right, conf
IDENTIFY because its trust is in the
peoPle, and soberly, because il com.
prehends the obligations which success
imposes.
The Message which you bring
awakens within me the liveliest sense
OF personal gratitude and sati, faction,
and the honor which YOU tender me
is In itself so great that there might
well be 10 room for any other senti-
ment. Aud yet I cannot rid myself
OF grave and serious 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 insti.
tutions, the welfare and the happiness
Of nation of freemen.
Familiarity with the great office
which | hold has but added to my
apprehension Of its sacred character
and the conservation demanded Of
him who assumes its immense respon-
sibllities. It is the repository Of the
peoples will and power. Within its
vision should be the protection and
welfare Of the 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 the sake of the people, he who
holds this office Of theirs, should resist
every encroachment upon its legiti-
mate functions, and for the sake of
the integrity and usefulness of the
office, it should be kept dear 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. 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 many
fold when it 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 l did not know
how much its moorings had already
been loosened. ! knew four years
ago how well devised were the true
principles of true democracy for the
successful operation Of a government
by the people and for the people; but
! did not know how absolutely neces.
sary their application then was for the
restoration to the people of their sGfe-
ty 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 tenacity of their grasp.
| knew then something of the bitter
ness OF partisan obstruction, but did |
not know how bitter, how reckless,
and how shameless it could be. Pro- |
longed applause. knew. too, that
the American people were patriotic
and Just, but did not know how
yrandly they loved they country nor
how noble and generous they we're.
81 shall not dwell upon the acts
md policy OF the administration now
drawing to It's close. It's record is
open TO every citizen of the land.
And yet l will not be denied the
privilege OF asserting at this time,
hat in the exercise of the high trust
'ontidsd to me, I have yielded obei-
ence oHl y to the Constitution and
he solemn obligation Of my oath of
,thce-1 have done those things in the
light OF the understanding God has
,iven me, which seemed most con.
lucive to the welfare Of my country
nen and the promotion Of good govern.
nent. would not if could, for
myself nor for you, avoid a single
consequence Of a fair Interpretation
# my course.
ut but remains for me to say to I
'ou, and through you to the democracy
+ the nation, that ! accept the noml-
Istion with which they have honored
ne and that I will in due time signify I
uch acceptance in the usual formal
lanner.