Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1888-07-06
CLEVELAND NOTIFIED.
He Accepts the Honor With Thanks.

lie Accepts INC HOnOT WIN ih"hhS.
The national democratic committee and
the notification committee appointed Dy the
late democratic convention 10 notify Cleye-
land and Thurman OF their nomination Tor
President and Vice President met In Wash
ington June rs. After some preliminary
business, the committee marched 10 the
White House. The President was notified
OF their arrival and received them in the
east room. As soon as the party had taken
their places Gen. Collins stepped forward
and in few remarks made known the Cd
ject OF their visit and introduced the Hon
Chas ID. Jacob OF Kentucky, who read and
presented 10 the President the formal letter
Of notification signed by the national com
mittee.
The president in reply said: ~ cannot
but be profoundly impressed when i see
about me the messengers OF the national
democracy, bearing its summons TO duty.
The political party 10 which owe allegi-
ance both honors and commands me. IL
places in my hand its proud standard, and
bids me bear il high at the front in a battle
which it wages bravely because conscious
of right, confidently because its trust Is In
the people, aud soberly because ~ compre-
bends the obligations which success i'm
plies.
The message which you bring awakens
within me the liveliest sense OF personal
gratitude and satisfaction, and the honor
which you tender me is in itself so great
other sentiment. And yet cannot rid my
self 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 secuae ana
save the cherished institutions, the welfare
and the happiness Of a nation of free men.
Familiarity with the great office which
hold has but added 10 my apprehension or
its sacred character and the conservation
demanded Of him who assumes its immense
responsibilities. 1t is She repository OF the
peoples will and power. Within its vision
should be the protection and welfare OF the
humblest citizen and with quick ear IL
should catch from the remOtest corner or
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 IL
should be kept near 10 the people and
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 10 that
which you now deliver. WITH all that has
passed since that day, can most truly say
that the feeling Of awe with which heard
the summons then il intensified many fold
when il 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, 10 whom il be
longed, and become a perversion OF all IL
ought to be; but | did not know how much
its moorings had already been lOOsened. /
knew four years ago how we'll devised were
the principles OF true democracy for the
successful operation Of government by
the people and for the people; but did not
know how absolutely necessary their appli-
cation 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 tenacity of their grasp. /
knew then something OF the bitterness of
partisan obstruction; but l did not know
how bitter, how restless and how shameless
IL could be. i know, 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.
II shall not dwell upon the acts and the
policy of the administration now drawing
10 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 70 me, have yielded
obedience only 70 the Constitution and the
solemn obligation Of my oath of Office. have
done those things which, in the light Of the
understanding God has given me, seemed
most conducive 10 the welfare of my coun-
w hleh anu the PIOihotlou VI SOOu govern
ment. i would not, If l could, for myself
nor for you, avoid single consequence of q
fair Interpretation OF my course.
1T but remains for me TO say TO you, and
through you TO the democracy of the nation,
that j accept the nomination with which
they have honored me and that will in due
time signify such acceptance in the usual
formal manner"
The Presidents remarks were made in
an earnest and emphatic manner, and were
frequently interrupted by applause. This
closed the speech making, and all present
proceeded 10 the state dining room and par
took Of light refreshments.