The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1888-06-27
The letter is signed by all the members o
the committee
The Presidents Reply.

President Cleveland replied as follows:
II cannot but be profoundly impressed
when see about me the messengers Of the
national democracy bearing its 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 IL high at the front in the battle
which 1t wages, bravely, because conscious
OF right; confidently, because its trust Is In
the people, and soberly. because ii compre-
hends the obligations which success i'm
poses. The message which you bring awak-
ems within me the liveliest sense Of personal
gratitude and the satisfaction and honor
which you tender me, is, in itself. so great
that there might we'll be no room for any
other sentiment. Yet cannot 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, welfare and happi-
ness OF nation Of free men. 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 responsible
ties. 1t Is the repository Of the peoples will
and power. Within its vision should be the
protection and welfare of the humblest cit
lien, and, with quick ear, Ii 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 eneroach-
ment upon its legitimate functions, and for
the sake OF the integrity and usefulness
OF the office, 1t should be kept near to the
people and be administered in full sympathy
with their wants and needs. This occasion
reminds me most vividly Of the scene when,
four years ago, received message from my
party similar TO that which ysu 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 intensi-
fed many fold when 1t Is repeated now
Four years ago knew that our chief execu-
tive offices, II not carefully guarded. might
drift little by little away from the people
to whom 1t belonged and become a perver-
sion of all 1t ought to be, but / did not know
how much Of its moorings had already loOs-
ensed. l knew four years ago how well de-
viSed 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 APP
plication then was for the restoration to the
people Of their safety and prosperity.
knew then that abuses and extravagances
had crept into the management of public af-
fairs but l did not know their numerous
forms nor the tenaciiy Of their grasp.
knew then something Of the bitterness Of
partisan obstruction, but / did not know
bitter. how reckless, 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
shall not dwell upon the acts and 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
confded to me, have yielded obedience
only to the constitution and the solemn
obligation Of my oath Of Office. | have done
those things which in the light Of the under
standing God has given me, seemed most
conducive to the welfare my eountrymen
and the promotion Of good government. /
would not, II could, for myself nor for you
avoid single consequence Of the fair inter-
probation Of my course. 1t but remains 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"
The Presidents remarks were made In an
earnest, emphatic manner and were frequent
ly interrupted by applause. This closed the
speech-maklng and then all present pro-
ceeded to the State dining room and partook
Of light refreshments. Afterwards the COM
mittee became guests of the Columbia Club
and were driven about the city.