Birmingham state herald., 1896-09-10

Lincoln Neb., Sept. 9.--Mr. Bryan made public his letter of acceptance of the democratic nomination today. Its full text is as follows:
 Hon. Stephen M. White and Other Mem
 bers of the Notification Committee of
 the Democratic Party:
 Gentlemen: accept the nomination rendered by you on behalf of the demo- cratic party, and in so doing desire to assure you that fully appreciate the high honor which such nomination con fers and the grave responsibilities which accompany an election to the presidency of the United States. So deeply am I impressed with the magnitude of the power vested by the constitution in the chief executive of the nation and with the enormous Influence which he can wield for the benefit or injury of the people that wish to enter the office If elected, free from any personal desire, except the desire to prove worthy of the confidence of my country. Human judgment is fal- lible enough when unbiased by selfish consdera ton, and in order that I may not be tempted to use the patronage of an office to advance any personal ambi- tion hereby announce, with all the em- phasis which words can express, my fixed determine ton not, under any cir cumstances, to be a candidate for re-elec- ton in case the campaign results in my s election. I have carefully considered the platform adopted by the democratic na- tional convention, and unqualifiedly in- dorse every plank thereon.
 The Purpose of Government.
 Our institutions rest upon the position that all men being created equal are en- titled to equal consideration at the hands of the government. Because all men are created equal follows that no citizen has ,.irh to tpii thpt- ai a main purpose of government being to pro- tect all citizens in the enjoyment of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, this - purpose must lead the government first, to avoid acts of affirmative injustice, and, second. io restrain each citizen from tres passing upon the rights of any other citizen, A democratic form of govern ment is conducive to highest civilization because it opens before each individual the grea test opportunities for develop ment and stimulates to the highest en- deavor by insuring to each the full en- joyment of all the rewards of toil except such contribution as is necessary to sup port the government which protects him. Democracy Is ndiffe ent to pedigree-it deals with the individual rather than with his ancesto Democracy ignores differences in wealth, neither riches nor poverty can be invoked in behalf or against any citizen. Democracy knows no creed recognizing the right of each luItNluudi lO WOlSH'p 1ud dCGOIbiHS tO the dictates of his own conscience it well comes all to common brotherhood and guarantees equal treatment to all, no matter in what character or through what forms they commune with their creator.
 Demccracy's Pledge.
 Having discussed portions of the plat form at the time of its adoption, and again when it's letter of notification was formally delivered. it will not be neces- sary at this time to touch upon all the subjects embraced in its declarations. Honest differences of opinions have ever existed and ever will exist as to the most effective means of securing domes- tic tranquility but no citizen fails to rec ognize at all times and under all circum- stances the absolute necessity for the prompt aLd vigorous enforcement of law and the preservation of the public peace In a government like ours 1t is but the specialization of the will of the people; without it the citizen is neither secure in the enjoyment of life and liberty, nor protected in the pursuit of happiness Without obedience to law government is impossible. The democratic party is pledged to defend the constitution and to inforce the laws of the United States and it is also pledged to protect and de- fend the dual scheme of government in stituted by the founders of the repub- lie The name United States was hap billy chosen. It combines the idea of na- tional strength with the idea of local government, and suggests 'an indis- soluble union of indestructible states"
 States Rights.
 Our wise forefathers, fearing the ten dency toward centraliZation as well as the. dangers of disintegration, guarded against both, and national safety as well nas domestic security is to be found in the careful observance of the limitst tions which they impose. It will be noticed that while the United States guarantees to every state reform of government and is empowered to protect each state against invasion. 1t is not authorized to interfere in the domestic affairs Of any state except upon application of the leg islature of the state or upon the appll- cation of the executive when the legis- 1ature cannot be convened. This provi- sion rests upon the sound theory that the people of the state, acting through their legally chosen representatives, are be- cause of their more intimate acquaint- ance with local conditions, better quail fled than the president to judge of the necessity for federal interference. Those who framed ouf constitution wisely de- termined to make as an application of the principles of local -government as circumstances would permit, and we cannot dispute the correctness of the po- sition taken by them without expressing . distrust of the people themselves
 Economy.
 Since government exists for the protec- ton of the rights of the people, and not for their spoliatiOn, no expenditure of public money can be justified unless that expenditure is necessary for the honest, economical administration of the govern