Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1916-06-15
HUGHES ACCEPTS
NOMINATION AS
HIS DUTY, He SAYS
Stands for Americanism and
American Enthusiastically
Criticizes Democrats
Mexican Policy.


accepting the presidential nomination was
as follows:
Washington, u c.. June 20. 1916.
MIR Chairman and Delegates:
have not desired the nomination.
have wished TO remain on the bench.
But in this critical period in our national
history. l recognize that it is your right
to summon and that it Is my paramount
duty to respond. You speak at n time
of national exigency, transcending mere
" partisan considerations You voice
the demand for a dominant. thorough
going Americanism with firm protective
upbuildinG policies, essential to our peace
and security, and to that call, in this
crisis, ] cannot fail 70 answer with the
pledge of all that is in me to the service
of our country. Therefore ! accent tho
nomination.
/ stand for the firm and un1inchng
maintenance of all the rights of American
citizens on land and sea. I neither i'm
pugn motives nor underestimate
difficulties. But 1t is most regrettably true
that in our foreign relations we have
suffered intellectually from the weak and
vacillating course which has been taken
with regard to Mexico-a course lament
ably wrong with regard to both our
rights and our duties. We interfered
without consistency: and while seeking
to dictate when we were not concerned
we utterly failed to appreciate and dis
charge our plain duty 20 our own citizens
AT the outset of the administration
the high responsibilities Of our diplo-
matte intercourse with foreign nations
were subordinated to conception of
partisan requirements. and we presented
TO the world humilistng spectacle of
ineptitude. Belated efforts have not
availed to recover the influence and
prestige so unfortunately sacrificed; and
brave words have been stripped of their
force by indecision.
/ desire to see our diplomacy restored
TO its best standards and to have these
advanced to have no sacrifices of ma
tional interest to partisan expediencies;
to have the first ability of the country
always at its command here and abroad
in diplomatic intercourse: to maintain
firmly our rights under international
law; insisting steadfastly upon all our
rights as neutrals, and fully perform
ing our international obligations; and by
the clear correctness and business of
and disposition to sustain them to dig
nify our place among the nations.
| stand for an Americanism that knows
no Interior purpose; for a patriotism
that is single and complete Whether
native or naturalized, of whatever race
or creed, We have but one country, and
we do not for an instant tolerate any
division of allegiance.
hoIi ~, ;eto
to assure absolutely our national secur-
ity. I believe in preparedness, not only
entirely adequate for our defense with
respect to numbers and equipment in
both army and navy, but with all
thoroughness to the end that in each
branch of the service there may be the
utmost efficiency under the most compe-
tent administrative heads. We are de-
voted to the ideals of honorable peace.
We wish to promote all wise and prac-
ticable measures for the just settlement
Of the international disputes.
In view of our abiding ideals, there
is no danger of miltarism in this coun-
try. We have no policy Of aggression;
no lust for territory, no zeal for strife.
1t is in this spirit that We demand ade-
quate provision for national defense,
and we condemn the ineXcusable neglect
that has been shown in this matter Of
first rationale Importance. We must
have the strength which self-respect
demands. the strength of an efficient
nation ready for every emergency.
Our preparation must he industrial and
economic as we'll as military. Our sever
est tests will come after the war is over.
We must make fair and wise readjust-
ment of the tariff. in accordance with
sound protective principles to insure our
economic independence and to maintain
American standards Of living. We must
conserve the just interests of labor, real
izing that in democracy patriotism and
national strength must be rooted in even
handed justice. In preventing, as we
must unjust determinations and monopo-
listc practices. we must still be Jealous
to assure the foundations of honest bust
ness Particularly should We seek the en-
pansion of foreign trade. We must not
throttle American enterprise mere or
abroad. but rather promote it and take
pride in honorable achievements.
We must take up the serious problems
of transportation, of interstate and for
eign commerce, in a sensible and candid
manner. and provide an enduring basis
for prosperity by the intelligent use of the
constitutional powers of Congress, so as
adequately TO protect the public on the
| one hand. and. on the other, to conserve
the essential Observation-Disclosures OF prog.
ress.
| | stand for the principles Of our civil
service laws. In every department of
government the highest efficiency must be
| insisted upon. For all laws and programs
are vain without efficient and impartial
administration.
| ! cannot within the limits of this state
ment speak upon all the subjects that
will require attention. l can only say
! that ! fully indorse the platform You have
adopted.
| ] deeply appreciate the responsibility
you impose. ! should have been glad to
have that responsibility placed upon an
other. But | shall undertake to meet II,
grateful for the confidence you express. l
sincerely trust that all former differences
may be forgotten and that we may have
united effort in patriotic realization of
our national need and opportunity.
have resigned my judicial office and |
am ready to devote myself unreservedy
to tho campaign.
CHARLES f.. HUGHES.