Democratic Sentinel, Volume 4, Number 27, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 20 August 1880 — DAVID DAVIS FOR HANCOCK. [ARTICLE]

DAVID DAVIS FOR HANCOCK.

Tike Eminent Jurist’s Reasons for Supporting tlie Democratic Nominee. Bloomington, 111., Aug. 4, 1880. My Dy.au Sib : The training and habits of my lifo lead me to prefer civilians to soldiers for the great civil trusts. But, as parties aro organized, voters must choose between the candidates they represent, or stand aloof, indifferent or neutral, which no good citizen ought to do at a Presidential election. I have no hesitation in supporting Gen. Hancock, for the best of all r. asons, to my mind, because his election will put an end to sectional strife and to sectional parties, and will revive a patriotic sentiment all .over the land, which political leaders and factious for sinister ends have sought to prevent. There can be no permanent prosperity without pacification. Great as were the achievements of Gen. Ilaneock in war, his conduct in peace, when in command of Louisiana and Texas in 1567, was still greater, and justly commends him to the confidence of the country. That was a time when passion ruled in the public councils and military power was exerted to silenco civil authority. The temptation was strong to sail with tlie rushing current, for an inflamed partisan opinion was too ready to condone excesses and applaud oppression. Gen. Hancock’s order No. 40, in assuming charge of the Fifth Military District, announced “the right of trial by jury, the habeas corpus, tlie liberty of the press, the freedom of speech, the natural rights of persons and the rights of property must be respected.” These principles are the basis of free government, and the proclamation of them by Gen. Hancock stands out in srtiking contrast with the actions of his superior, who soon after revoKtfttTnid drove him from that command for uttering sentiments worthy of all honor. The soldier, clothed with extraordinary power, voluntarily uncovered before the civil authority, sheathed his sword, testified his fidelity to tho constitution and set an example of obedience to law which will pass into history as his proudest claim to distinction. Tho man who in the midst of tho excitements of that stormy period was cool enough to see his duty clearly, and courageous enough to execute it firmly, may be well trusted in any crisis. His letter to Gen. Sherman, recently brought to light, lifts Gen. Hancock far above the past appreciation of his civil ability. It marks him as one of the wisest of his time, with a statesmans grasp of mind and with the integrity of a patriot whom no sense of expediency could swerve from his honest convictions. Long and unchecked possession of power by anv party leads to extravagance, corruption and loose practices. After twenty years of domination by the Republicans, chronic abuses have become fastened upon the public service like barnacles on the bottom of a stranded ship. There is no hope of reform by leaders who have created a system of maladministration and who are interested in perpetuating its evils. Nothing short of the sternest remedy gives any promise of effective reform, and tlie first step toward it is in a change of rulers. Tlie Government must be got out of the ruts in which it has too long been run. New blood must be in-fused-into the management of public affairs before relief can be expected. Tlie people demand a and, being in earnest, they are likely to be gratified. Very sincerely,'

DAVID DAVIS.

James E. Harvey, Washington City.