Democratic Sentinel, Volume 4, Number 32, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 17 September 1880 — TEXTS FROM HANCOCK'S LETTERS. [ARTICLE]

TEXTS FROM HANCOCK'S LETTERS.

When fraud, violence or incompetence controls, the noblest Constitutions and wisest laws are useless. The bayonet is not a fit instrument for collecting the votes of freemen. .... It is only by a full vote, free ballot and fair count that the people can rule m fact, as required by the theory of our Government. Take this function away and the whole structure falls. The great principles of American liberty are still the rightful inheritance of this people, and ever should be. The right of trial by jury, the habrai corpus, the liberty of the press, the freedom of speech, the natural rights of persons, and the rights of property, must be preserved. The Thirteenth, Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amendments to the Constitution of the United States, embodying the results of the war for the Union, are inviolable. If called to the Presidency, I should deem it my duty to resist, with all my power, any attempt to impair or evade the full force and effect of the Constitution, which, in every article, section and amendment. is the supreme law of the land. _ . ... c. This Union, comprising a general Government with general powers, and State Governments with State powers tor purposes local to the States, is a polity the foundations of which were laid in the profoundest This is the Union which our fathers made, and which has been so respected abroad and so benificent at home. The war for the Union was successfully closed more than fifteen years ago. All classes of our people must share alike the blessings of the Union, and are equally concerned in its perpetuity, and in the proper administration of public affairs . ■\Ve are in a state of profound peace. Henceforth let it be our purpose to cultivate sentiments of friendship, and not of animosity, among our fellow-citizens. As one people, we have common interests. . . A sedulous and scrupulous care of the Public Credit, together with a wise and economical management of our Governmental expenditures, should be maintained, in order that labor may be lightly burdened, and that all persons may be protected in their rights to the fruits of their industry. Let us encourage the harmony and generous rivalry among our own industries which will revive our languishing merchant marine, extend our commerce with foreign nations, assist our merchants, manufacturers and producers to develop our vast natural resources, and increase the prosperity and happiness of our people. Public office is a trust, not a bounty bestowed upon the holder. The basis of a substantial, practical Civil Service Reform must first be established by the people in filling the elective offices; if they fix a high standard of qualifications for office, and sternly reject the corrupt and incompetent, the result will be decisive in governing the action of the servants whom they intrust with appointing power. No form of Government, no matter how carefully devised, no principles, however sound, will protect the rights of the people unless administration is faithful and efficient. Power may destroy the forms, but not the principles of justice; these will live in spite even of the sword. The true and proper use of the military power, besides defending the national honor against foreign nations, is to uphold the laws and Civil Government, and to secure to every person residing among us the enjoyment of life, liberty and property. The Regular Army should be so directed by its superior officers as to be recognized as a bulwark in support of the rights of the people and of the law. I would, under no circumstances, allow myself or my troops to determine who were the lawful members of a State Legislature.

Our system does not provide that one President should inaugurate another. There might be danger in that, and it was studiously left out of the charter. # .. i The Army should have nothing to do with the election or inauguration of Presidents. Ihe people elect the President. The Congress declares in joint session who he is. , . . ~ I like Jefferson's way of inauguration; it suits our system. He rode alone on horseback to the Capitol, tied his horse to a rail fence, entered, and was duly sworn; then rode to the Executive Mansion and took possession.