Hancock, Winfield Scott, 1824-1886 to John W. Stevenson and John P. Stockton

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GLC#
GLC02992
Type
Documents
Date
29 July 1880
Author/Creator
Hancock, Winfield Scott, 1824-1886
Title
to John W. Stevenson and John P. Stockton
Place Written
Governors Island, New York
Pagination
3 p. : Height: 21 cm, Width: 13 cm
Primary time period
Rise of Industrial America, 1877-1900
Sub-Era
The Gilded Age

Accepts nomination for President of the United States by the National Democratic Convention. Supports the 13th, 14th and 15th amendments to the Constitution. Describes his commitment to the Union and the federal system of government. Argues against corruption as an impediment to the participation of people in their government: "Public office is a trust, not a bounty bestowed upon the holder; no incompetent or dishonest persons should ever be entrusted with it, or if appointed, they should be promptly ejected. 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 entrust with appointing power." Favors "wise and economical management of our government expenditures" to allow everyone to enjoy the peace and the fruits of their own labor.

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