Page:The Presidents of the United States, 1789-1914, v. III.djvu/254

 210 LIVES OF THE PRESIDENTS dent some advocate of Grant and a resident of New York state. The New York delegation at once indicated their preference for Gen. Arthur, and before the roll-call began the foregone conclusion was evident; he received 468 votes against 283 for all others, and the nomination was made unani mous. In his letter of acceptance of July 5, 1880, he emphasized the right and the paramount duty of the nation to protect the colored citizens, who were enfranchised as a result of the southern re bellion, in the full enjoyment of their civil and political rights, including honesty and order, and excluding fraud and force, in popular elections. He also approved such reforms in the public serv ice as would base original appointments to office upon ascertained fitness, fill positions of responsi bility by the promotion of worthy and efficient officers, and make the tenure of office stable, while not allowing the acceptance of public office to im pair the liberty or diminish the responsibility of the citizen. He also advocated a sound currency, popular education, such changes in tariff and tax ation as would &quot;relieve any overburdened industry or class, and enable our manufacturers and artisans national works of internal improvement, and the development of our water-courses and harbors wherever required by the general interests of com merce. During the canvass he remained chairman
 * -,o compete successfully with those of other lands,&quot;