The Philipsburg mail., 1899-01-27
WHY HE SUPPORTS CLARK.
Representative l.. &. Parker Explains His
Vote for U. S. Senator.


Vote for U. S. Senator.
Last Saturday, at the joint session of
the legislative assembly, Representa-
tive L. G. Parker of this county cast
his vote for W. A. Clark for United
States senator. Mr.. Parker was elected
upon platform pledging him to the
support of Hon. Lee Mantle for senator
and for several weeks he has faithfully
performed this duty, which from the
beginning of the senatorial contest
has been considered as mere compli-
ment since his efforts are we'll known
to have been in vain. Realizing the
hopelessness of his position, Mr.. Par
ker contributed his support to w. A.
Clark, and in an appropriate address
before the joint assembly stated the
reasons that prompted him to change
his vote. Following are Mr.. Parker S
remarks:
Mr.. President and Gentlemen of this
Joint Assembly, It is fitting and
proper at this time that should regis
ter few remarks in explanation of my
support of Hon. Lee Mantle. l came
here to fulfill pledge-a pleasant duty
to secure the election of Mr.. Mantle
by all honorable and fair means but l
realize l am in hopeless minority,
and-like MahOmmed and the noun
tain-the mountain in this case does
not seem to come to me,
First. / will say I supported Mr..
Mantle because I believed him pecu.
liarly fitted and we'll qualified to fill
the office of United States senator /;
second, he has been tried and found
loyal and true to every trust reposed in
him. Go to Washington seek out his
confrerees in the senate chamber; get
their estimate of his ability. They
will tell you that his mentality and
splendid activities have left their mark
on every wall in the senate chamber in
Washington. They will tell you that
his courage and convictions are as
steadfast as the tragic rocks of yonder
divide. Mark you his poise, his dig
nity-whose serenity is an inspiration
to the fair and quiet valleys of the
great state of Montana.
Mr.. President, in changing my vote
today. l am glad to have the honor
and personal pleasure of coming before
this honorable assembly and paying
the Hon. Lee Mantle the tribute of my
and homage of our ever
lasting gratitude for the creditable and
honorable services he has rendered this
state.
I am not here to detract from the
character of any gentleman seeking
election as United States senator at
the hands of this assembly. deem it
to be laudable ambition for any of
our citizens to aspire to represent
Montana in the highest legislative body
in the land. am not here to impugn
the motives Or attack the integrity of
any member of this assembly. Neither
do cUme here to interfere with nor
thwart the will of the people.
have been taught that legislation
No one is born to power: no one dan
died into political greatness. Our gov
rests for support and reason
and our interests. We therefore need
no protection from any self nominated
class or plutocracy. And the strength
and ornament of this land should, and
try; its justice and intelligence.
do not come here in the storm of
political discord seeking a political
character to carry back to the hills and |
valleys of Granite county, where I can
find the calm Of home and fireside. |
There, not here, are gathered the ar
biters of my motives and my actions
upon this floor. There is my judg-
ment seat, among friends and neigh
oors. My constituents have directed |
ne; nay, more, have ordered me, to
support no man for United States sen.
,tor whose record shows him to be
against the reconciliation of silver, to
oe obtained by the independent action
If this government. Why? Simply
because bimetallism is their eternal
lesire.
In my Judgment, the sentiments of
he great mass of the people are with a
nan who is prominent candidate be-
ore this house for United States SEN
ltor. I find the old d-timers-the men
Who blazed the trail in the early days
this gentleman. He is a
nan whom 1 have known for years.
lie has broad and intelligent under
tanding Of the financial, commercial
md industrial interests of this fair
and; man who is in touch with the
nomentous questions which are now
asting their shadows before the peo-
lie of this great republic.
Mr.. President, I will therefore cast
ny vote for the Hon. W. A. Clark, of
silver Bow.