Clarke courier. [volume] (Berryville, Va.) 1869-1997, 1903-05-27
WASHINGTON NEWS
Special Correspondence of the COURIER.
Washington. May 26.

glad to hear that Judge Alton b.
Parker, of New York, is "a can
didate' for the presidential nomi-
nation on the Democratic ticket
The mysticism surrounding the
Judge, his identity and his servi-
ces are likely to be succeeded by
systematic effort to acquaint the
country with all the features of the
Judges personality and policies
that until now have been subjects
of debate.
The Judge, according to pro-
minent New York politician with
whom | had long talk here the
other day, and who does not desire
his name used in connection with
this interview, has declared that
he will accept the nomination if
former Senator David b. Hill is
found unavailable. This revela-
ton was made not more than eight
days ago and my informant is not
the only person to whom the Tip"
has been given by word of mouth.
The Court of Appeals of the
State of New York is presided
over by Judge Parker, who. by
the way, was elected because the
Low fusion ticket declined to in
dorse Platt's candidate for the
Chief Justiceship of the Court of
Appeals. More than hundred
thousand votes for Low were blank
on the judicial line. Thus, Judge
Parker got a handsome plurality,
not because of the vote he got. but
because his opponent did not re-
ceiVe 10000 votes he ordinarily
would have received. The Judge
was a minority candidate.
But To turn To the open candi-
dacy. Judge Parker, who is poll
tican of superior kind, wrote a
little note to a democratic leader
of an eastern county of New York
State, when that gentleman APP
peared as lawyer before the
Court of Appeals. The note read
substantially as follows: DO me
the favor TO stop in the anteroom
of the Court when we adjourn"
The leader acceded TO the request.
The Judge appeared, clad in his
judiciary robe. He dotted the
long silken gown, hung it up in
the wardrobe. greeted the leader
warmly. opened a box of cigars,
and began the conversation in the
jolliest and friendliest way posi-
BILE.
What are they saying about
politics up your way p said the
Judge.
The leader, flattered. cxultant.
yet surprised, made conventional
reply.
As a result of a prOtracted talk,
Judge Parker said Yes, / notice
i have been suggested for the
presidential nomination. But, Of
course. | could not think of accept
ing the nomination if it were ut all
possible for Senator Hill to get it.
Hill is great man. He can handle
the great public questions to advan-
tage. The presidency has been his
lifetime's ambition. | could not
think of stepping in to defeat that
ambition. l owe him my political
existence.
But continued the Judge,
should it appear that Senator
Hill cannot be nominated, think
l might, with propriety, take the
nomination.
This explanation relieves the
situation. Former Senator Hill
and Judge Parker are working hand
in glove. Judge Parker will not
step in between Hill and his life
ambition, buff Hill cannot getit the
Judge will take it. AS the Judge
truly says, there is no improperly
in this. The fact that the Chief
Judge of the Court of Appeals
should in the halls of the State's
highest tribunal talk politics and
his own ambitions might cause
surprise were it not known that
prior to his elevation to the judi
ciary he was one of Hills shrewd-
est heutenants.
/ am informed that Judge Parker
has frankly stated his desires to
other New York leaders, and in the
same way. He has sent them
potes by the court messenger,
talked about politics IN general,
extolled Hill, explained he would
not interfere with Hills ambition,
but if Hill were unavailable ther