Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1904-09-29
Mr.. PARKER'S LETTER
Democratic Nominee States the Issues
Before the People.
WHAT HE WILL DO If he IS ELECTED.
Mr. Parker Says Tariff Reform Should BE
PrudeutIy and SagaciousIy Undertaken, on
Scientific Principles, to the End That There
Should Not Be An Immediate Revolution In
Existing Conditions.


Should Not Be An Immediate Revolution In
Existing Conditions.
New York Especially The letter Of
Judge Alton b. Parker. accepting the
Democratic nomination for President,
was made public Sunday night. 1t
is, in part, as follows:
To the Honorable Champ Clark and
Others, Committee, ETC.:
Gentlemen-In my response to your
Committee, at the formal notification
proceedings, | referred to some mat
tcrs not mentioned in this letter. |
desire that these be considered as in
corporated herein, and regret that lack
of space prevents specific reference
to them all wish here, however,
again to refer to my views there ex-
pressed as to the gold standard, to
declare again my unqualified belief
i'll said standard. and to express my
appreciation of the action OF tho con
vcntion in reply to my communca-
ton upon that subject.
Grave public questions are pressing
for decision The Democratic party
appeals to the people with confidence
that it's position on these questions
will be accepted and Endorsed at the
polls. While the issues involved are
numerous, some stand forth pre-emi-
ncnt in the pablo mind Among these
are tariff reform, imperialism, eco
nomical administration and honesty in
the public service. | shall briefly con-
slider these and some Others within
the necessarily prescribed limits OF
this letter,
Presidential Prerogatives. :,
While | presented my views at the
notification proceedings concerning
this vital issue. the overShadowing I'M
portance OF this question impels me
to refer to it again, The issue is OFT
cntimcs referred to as constitutional
ism VS.. imperialism.
If we woul retain Our liberties and
constitutional rights unimparcd, we
cannot permit or tolerate, at any time
or for any purpose, the arrogat,on OF
unconstitutional powers by the cxccu-
tive branch Of our government We
should be ever mindful OF the words
Ct Webster, Liberty is only to be
preserved by maintaining constitution
al restraints and just divisions OF po-
itical powers"
Already the national government
has become centralized beyond any
point contemplated or imagined by
the trainers of the Constitution. How
tremendously all this has added to
the power of the President. 1t has
developed from year to year until 1t
almost equals that of many monarchs.
While the growth of Our country and
the magnitude Of interstate interests
may seem to furnish a plausible rca-
son for this Capitalization OF power,
vet these same facts afford the most
potent reason why the executive
should not be permitted to encroach
upon the other departments OF the
government, and assume legislative,
or other powers, not expressly con
fcrred by the Constitution.
The magnitude of the country and
its diversity of interests and popula-
ton would enable a determined. am
bilious and able executive, unmindful
of constitutional limitations and fired
with the lust of power, to go far IN
the usurpation of authority and the
ACKNOWLEDGMENT of personal power be-
fore the situation could be fully ap-
prcciated or the people be aroused.
In Conclusion.
have put aside congenial work,
to which | had expected to devote my
life, in order to assume, as best
can, the responsibilities your conven-
ton put upon me.
solicit the cordial cooperation and
generous assistance of every man who
believes that change of measures and
of men at this time would be wise,
and urge harmony OF endeavor as
well as vigorous action on the part
OF all so minded.
The issues are joined and the peo-
pie must render the verdict
Shall economy Of administration be
demanded or shall extravaganza be
encouraged?
Shall the wrongdocr be brought to
bay by the people, or must justice
wait upon political obligarchy?
Shall our government stand tor
equal opportunity or for special priv
ilege?
Shall it remain government OF law
or become one of individual caprice?
Shall we cling to the rule of the
people, OF shall we embrace bench
cent despotism?
With calmness and confidence we
await the peoples verdict.
If called to the office of President,
shall consider myself the chief mag
istrate of all the people and not of any
faction, and shall ever be mindful OF
the fact that on many questions OF ma
tional policy there are honest differ
ences of opinion. believe in the pa
triotism, good sense and absolute sin
cerity of all the people. I shall strive
to remember that he may serve his
party best who serves his country
best.
If it be the wish of the people that
I undertake the duties Of the presi-
dncy, pledge myself, with Gods
help, to devote all my powers and en-
ergy to the duties of this exalted office.
Very truly yours,
ALTON B. PARKER.