The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1904-09-30
ALTON B. PARKER
accepts HONOR
FORMAL LETTER ANNOUNCING
WILLINGNESS TO BE DEMO-
CRATIC CANDIDATE.
Gives His Views on Public Questions
Says Paramount Issues Are Tar
if, Imperialism, Honesty and Econ
omy in, Administration.

if, Imperialism, Honesty and Econ
omy in, Administration.
New York, Sept. 26.-Judge Parker's
formal letter of acceptance to the dem
ocratic notification committee is a doc
ument of some 5000 words, and is ad-
dressed to Hon. Champ Clark and 9th
er members of the committee. In the
opening paragraph Judge Parker saya
he wishes his remarks made at the
time of his notification to be consid-
cred a part of his formal response.
Continuing, he says:
"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 preemi-
nent in the public mind. Among these
are: Tariff reform, imperialism, eco
nomical administration and honesty in
the public service.
On the subject of Imperialism the
letter says: IF we would retain our
liberties and constitutional rights I'M
impaired, we cannot permit or toler-
ate, at any time or for any purpose,
the arrogation of unconstitutional
power by the executive branch of our
government"
Turning to the subject Of the tariff.
and the democratic demand for reform
in that line, he says:
''In the words of our platform, we
demand "a revision and a gradual re-
duction of the tariff by the friends OF
the masses, and for the common veal,
and not by the friends of it's abuses,
it's extortions and determinations
AS remedies for trusts Judge Parker
favors such legislation within cOnsti-
tutional limitations as will best pro-
mote and safeguard the interests of
all the people.
Judge Parker denies the right of the
executive to usurp the power of con-
gress to legislate on the subject Of
pensions. "Such usurpation was at
tempted by pension order No. Is, and
effect has been given to it by con-
gress that dared not resent the usurpa-
ton. It is said that this order was
made in the performance of duty i'm
posed upon the president by act of
congress-, but the provision making
the imposition is not pointed out" He
accepts the challenge contained in
President Roosevelt's letter and says
q Z, hot
der But he goes further and says that
that being done, he will contribute his
effort toward the enactment of law
to be passed by both houses of con-
gress and approved by the executive
that will give an age pension without
reference to disability to the surviving
heroes of the civil war.
The duty of proceeding with due dill
gence, in the work of constructing the
Panama canal is imperative. Judge Par
ker declares, but he says the methods by
which the executive acquired the canal
route and rights are a source of regret
to many.
Mr.. Parker reiterates the argument that
entangling alliances must be avoided.
The urging of the immediate curtail-
ment of expenditures and return to
economical administration, and promise
If a sweeping investigation of all de-
partments Of the government are other
distinctive features of the letter.
In concluding his letter Judge Par
ker says:
1.-THE issues are Joined and the peo-
pie must render the verdict.
"Shall economy of administration be
demanded, or shall extravaganza be
encouraged.
"Shall our government stand for
equal opportunity or for special privi-
lege?
"Shall the wrongdoer be brought to
bay by the people, or must justice wait
upon political oligarchy?
"Shall it remain a government of
law, or become one of individual ca
price?
"Shall we cling to the rule of the
people, or shall We embrace beneficent
despotism?
IF it be the wish Of the people that
I undertake the duties of the presi-
dency, I pledge myself, with Gods
help, to devote all my powers and en-
ergy to the duties of this exalted Of
flee. Very truly yours,
CATION B. PARKER"
Vesuvius at Work.
Naples, Sept. 24.-Vesuvius, is becom-