The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1904-09-30
THE POST ON PaRkER,s LETTER.

The Washington Post Is one Of the
most ably edited newspapers In this
country. 1t Is non-political, entirely
independent and perfectly fair to both
sides in its criticisms. It has
ker's nomination by the democrats. In
fact, it has rather been inclined TO be-
little him. In view Of this attitude OF
that paper its review OF the judges
letter OF acceptance is the more inter-
esting- 1t devotes too much 10
this subject for US to quote in full. but
we give below some extracts from it:
Judge Parkers letter OF acceptance.
while not lacking in any element OF
the decorous dignity betting his posi-
tion, possesses all the qualities that
should characterize an address calc1-
lated to whet the zeal n inspire the
energies Of his political brethren. 1t
Is positive. direct, candid and coura-
geous. It has been asserted by the
opposition that his acceptance speech
was lacking in these respects; that 1t re-
sembles a judicial d~eliverance. a de-
cision, or dissenting opinion from the
bench, too closely to serve as a cam
paign rallying call. But they will make
no such criticism on this EFFORT. IL
will put some animation and vigor into
this hitherto incomparably dull cam
paign by enthusing the democracy. not
less than by challenging the republic
cans to fresh assaults on the der ia
cratic lines. No deliverance thu ms
marked the progress Of the canvass
has commanded more pro-.npt and in
terested attention than will be accord
ed to this virile letter. and il activity
does not dispiacS indifference. IL ex-
aifQmQnf does |.>A ~ tha ~ .
calmness o. the scene, no Part OF the
responsibility will be c~hargeable to
the democratic candidate.
The feature OF the document that
will probably play the most consp:c-
uous part is it's discussion Of the tar
iff. In this Judge Parker occupies the
| ground on which The Post contended
for two years before the assembling
| of the st. Louis convention The Post
persistently urged the democrats to
make war on the abuses Of protection.
and make no declaration against pro-
lection itself. That is the policy which
Judge Parker has adopted. He az
raigns the republican leaders for their
sharp practice in using reciprocity to
put the schedules too high, and then,
in compliance with the demands OF
over-protected interests, leaving the too
high schedules untouched. He quotes
McKinley's pleas for reciprocity.
TCISlOl OTucr No. 90 Calls Jul luS
most incisive and courageous utte--
ances in the letter. Judge Parker re-
CARDS that act as executive usurpation,
and does not shrink from characterize
ing it as such. Accepting what he re-
CARDS as a challenge by Mr.. Roosevelt,
he declares that, if elected he will ye-
woke that order and follow hat revo-
cation with a recommendation to con-
gresS to enact a service enSio law
q law granting a pension to all tho
surviving heroes Of our great a This
declaration will elicit a e. of animal
ed discussion. Judge Parker will be
reminded that in condemning President
Roosevelt he condemns president
Cleveland. He will be asked if, wher
he revokes the Roosevelt order, he will
also revoke the Cleveland order. But
no q~ustioning or quibbling can dis.
turb the solidity of his position. Two
wrongs do not make a. right.
On imperialism. economy in admins
tratiOn, n honesty in the public ser.
vice Judge Parker speaks in a manner
that leaves nothing to be desired o:
the score of frankness. On the question
of trusts, and referring to a remark BY
Mr.. Roosevelt relative to the common
law, he reminds all whom it may con
Germ that questions touching the ap
phcation of common law are not 70
the president or congress to decide
but for the judiciary. And he show
that the United States supreme cour
has decided that common law princi
pies can be applied in United States
courts in cases involving interstat,
commerce if there are no United State
statutes specifically covering the case
Many other topics are treated in tn
letter. and all Of them without prolix
ity or a parade Of platitudes.
-S-
John p ST. John ;s comnla in;no bo