Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1904-08-16
Parkers Speech of Acceptance.

Judge Parker has spoken He APP
proves the platform adopted by the con
ventiOn that nominated him. 1.-THE
admirable PLATFORM" he declares in his
speech of acceptance, upon which the
party appeals to the country for its
confidence and support clearly states
the principles which were so well con-
densed in the first inaugural address
of President Jefferson, and points with
force and directness the course to be
pursued through their proper applica-
ton in order to insure needed reforms
in both the legislative and adnin;stra-
tive departments of the government"
In his speech, the candidate has con-
fined himself to a brief review of the
several planks of the platform that
defne the partys position upon the
important Issues of the campaign.
The fundamental principle of demo
cratic government-the safeguarding
of the right OF life, liberty and the pur-
suit of happiness emphasized and
the anarchy that has prevailed in Color
ado is cited as an illustration of the
dangers that threaten the Republic
in the disregard by citizens and officials
ofthe constitutional guarantees that are
designed to secure to every citizen lib
CITY W use Ills ldCulbltS III lawful
ways, to live and work where he will,
and to pursue any lawful trade or bust
ness" Glass government is denial of
the fundamental principle of equality
of all citizens before the law The rem
edy for the conditions existing in Color
ado and hich threaten to become wide
spread is not to oppose class government
against usurpation by class, but a
return to government that recognizes
no class, that insists upon law and
the maintenance of constitutional
guarantees. THE essence of good
government" Judge Parker truly says,
Lies in strict observance of constitu-
tional limitations, enforcement of law
and order. and rugged opposition to all
encroachments upon the sovereignty of
the people. 1t has been well said
in substance, that there are but two
powers in government, one the power
of the sword, sustained by the hand
that yields it, and the other the power
of the law, sustained by an enlightened
public sentiment The difference in
these powers is the difference between
repub lic-such as ours. based on law
and written constitution, supported by
intelligence, virtue and patriotism-and
a monarchy, sustained by force eXerted
by an individual, uncontrolled by laws
other than those made or sanctioned by
him; one representing constitutionalism
the other Imperialism.
Taking up the issues of the tariff,
trusts and Imperialism, Judge Parker
declares that 1.-The present tariff law is
unjust in its operation, excessive in
many of its rates, and so framed in
particular instances as to exact inordi-
nate profits from the people" Nothing
can be expected of the Rebublican
party, so long as it is continued in
power, as it is collectively able to
harmonic only upon plank that ad
mits that revision may from time to
time be necessary, but it is so phrased
that it is expected to be satisfactory
to those that are in favor of an in
crease of duty, to those that favor a
reduction thereof, and to those opposed
to any change whatsoever" 1t is rec
ognized, however, and lis a fact that
should be frankly conceded, that
though our party be successful in the
coming contest we cannot hope TO Sc
cure a majority in the senate during
the next four years, and hence we are
unable to secure any modification in
the tariff save that to which the Re-
publican majority in the senate may
consent" Though I'VE are unable to
give assurance of relief to the people
from such excessive duties as burden
them, it is due to them that we state
our position to be in favor of a reason
able reduction of the tariff; that we be-
lieve it is demanded by the best inter
ests of both manufacturer and con-
sumner, and that wise and beneticient
revision of the tariff can be accom-
Ali h1a N oh nf
congress and an executive in favor of
it are elected"
The tariff is justly held accountable
for the creation of many of the indus
trial monopolies, but what is needed
in addition of the passage of
statute revising the tariff duties to a
reasonable basiS-iS not so much other
and different laws, as officials having
both the disposition and courage TO en-
force existing law" That hits the nail
on the head. Enforcement of existing
law would wipe out every monopolistic
combination The law is there but tho
officials entrusted with its enforcement
hesitate to act.
The Philippines should be granted
their independence as soon as it can be
reasonably done. 1T is difficult to
understand" the judge says, "how
any citizen of the United States, much
less descendant of revolutionary
stock, can tolerate the thought of per-
manently denying the right of self
government TO the FilipinoS. Can we
hope to lnstill into the minds of our de-
ScendantS reverence and devotion for a
government by the people while deny
ing ultimately that right TO the inhab-
itantS of distant countries whose terri
tory we have acquired either by pur-
chase or war -"
In conclusion, Judge Parker an
nounceS that he viii not be a candidate
for reelection, in event that he shall
be chosen to the presidency, asst is his
Judgment that the interests of this
country are now so vast and the queS-
tons presented are frequently of such
overpOwering magnitude TO the people
that it is indispensable to the mainten-
ance of befitting attitude before the
people, not only that the chief magis-
trate should be independent. but that
that independence should be known of
all men,"
Throughout the speech is character
lied by its cautious, conservative, Jndlc-
ial discussion of the questions at is
sue. Ii is hardly speech of a great
political leader summoning his sup
porters to political contest, but It IS
more a dispaSSionate review of political
questions. without attempt To play
upon passion or prejudice or partisan
feeling. Milwaukee News.
n L. -.