Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1904-04-04
The Sphynx like Parker.

The Sphynx-lke Parker.
1t is semi-officially announced that If
he is nominated for the Presidency
Judge Parker will resign from the
bench and give the world the benefit ot
his political views. Until that time he
will continue as mum as the proverbial
oyster Herein lies Judge Parkers adj
vantage over all other Democratic
candidates. He isn't obliged to talk:
hence he steers clear of fractional differ
ences and leads all hands to suspect
that he is with them at heart. Another
very obvious advantage doubtless has
a bearing upon his sphinx-like attitude.
There is no prophet or son Of a prophet
10 seventh son, or seventh son of a
seventh son. who would dare 10 predict.
50 far in advance of the convention just
what the next Democratic platform!
dulge the hope that il may be soma
thing vastly 1irfe, ent from the wicr',
and woolly pTodIctiOn that has done
duty in the last two campaigns; still
no one Of them is hearted enough
TO predict that it will not be worse. II
il should partake Of the nature Of
compromise it would indeed be a
mongrel. in comparison with which the
average yellow dog would gIisten like
n Bengal tiger.
1t is evident therefore that it would
not be wise for Judge Parker to give
voice to any definite opinions prior to
the convention. The lab1rs Of that
erratic and highly emotional Assembly
might leave him stranded or force lirl
to turn a series of back summersaults
in order to get himself into line with
the new vagaries of his party inns 81
course would be somewhat whiting 10
the dignity usually associated Wl'h
the judicial ermine, and while it is be-
Iieved that Judge Parker would he
equal to the feat-under the stern
pressur. or neccsSity-still he could not
help feeling more or less meachinG
about it. Besides the hilarious mirth
which woull be added, thereby, to the
gayety of nations could not help in the
very nature of things from being some
what embarrassing No. While Judge
Parker is willinS to sacrifice dignity for
the presidential office, he would prefer
II rossible to secure it without such a
loss of the judicial poise. Hence his
policy OF silence. his imperviOusness to
the jibes and jeers of the loquacious
Bryan who would tempt him forth
from his burrow To political destruc-
ton.
If Judge Parker sholld be defeated in
the convention he will, doubtless. de
clare with truth. that he could net
possibly have stultified himself by rum
ming .oI thu presidency on such plat
form. If lie should win. he will. plac-
ing his right hand upon his heart, and
his. lett upon the platform declare in
the touching words of the late lament2d
Josh Billings, "Thems my sentiments.
too" Tncn he will promptly resign his
judicial office and go upon the stump
ii tell the great public how the
platform adopted by his party WAS
really tn" disqualification of the
political views secretly entertained by
him during all the years he droWsed
upon the bench through the prosy arSu-
ments OF rrosy lawyers. This Is
obviously the game Parker is playing
under the shrewd coaching of David Il.
Hill He is fully determined to be in
position to adjust himself to whatever
situation may arise without laying HIM
self open to any charge Of incon-
sist"ncy.