The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1904-05-25

Judge Parker, the Sphynx-like candidate
of the Democracy. has at last expressed
himself on the subject of the presidency. 1t
is true he has not spoken openly in pub
lie address. nor has he submitted TO the
newspaper interviewer. but he has talked
informally TO a political friend. and every
body knows what that means where n can
didate is concerned. The friend is invaria-
bly, of the sort who discloses his informa-
ton within the hearing of a newspaper
man who knows good thing when he
hears IL. This was the case with Judge
Parker's confidant. He asked the Judge
how he felt over the prospect that he might
become President of the United States. and
If he thought he could manage such a big
job; then he went out and told what the
judge said in reply. II have no fear" the
candidate is reported as saying. that my
lack of familiarity with life at Washington
will seriously handicap me. If 1 elected
I believe l can fill the job. / may not know
all about it now. but 1 can learn it. There
are men from whom one may learn great
deal about the presidency before taking the
office. and the rest will come after one gets
in. l feel about the possibility that l may
become President of the United States just
as l did when took the office of chief JUS
tice of the Court of Appeals. realized that
/ was the youngest man on the bench and
said TO myself: Parker. what you want to
do is to go Slow for time and keep your
mouth pretty we'll shut till you get onto
your job And followed that rule l am
following it to this presidential talk
and shall continue TO follow it for time.
Now. here is an utterance that should fill
every true Democratic heart with joy and
confidence Their candidate has not yet
made known his opinions on any public
question, to be sure. and. judging by his
naive confessions. it is proper to infer that
he has as yet no definitely formed views on
ing his mouth shut until he is satisfied as
to the safe and correct opinions to hold;
yet he is entirely confident that he will be
"onto his job by the time his job is ready
for him. What he does not know now he
can learn. and If anything is lacking when
he takes the presidential chair it will come
after that event. Beautiful confidence.
charming self-reliance, Democrats who
have cherished any doubts as to the qualifi-
cations of this candidate can now quiet their
fears. He has no fears. and since he must
know himself better than they do, who do
not know him at all. why should they not
cast away their misgivings? Some men in
like situation might reflect upon the great
problems Of statecraft likely TO confront
any President, the political and other COM
plications sure to arise and feel a natural
hesitation and doubt as to their ability to
assume such heavy responsibilities. Not
so Parker. He knows he can "get onto his
job" More than this. the judge says. and
here is the most delightful assurance of all
mo matter what happens nothing can swell
my head" A swelled head after telling
how he is measuring up to the presidency
perish the thought. A head of that size
can't swell. Parker is assuredly the great
and only. and the Democrats have got him.