New-York tribune., 1904-09-26

which confronts US" for although the present
incumbent found at the close of the nrst fiscal
year during which he assumed controi OF the
administration surplus OF receipts over ex-
penditures of more than sol ,OOoOoo there was
an excess OF expenditures over receipts at the
close OF the last fiscal year of S41 100000, and
the official monthly reports made by the Treas
ury Department show that the expenditures are
continuously and rapidly increasing. While the
receipts are diminishing.
In this connection IT is interesting to note the
recent administrative orders forbidding govern
ment officers from making public any statement
Of estimates on which future appropriations are
to be based.
If man of ordinary intelligence and prudence
should find in the operating expenses OF his
business such a tremendous percentage OF In
crease, would he not promptly set on foot an IN
quiry for the cause of the waste and take i'm
mediate measures to stop it, especially when
trusted employees have been found dishonest and
convicted, and a widespread impression exists
that a thorough Investigation may discover
other cases of malfeasance? When the Chief
Executive reported to Congress that, through
frauds, forgerieS and perjuries, and by shame
less briberes the laws relating to the proper
conduct OF the public service in general and to
the due administration of the Postoffice Depart
ment have been notoriouslyj violated.
there was general popular demand for rigio,
sweev ing investigation by Congress- in addition
to that undertaken by the Executive himself
Such an investigation the Republican majority
in Congress would not permit although the
minority insisted that the interests OF good gov
ernment demanded 1t. And the minority was
right. The liberality. patriotism and national
pride of the people should not be made an ex-
1 cuS9 Tor waste or the puOLc tuflQS. O1ilcldl eA-
travagance is official crime.
There is not sentence in the Republican plat
| form recommending a reduction in the expendi-
lures of the government; not a line suggesting
that the increase in the cost of the War Depart
ment from S34.000,000 in 1886 to S115OOOOOO
in 1904 should be inquired into; and not para
graph calling for thorough investigation or
those departments of the government in which
dishonesty has been recently disclosed.
The people. however, can. by their votes. II
they desire it, order such investigation and
inaugurate policy of economy ana retrench-
complished by indorsing at the poiIs the Repuo-
lican majority of the House OF Representatives
which refused the investigation and made the
appropriations, nor by continuing IN power the
administration which made the disbursements
Reform in expenditures must be had in the
civil military and naval establishments. in
brought to basis of peace and the government
maintained without recourse to the taxes OF war.
CONCLUSION.
have put aside a congenial work, TO which
had expected to devote my life In order 10 as
sumo. best 1 can. the responsibilities your
convention put upon me-
solicit the cordial cooperation and generous
assistance of every man who believes that
change OF measures and Of men at this time
would be wise. and urge harmony or endeavor
as we'll as vigorous action on the part or all so
The issues are Joined and the people must rem
der the verdict.
Shall economy Of administration be demanded
or shall extravaganza be encouraged?
Shall the wrongdoer be broubht 70 bay by the
people or must justice wait upon political
oligarchy?
Shall our government stand for equal oppor-
tunty for special privilege?
Shall it remain government OF law or become
one OF individual caprice?
Shall we cling to the rule Of the people or
shall we embrace benehcent despotism?
With calmness and confidence we await the
peoples verdict
If called TO the Office of President shall con-
slider myself the Chief Magistrate of all the peo-
pie and not OF any faction, and shall ever be
mir ~
national policy there honest differences Of
opinion. believe in the patriotism. good sense
and absolute sincerity OF all the people. shall
strive 10 remember that he may serve his party
best who serves his country best.
II II be the wish OF the people that under
take the duties OF the Presidency. I pledge my
self. with Gods help. TO devote all my powers
and energy to the duties OF this exalted ONCE.
Very truly yours, ALTON B. PARKER.