The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1904-11-08

New York, Nov. 5.-with a sensa-
tionaI and dramatic exchange Of
charges and replies between the can
didates, one OF the most remarkable
presidential campaigns OF recent times
was practically brought to a close to-
night It is not expected that much
more of importance viii take place
before the election, though q few be-
lated meetings will be held and some
statements and claims may be issued.
The whirlwind finish predicted Two
months ago has been realized. The
unusual features OF candidate at
tacking his interest in Office and fore
ing him into making a direct reply
followed by rejoinder from the can
didate, is a novelty and furnished the
main topic of conversation where poll
tics was discussed today.
The appearance OF Judge Parker
upon the public platform marked an
epoch in the political campaign OF
1904. for up to that time 1t had been
apathetic and uninteresting. From
his first speech to the last he has been
growing more and more vigorous, and
more direct in his assertion. to the
elation of the democrats who have
clamored for more life and gipger fn
the canvass.
The republican canvass also lacked
interest until cabinet officers, sena-
tors and men close to the president
began making replies to Judge Par
ker's charges, but their part I'm it was
| Insignificant compared to the bomb
Il I1 Ia 1Az
statement this morning.
UP to within three weeks OF the cleo
ton the campaign was remarkable
for its apathy and the seeming lack
of interest which the voters were TAX
ing in the canvass. There were many
meetings, but as q rule, they were not
largely attended, nor did the people
show the intense interest that has
marked other campaigns. There has
been also an absence OF monster
meetings. all-day parades theatrical
display, noise and red fire that have
characterized the closing days Of for
mer campaigns.
interviewer closely with the presr-
Dental canvass has been the cam
paign of New York state. For many
years the pivotal state. the arbiter or
presidential elections. the Empire
State this year has been regarded as
absolutely essential to the success of
one party, and has been believed TO
be necessary to the other. because OF
the impression that public sent!men:
which will carry New York will carry
| the country. In some localities the
| state fight overshadowed that of the
national contest. and the latter is re-
garded as the auxiliary instead of the
principal in the campaign. State Is
| sues have been put forward most
prominently In New York. New Jer-
| sey. West Virginia and Wisconsin
which were classed as doubtful on the
| presidency
The issues upon which the campaign
have been fought have changed. The
personality Of the president and hty
| pnblic acts, the policy of the repubu-
| can party on the several questions
before the people formed the basis OF
democratic attack and republican de-
fense. The money issue Of 1895 and
1900 did not appear, the tariff has
inquired 10 some extent, but the afn>
absorbing question and the one whicf,
made a whirlwfnd finish possible was
| the attitude Of the democratic candf-
date regarding the trusts and corpora
tons and the continued assaults upon
the chairman OF the republican ma
nonal committee. Judge Parker made
tnis issue the issue OF his party and
forced the letter Of defense from his
opponent.
| What others have said or may sas
and what managers may claim or de-
ny. all goes for nothing I'm the face
Of the remarkable spectacle OF the
two presidential candidates, closing q
contest with public utterances OF such
| vigor and directness that no one can
mistake their meaning.
| The Brooklyn Eagie last Sunday
| published roll which indicated Par
ker's plurality fn Greater New York
| rs 1902 and Herrick's In the same