The St. Louis Republic., 1904-09-15
PARKER OR ROOSEVELT:
boodlers.


of Judge Parker to the ostentation and spectacular
ism coupled with the dangerous proclivities, of his
opponent. Judge Parker's position upon public
questions is thoroughly known not only by the re-
uttcrarces which have so impressed the eoun-
try but through judicial opinions which rank high
in the legal literature of the times and show pro-
found regard for the spirit Of our institutions. Tor
precedent for accepted principles for tradition and
for the Constitution beacon light
The choice between Mr.. Roosevelt and Judge
Parker demands the particularly earns-t anu
thoughtful consideration of this country. because II
is a choice between what may be termed Two diff
ferenr interpretations uf the Constitution. Mr.
Eoosevel; by his and urierancrs has pnt upon
that document individual construction. a. il Were
and it is evident that he regards it from wholly
and different standpoint.
To him the Constitution has no definite. but 4
vague and shifting meaning. For II he entertains
nothing OF the profound respect which should be in
grained in the American statesman: nothing OF the
respect which our really great Presidents have ex-
hbited both by action and by word Of mouth. IL Is
impossible find anywhere in the utterances OF the
present executive an expression of deep trust In the
instrument upon which our forefathers grounded
our Government Nowhere has he eyincad a bed
rock faith in that eternal pattern Of republican gov
ernmcnt: nowhere has he taken the time seriously
TO regard it. On the contrary. his acts have shown
only his lack Of reverence for il, which in
President must be viewed as deeply appalling. but
positive disregard and indeed violation. OF its
very provisions.
That this Government has under President Rc">e-
Welt actually shifted somewhat from lis constitu-
tional base is the very graves; of realities
Whether it shall be restored 10 its former consti-
tutionaI security is issue of magnitude which has
been rarely equaled in the political history OF the
country.
Whether the influence represented by President
Roosevelt shall he checked further encouraged is
the practical question which is presented to the
voters Shall there be substituted for this weaken
ing influence the strong restraint OF constitutional
President:
An even more practical phase Of the question Is.
Shall this be q weregulated Government ur an er-
rate loose Government: Shall il be controlled and
headed by a man bred and trained to intimacy and
profound veneration for the constitutional methods
of administration. by one who is out OF sympathy
with constitutional processes, untitled 10y tempera-
ment 10 subordinate himself 10 his function and in
tolerant OF restraints: Shall it he government by
strict law aud Constitution by dangerous, free in
dividuality?
Judge Alton Z. Parker may he trusted with the
Office. but Mr.. Roosevelt has demonstrated CON
clusively that he may not be- Judge Parkers emil
nent qualifications are of the substantial quality
which appeal the country common sense No
sane man in the United States doubts Parker's en-
tire capacity 10 give steady-gonS smooth. com
Portable and profitable administration Judgment
tact and broad experience with men, added 10 his
judicial training make him the ideal person for the
supreme responsibility. Mr.. Roosevelt. Parkers ut
ter an1ifhesis vital respects has demonstrated his
unfiness in q variety Of ways. He has abused hss
powers encroached upon the legislative function and
notoriousIy usurped judicial authority 10 ccnstrue
for himself the laws and even the Constitution I'm
derlying the laws. giving 10 them meaning wholly
at variance with decision and established rule He
has carried the mantle OF the presidency outside OF
the Office To interfere with Industrial and business
affairs His acts in many cases have been without
warrant of law and without justification in pro-
prieiy.
Mr. Roosevelt indicates his purposes in his letter
of acceptance They are continue the govern
menr by indivdualism'' which We have had for the
last three years But it will be ndividuasm en-
hanced unchecked by any obligation to consider
either the past or the future Mr. Roosevelt. in his
references the Constitution in the letter of ac-
ceptance reveals his point of view as regards the
Constitution Ii is the point of view of extreme i'm
perialism ard militarism which cannot but hold the
application or operation Of the Constitution as ten
tative elastic. and its provisions as OF no literal
binding force As revealed. his point of view seems
10 he that OF universal opportunsm OF commercial
ism and militarsm hand in hand awaiting their
chance TO carry destinies Of this country wher
ever they may beedess OF involvement careless OF
consequences
Consider in connection with his expression oil
purpose as read both in the words and between the
lines the turbulent and bellicose temper of the man
With such a purpose and such temper. what could
be expected of Mr. Roosevelt in crisis: IL IN
normal times he lightly dsregards the limitations
OF his office how Insignificant would those lmita-
tons appear in a situation Of stress: II without
great proyocation he can bring himself 10 ignore
the Constitution and laws OF the land, how would
he override them in a great moment when his mo-
tiyes and ambitions were at stake: H. for the
mere slight furtherance OF his candidacy, he is Will
ing TO jeopardize the countrys peace to appeal to
lingo sentiments. what would he dos should large
opporturity offer for fame: II is some fame as an
immortal captain of American hosts which he ap
pears TO seek and not the everlasting name of great
| statesmanshp-he is enamored OF the arts OF war
not those OF peace
Shall it be safe government by wise man VINO
knows and respects his Constitution. shall this
great realm of industry end peace be further veered
from its sound base by the repeated abuses Of the
| nonconformjst President who is above all things a