Virginia citizen. (Irvington, Va.) 1891-1921, 1904-09-30

| Il
sue. reUOke that order.
Judge Alton b. Parker's letter
formally accepting the Democratic
nomination for the Presidency is
made public. Some of the leading
points in it are as follows:
While the issues involved are
numerous, some stand forth pre-emi.
nent in the public mind. Among
these are tariff reform, imperialism,
economical administration and hon.
esty in the public service.
If we would retain our liberties
we cannot permit =
the arrogation of demonstrations al
powers by the executive branch of
our Government.
Tariff reform should be prudently
and sagsciously undertaken, on scien-
tific principles, to the end that there
should not be an immediate revolu-
ton In existing conditions.
The people demand reform. Since
the last Democratic administration
the cost of living has grievously
increased.
l am in hearty accord with that
plank in our platform that favors
doing for the Filipinos what we have
already done for the Cubans; and l
favor making the promise to them
now.
The methods by which the Execu-
tive acquired the Panama canal route
and right are source of regret to
many. Under the laws of the United
States the duty is imposed OH the
Executive to proceed with due dill
gence in the work of constructing
the canal; that duty should be
promptly performed.
In the face of the continuous de-
cline In the record of American ship
ping during the last 43 years the
promise of the Republican party to
restore it is without encouragement.
If elected, will revoke that order
(the pension order of President
Roosevelt declaring every veteran en-
titled to a pension at the age 62).
But l go further and say : y
| will contribute my effort toward
the enactment of a law, to be passed
by both houses of Congress and APP
proved by the Executive, that will
give an age pension without reference
to disability to the surviving heroes
of the Civil War as a
just due to the people through their
chosen representatives and not as
largess distributed by the Chief
Executive.
Official extravaganza is official
crime.
Shall we cling to the rule of the
people or shall we embrace beneficent
despotism?
Shall economy of administration
be demanded or shall extravaganza
be encouraged ?
Shall the wrongdoer be brought to
bay by the people or must Justice
wait upon political obligarchy?
Shall our Government stand for
equal opportunity or for special
privilege?
Shall it remain a government of
law or become one of individual
caprice?
1T Is ANIMATING.
Judge Parker's letter of acceptance,
while not lacking IN any element of
the decorous dignity befitting his
position, possesses all the qualities
that should characterize an address
calculated to whet the zeal and in
spire the energies of his political
brethren. 1t is positive, direct, can
did and courageous. 1t has been as
serted by the opposition that his &C.
ceptance speech was lacking in these
respects; that it resembles judicial
deliverance, q decision, or dissen ting
opinion from the bench too closely
to serve as campaign rallying call.
But they will make no such criticism
OH this effort. 1t will put some
animation and v gor into this hither-
10 incomparably dull campaign by
enthusing the Democracy, not less
than by challenging the Republicans
to fresh assaults on the Democratic
lines. No deliverance that has
marked the progress of the can vass
has commanded more prompt and
interested attention than will be ac-
corded to this virile letter, and if
activity does not displace indifference,
If excitement does not supplant the
unusual calmness of the scene, no
part of the responsibility will be
chargeable to the Democratic can
didate--Wa Washington Post (Inde-
pendent.)