The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-10-25
Is a Menace to the Repub-
 lies Welfare
SHOULD SUPPRESS FLOATERS
Democratic Candidate Says Great Cor porations Contribute to Campaign Funds Only or Benefits
 They Are to Receive.

Esopus N Y., October 24-Judge Par ker today laid aside the issues usually discussed in national political contests and addressed a crowd of several hundred persons on the general topic of cam paign practices and abuses. He rebuked the present administration for the part the government officials are alleged to be taking in the campaign He charged that the government officials are now practically chosen by a handful of cor porate managers who contribute the as- sets of the corporations to keep the con- duct of the government in the hands they consider best pr private interests.
 In comparison of modern and early methods of raising money for the conduct of political contests, Judge Parker said:
 "Individuals of all classes used to con- tribute to the campaign fund. Vast sums are now contributed by corporations which thrive through government favorit- ism
 This has built up the class called floaters and has made them a most inn portant factor in elections"
 Four More Years of Profit.
 Judge Parker further charged that ex- cessively protected interests have been joined by the trusts Their plan is to perpetuate the present agreement to pur- chase four years more of profit by tariff taxation of four years more of extor- tion from the public by means of monopo- ly.
 He asked why do they contribute if public welfare and the interests of a sub scribing corporation or trusts should con flict which would likely be protected2
 "The question to be settled is whether the floaters and illeSs.l combinations can together control an election in this coun- try. Such a contest -neans on one side vast sums of money ana every man With an itching palm It ought to array ev- cry honest independent and patriotic cit- izen on the other sue"
 Judge Parker in his speech said fur ther:
 Carefully Considers Utterance.
 "Appreciating the responsibility put on me by the democratic party and the duty which is imposed on me, I have carefully considered the utterance which am about to make and am well persuaded that had a situation calling for it's consd- eration been at the time presented It would have met the full approval of the convention as it will now meet the ap- proval of every thoughtful, right mlnd- ed citizen of the United States without regard to party creed or party prejudice.
 Many years has passed since my ac- tive participation in politics. In the mean time a startling change has taken place jV the method of conducting campaigns a' change not for the better but Tor the worse, a change that has introduced de- passing and corrupt methods which threaten the integrity of our government, leaving it perhaps a republic in form but not a republic in substance, no longer government of the people by the people for the people, but government whose officers are practically chosen by the handful of corporate managers who levy on the assets of the stockholders whom they represent such sums of money as they deem requisite to place the conduct of the government in such hands as they consider best for their private interests.
 q make no complaint, nor should com nlalnt be made of any individual who con- tributes toward the legitimate expenses or A great campaign. The capitalist as an individual has as much right to contribute according to his means as has his less wealthy fellow -citizen. Whatever he may do based on patriotic desire to help to elect the candidates of that party which if seems to him will serve the best inter- ests of the country hould be encouraged. Usually it is true. and all right think ing men favor the encouragement or thrift. the accumulation of property, and it's due and just protection, and they are equally opposed to either saying or the doing of anything that will array one class against another. All classes are mutually dependent upon and mutually helpful to each other. and no word or act of mine shall cause a gulf to be op- ened between them.
 Individuals and Corporations.
 But there is a wide difference be- tween an individual employing his wealth in the manner authorized by law ana individuals or corporations who operate