New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-01-31
PARKER NOT A CANDIDATE
But He Would accept a Nomination
That Came Unsought.

the State Bank Department, and personal
friend of Chief Judge Parker. OF the Court OF
Appeals says that Judge Parker IN 1896 and
1900 voted the straight Democratic ticket: that
in the opinion of Mr.. Preston, he is not a candi-
date for the Presidential nomination, but that, IL
the national convention should unite on him. he
would consider It his duty. good Democrat,
to abide by the wishes of his party.
Mr. Preston's statement was made in con-
versation with Tribune reporter. who asked
him with reference to Judge Parker's attitude
in the State convention of 1902 The Tribune
was informed that Judge Parker had written a
letter which he intrusted to Mr.. Preston, declin-
ing absolutely to be candidate for Governor on
the Democratic ticket. When Mr.. Preston was
asked about this yesterday he said:
ut is not true that Mr.. Parker wrote any
such letter. He did. however. tell ex-senator
Hill and other personal friends that he was
entirely satisfied with his place on the bench OF
the Court of Appeals. and that he did not wish
to be a candidate for Governor. I was perhaps
the last man that he talked with before the
convention assembled and 1 therefore was IN
a position TO know exactly his Views. He ex-
pressed the opinion that there were other men
who would be Ideal candidates. and who would
poll the Democratic vote. and that, inasmuch as
he was serving the State and his party as
judge OF the Court Of Appeals. he saw no rea-
why he should be selected by the eonyen-
ton as its candidate fer Governor.
THE judges views we're perfectly well known
TO his personal friends, and they were COM
municated to the Democratic leaders In the con-
vention. Senator Hill knew just how the judge
felt about the nomination, and in acceding TO
the judges request to be eliminated from con-
sideration as a candidate he acted fully in ac-
cordance with Judge Parker's own wish. Sem
ato has
State to the other in the newspapers and by his
critics for not allowing Judge Parker to be NOM
mated at that time. He never has said anything
in reply to those criticisms, and 1 don't believe
he ever will. So far as Mr.. Hill is concerned,
know that he is not candidate for the Presi-
Dental nomination this year. think violate
no confidence when I say he candidate IN
1892"
rs Judge Parker candidate for the nomina-
ton this year," Mr.. Preston was asked.
NO" said Mr. Preston. he is not candidate
for the Presidential nomination or any other.
Judge Parker is a truly great man and an ex-
ceent Democrat. He has been on the bench
since he was twenty-six years old, and he likes
judicial duties. He enjoys the honorable posi-
ton of Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals Of
this State. At the same time Judge Parker is a
loyal Democrat. If the Democratic convention
at ST. Louis should decide on him to head the
ticket he doubtless would accept the nomination
and consider it a high honor, but unless am
greatly mistaken in my estimate of his attitude
he would not make any aggressive move TO
bring about his nomination. nor would he allow
his personal friends to take any such action in
his behalf, nor would any or set of men be
able to secure from him pledge in advance or
what he would do would not do in case he
We're nominated and elected. 1 have known
Judge Parker for good many years, and when
l say that he is a most admirable citizen l
simply voice a sentiment which is concurred in
by all those who have had the good fortune to
know him well. He would make a record as
President not second to that of Grover Cleve-
land, because in many respects he is Mr.. Cleve-
lands superior. He is far better organizer
than the former President. His long experience
on the bench has given him a thorough &C
quaintance with men, enabling him to judge
quickly of mems capacities and characters In
addition TO all these qualities, Judge Parker is
humanitarian, and has a kindly sympathy with
men ia all grades and stations of life which en-
phasizes his greatness as a citizen and as
Democrat"
toward the launching of so-called Parker
boom by his intimate friends?"
II do not" said Mr.. Preston land IL any such
movement is started 1t Will be done, l am quite
sure. absolutely without support OF any sort
from the Judge"