The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-09-26

fstratfon of the Post t-Ofice Department have been notoriously violated '' | there was a general popular demand for rigid. sweeping investigation by Congress. in addition to that under l taken by the Executive himself. Such an investigation the Republican ma- jority in Congress would not permit, although the minority insisted that the | interests of good government demand | cd it. And the minority was right. The liberality. patriotism and national pride of the people should not be made | an excuse for waste of the public | funds. Oficial extravaganza is ofYicial | crime. There is not . sentence in the Repub- lican platform recommending a reduc- tion in the expenditures of the govern | ment; not line suggesting that the increase in the cost of the War De- partment from ss4.0o0.o0o in 1886 to s115. 100000 in 1904. should be inquired | into; and not a paragraph calling for 1 a thorough investigation of those de- partments of the government in which l dishonesty has been recently dis closed. .t-.. -.
 The people. however. can by their votes. if they desire it, order such an investigation and inaugrate a policy of economy and retrenchment. It is safe to say that this will not be ac-l complished by endorsing at the polls the Republican majority of the House of Representatives which refused the investigation and made the appropria- tions. nor by continuing in power the administration which made the dis bursements.
 Reform in expenditures must be had in both the Civil, Military and Naval establishments in order that the na- tional expenditures may be brought to a basis of peace and the government maintained without recourse to the taxes of war.
 .C0nclusion.
 I have put aside a congenial work. to which I had expected to devote my life. in order to assume, as best I can. the responsibilities your convention put upon me.
 I solicit the cordial cooperation and generous assistance of every man yho believes that a change of measures and of men at this time would be wise, and urge harmony of endeavor as we'll as vigorous action on the part of all so minded.
 The issues are joined and the people must render the verdict.
 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 oligarchy?
 Shall our Government stand for equal opportunity or for special privilege7
 Shall 1t remain a Government of law or become one of individual caprice?
 Shall We cling to the rule of the people. or shall we embrace beneficent despotsim7
 With calmness and confidence, we await the peoples verdict.
 If called to the office of President. I shall consider myself the chief magis- trate of all the people and not of any faction, and shall ever be mindful of the fact hat on many questions of na- tional policy there are honest differ. ences of opinion. I believe in the Ia. triotism, good sense and absolute sim cerity of all the people. I shall strive to remember that he may serve his party best who serves his country best.
 If 1t be the wish of the people that I undertake the duties of the Presidency l pledge myself. with Gods help. to de- vote all my powers and energy to the duties of this exalted office.
 Very truly yours,
 Alton B. Parker.