The comet. (Johnson City, Tenn.) 1884-1916, 1904-06-02

Judge Parker was given grudglngly. |
| named Judge Parker at that time be-
cause his candidacy had gained such
lead over that Of any other man whose
nomination could be deemed accepta-
BILE to conservative Democrats, that he
appeared to me us the most likely man
whom that element of the Democracy |
could concentrate in its efforts to purge
the party Of that irrationalism with
which it has been inflicted in the last
two Presidential campaigns.
"Quite naturally, because of my
long association with them aud my in
innate knowledge of their abilities,
have thought, from the time the talk
about the 1904 nominee began, that Oh
ney or Gray might be the most availa
BILE choice for the party candidacy. |
pretended no right to the direction of
party affairs, however, nor even to the
right to advise the party upon men or
measures, SO when it appeared neces-
sary to concentrate upon some avail
able man in order to stife the Hearst
movement / gave up thought of either
Olney or Gray being nominated and
aligned myself with those who were
urging Judge Parker's nomination.
"When expressed the hope and be-
lief that Parker might be nominated, "
continued Mr.. Cleveland, speaking
with great earnestness and in spirit
Of full conviction, 81 knew him to be a
frst-class, honest, safe and manly
man. He is very able, fit in every
way to lead the new Democracy, and |
still entertain the expectation that he
will be the nominee of the st. Louis
convention.
At this point Mr.. Cleveland desired
the interview to terminate, and it was
only by dint of much persuasion that
was induced to continue. Freely ard
unreservedly he talks when conversing
for private information. when you
are speaking face to face your meaning
and your motives can be easily under.
stood" he says, "but both are misun.
derstood or misconstrued when com.
municated through the medi UNI Of
types"
Seated in the library, Mr.. Cleveland
gave approval to these further expires.
sions of his opinion, as written out and
submitted to him:
''The st. Louis convention will,
believe, see in Judge Parker man fol
whom every Democrat and the great
body of Independent voters can vote
unreservedly, but whether he shall bt
nominated or not his candidacy has
been blessing to the party, for the en-
ergetic exploitation of his name during
the last year has made certain Democ
racy's return to fundamental princi
pies.
"In regard to the platform to bt
adopted by the convention, my views
are, / believe, pretty well understood
: IT should be short, treating only of thu
strongest points at issue, and | an
pleased to note that this opinion. AZ
evidenced by the expressions from
Democratic leaders and newspapers, il
growing. There is particular reason
why this platform should be short an(
strong and thoroughly bottomed upor
fundamental Democratic doctrines, i
| Judge Parker is to be the party candi
date.
"The two points of attack in politi
cal campaign are the candidates anC
the platform. If the candidate be vul
nerable, not so much attention will bt
paid to the platform, but when, as il
the case of Judge Parker, the candi
date cannot be assailed upon any sup
portable ground, the platform is SURE
to be studied infinitely and critically
by our opponents, and must be so con
structed as to be wholly free from veal
points
In speaking of specific planks this
platform should contain as representa-
tive OF fundamental and unquestionet
Democratic doctrine, Mr.. Cleveland
J named among others, tariff reform, /
firm and distinct declaration of thu
partys intentions in the matter of be
, slowing independence upon the Fill
, pinos; economy in public expenditure
and honesty in the public service"
While not permitted to quote hin
directly upon the detailed lines along
: which these several planks should bC
, drawn, your correspondent learned
enough of his opinions during the
talks with him yesterday to be able tC
give fair outline of his beliefs.
In regard to tariff reform, Mr.. Gle
yeland feels that if its expression j:
sincerely intended, declaration some
what like that made by Senator Cor.
man of Maryland, last week, would
meet all requirements. This declara-
ton was, it will be recalled, that the
tariff should be revised in a spirit Of