The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1904-09-30

$500
1.-The first fiscal year. during which ne
assumed control OF the administrator.
la surplus of receipts over exptndaturts
sof more than $~S1.oo0.cfo. there was an
OF expenditures over receEpts -
1.-The close OF the last fiscal year % s4l.-
loo. 600. and the official monthly reports
Imade by the treasury department snow
THAT the expenditures are
rapidly increasing, whie the re-
iceipts are diminishing
| Il this connection 10 is interesting TO
lnote the recen administrative orders
lforbidding government Officers rom
making public any statement OF esti-
mates on which future appropriations
lare TO be based.
| II a man OF ordinary intelligence and
prudence should find in the operating
Iexpenses OF his business such a ire
tmendous percentage OF increase. would
Inc not promptly set on foot an inoui-
Iry for the cause of the waste. and take
Immediate measures I'D stop IL. espe-
Icially when trusted employees have
been found dishonest n convicted.
land a widespread impression exists
a thorough investigation may dis
other cases of malfeasancsy
when the chief executive reported TO
fcongress that. through frauds. forgSf-
lies and perjuries. and by shameless
I~briberies the laws relating to the proper
lconduct OF the public service In general
land To the due administrators or The
post Office department have been noto-
Iriously violated there was -
general popular emand for a rigid
Sweeping investigation By congress. IN
addition TO tina undertaken by the ex-
tecutiye himself. Such an investigation
1.-THE republican majority in congress
would not permit, although h minor
ity demanded it. And the was
fright. The liberality. patriotism anu
pride OF the people should not
tbe made an excuse for waste OF the
public funds. Official extravaganza Is
l~official crime.
There is not a sentence in the repub-
tiican platform recommending a reduc-
Ition in the expenditures OF the govern
lment: not a line suggesting that the
increase in the cost OF h war depart
lment from $34. 900. 900 in 1886 TO $ll5.0Oo.-
loco in 1904. should be inquired into; and
mot a paragraph calling for a thoroush
investigation Of those departments or
1.-The goverum in which dishonesty
has been recently disclosed.
The people, however. can by their
Votes, IL they desire it, order such an
Investigation and inaugurate a policy
lof. economy n r~etrenchment. Ii Is
safe to say that this will not be ac-
lcomplished by endorsing at the polls
1.-The republican majority or h house OF
Representatives which refused the in
Ivestigation and made the ~appropria-
ltions, nor by continuing in power the
administration which made the dis
lbursements-
Reform in expenditures must be had
lin the civil, military and naval estab-
llishments in order that the national
Expenditures may be brought to q Ia
Isis of peace and the government MAIN
ltained without recourse TO the * OF
lwar.
rr,-rr TroInN
/ have put aside a congenial work,
Ito which had expected to devote M
life, in order To assume, as best l can,
1.-THE responsibilities your convention put
IuCOn me.
1 solicit the cordial cooperation and
lgenerous assistance OF every man who
believes that a change of measures al;
lof men at this time would be Wis
land urge harmony OF endeavor as vel
las vigorous action on the part Of all 81
minded.
The issues are Joined and the people
must render the verdict.
Shall eeonomy of administration Of
demanded or shall extravaganza be en-
lcouraged?
Shall the wrongdoer be brought tc
Ibay by the people. or must justice wat
upon political oligarchy?
Shall our government stand fer equa
opportunity or for special privilege?
Shall il remain a government 81 law
Pr become one of individual caprice?
Shall we cling TO the rule of the peo-
Iple, or shall we embrace beneficent des-
lpotism?
With calmness and confidence, w
Iawlit the peoples verdict.
If called TO the office of president,
lshai consider myself the chief magis
ltrate of all the people and not Of any
faction. and shall ever be mindful Il
The fact that on many questions o.
l1ational policy. there are honest differ
fences of opinion. / believe in the "a
ltriotism. good sense and absolute sin
I|cerity OF all the people. I shall strive
Ito remember that he may serve n,
Iparty best who serves his count.
loest.
If il be the wish OF the peop.e ma
undertake. the duties Of the pres!den
icy, L pledge myself. "ith God he Z
10 devote all my powers and eneTg.
Ito the duties of this exalted Office.
Very truly yours,
ALTON 3. PARKER.
Esopus, N. Y. SeDt. 26. 1904.