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

Esopus, n. Y, September 24.-Judge
Alton 3. Parker's letter Of acceptance
Of the Democratic nomination for the
lowing is the full text:
To the Honorable Champ Clark and
others, Committee, etc.
Gentlemen:-In response to your
committee, at the formal notification
proceedings, referred to some matters
not mentioned in this letter. 1 desire
that these be considered as incorporat-
ed herein, and regret that lack of space
prevents specific reference to them ALL
L wish here. however, again to refer
to my views there expressed as to the
gold standard, to declare again my un-
qualified belief in said standard, and
to express my appreciation of the ac-
ton of the convention in reply to my
communication upon that subject.
Grave public questions are pressing
for decision. The democratic party
appeals to the people with confidence
that its position on these questions
will be accepted and endorsed at the
polls. While the issues involved are
numerous. some stand forth pre-em-
inent in the public mind. Among these
nomical administration and honesty in
the public service. I shall briefly con-
slider these and some others within the
necessarily prescribed limits of this
letter.
IMPERIALISM.
While I presented my views at the
notification proceedings concerning this
vital issue. the overshadowing import
ance of this question impels me to re-
fer 70 it oain Tho ic Of
times referred to as conStitutionalism
VS.. imperialism.
If We would retain our liberties and
constitutional rights unimpaired, we
cannot permit or tolerate, at any time
or for any purpose. the arrogation of
unconstitutional powers by the exec
utive branch of our government. We
should be ever mindful of the words
of Webster, Liberty is only to be pre-
served by maintaining constitutional
restraints and just divisions Of po,it-
ical powers
Already the national government has
become centralized beyond any point
contemplated or imagined by the
trainers of the constitution. How tre-
mendously all this has added to the
power of the president, 1t has de-
veloped from year to year until it al
most equals that of many monarchs.
while the growth of our country and
the magnitude of interstate interests
may seem to furnish a plausible rea-
son for this centralized power, yet
these same facts afford the most poten.
reason why the executive should not
be permitted to encroach upon the
other departments OF the government
and assume legislative, or other powers.
not expressly conferred by the consti-
tuition.
The magnitude of the country and its
=.
would enable a determined, ambitious
| and able executive, unmindful of con.
stitutional limitations and fired with
the lust of power, to go far in the
usurpation of authority and the ag-
grandizement of personal power before
| the situation could be fully appreciated
or the people be aroused.
The issue of imperialism which has
been thrust upon the country involves
a decision whether the law of the land
or the rule of individual caprice shall
govern. The principle of imperialism
| may give rise TO brilliant, startling.
dashing results, but the principle OF
democracy holds in check the brilliant
executive and subjects him 10 the
sober, conservative control of the peo-
pie.
The people of the United States stand
at the parting of the ways. Shall we
follow the footsteps of our fathers
along the paths of peace, prosperity
| and contentment, guided by the ever
| living spirit of the constitution which
| they framed for us. or shall we go
along other and untried paths. hitherto
Stunned by all. following blindly new
| ideals, which, though appealing with
brilliancy TO the ina gina ton and am
bition, may prove q viii o the wisp.
Heading us into difficulties from which
1t may be impossible TO extricate our
| selves without lasting injury 10 ou,
| national character and institutions?
THE TARIFF AND TRUSTS
Tariff reform is one of the cardinal
principles of the democratic faith, and
| the necessity for ii was never greater
| than at the present time. It should
| be undertaken az once in the interest
| OF all our people.
! The Dingleg tariff is excessive in