The county record. [volume] (Kingstree, S.C.) 1885-1975, 1904-09-29
WRITES BOLDLY UPON The ISSUES
"A Vigorous Outline of the Democratic
Faith Given by the Democratic
Faith Given by the Democratic Can
didate-The Policies That Should
Govern the Executive Outlined at
Length.


J;rfCe Parker gave to the preSSs
his letter of acceptance printed IN full
belcw. 1t is shorter than that of Presi-
dent Roosevelt. and deals with the
questions at issue in the frankest and
most Straightforward way: There can
be 10 doubt where the Democratic
candidate stands on the issues OF I'M
p,rialiSm, thetariff. the trusts, the Phil
ippincs, or any other of the campaign
Ou. Stions. President Roosevelts de-
fence of his administrative usurpa-
ton is riddled by the great Jurist.
To the Honorable Champ Clark and
others. Committee. etc.
Gentlemen: In my response to your
Committee. at The formal notification
proceedings, referred to some matters
not mentioned in this letter. desire
that these be considered as incorporat-
Cd herein. and regret that lack OF
space prevents specific reference to
them all | wish here. however, again
to refer to my views there expressed
as to the gold standard, to declare
again my unqualified belief in said
standard, and to express my apprecia-
ton of the action Of the Convention
IN reply to my communication upon
that subject.
Grave public questions are pressing
for decision. The Democratic party ap-
peals to the people with confidence that
us position on these questions Will be
acceoted and endorsed at the polls.
While the issues involved are numer-
Gus, some stand forth pre-eminent in
the public mind. Among these are
Tariff Reform. Imperialism. Economi-
cal Administration and Honesty In the
Public Service. | shall briefly consider
these and some others within the ne
cessarily prescribed limits of this
letter.
IMPERIALISM.
While | presented my views at the
notification proceedings concerning this
vita. issue, the overshadowing import
ance of this question impels me to refer
t. Il. again. The issue is oftcntimes re-
ferred to as Constitutionalism VS.. I'M
reTialiSm.
II 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 eXecu-
tive branch OF our government. We
should be ever mindful Of the words
CT Webster. Liberty is only to be pre-
served by maintaining Constitutional
restraints and just division of politi-
cal powers.
Already the national government has
become centralized beyond any point
contemplated or imagined by the
founders OF the Constitution. How
tremendously all this has added to the
Lower of the President, 1t has devel-
oped from year to year until it almost
equals that Of many monarchs. While
the growth of our country and the mag
ritude of interstate interests may seem
TO furnish plausible reason for this
Capitalization OF power. yet these same
facts afford the most potent reason why
the executive should not he permitted
&c encroach upon the other depart
ments of the government, and assume
legislative, or other powers, not ex-
Iresly conferred by the Constitution.
The magnitude Of the country and its
diversity of interests and population
would enable a determined, ambitious
an6 able executive. unmindful OF con-
stitutional limitations and fired with
the rust of power. to go far to usurpa-
ton of authority and the aggrandize-
rnent Of personal power before the situ-
atiCn could be fully appreciated Or the
people be aroused.
The issue OF Imperialism which has
been thrust upon the country involves
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 priciple OF De-
rocracy holds in check the brilliant
Executive and subjects him to the
sober. conservative control OF the
people.
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-liv-
ing spirit of the Constitution which
they framed for us, or shall we go
along other and untried paths, hither-
10 Stunned by all, following blindly
rev ideals, which. though appealing
with brilliancy to the imagination and
ambition, may prove a will O the wisp,
leading us into difficulties from which
it may be impossible to extricate our
selves without lasting injury to our ma
tio,al character and Institutions
THE TARIFF AND TRUSTS.
Tariff reform is one of the cardinal
principles OF the Democratic faith. ana
The necessity for it was never greater
than at the present time. 1t should be
undertaken at once in the interest OF
al our people.
The Dingley Tariff is excessive in
many of its rates. and, as to them at
least. unjustly and oppressirely bur-
Aens the people. 1t secures to domes-
tie manufacturers. singly or in combi-
nation. the privilege of eXacting eX-
cessive prices at home and prices far