The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1904-09-27
JUDGE A. B. PARKER'S
LETTER OF ACCEPTANCE
A MASTERY AND STRONG PO-
LITICAL DOCUMENT.
Touches All the Live Issues of the
Day-Economical Administra-
ton and Honesty.
To the Honorable Champ Clark and
Others, Committee, etc.

Others, Committee, ETC.
Gentlemen: In my response to
your committee, at the formal notih-
cation proceedings, referred to some
matters not mentioned in this let,
ter. I desire that these be consider
ed as incorporated herein and regret
that lack of space prevents specific
reference to them all. I wish here,
however, again to refer to my views
there expressed as to the gold stand
ard, to declare again by unqualified be-
lief in said standard, and to express my
appreciation of the action of the con-
vention in reply to my communica-
ton 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-
eminent in the public mind. Among
these are,-tarif reform, imperialism,
economical administration and hon.
esty in the public service. I shall
briefly consider these and some
others within the necessarily pre-
scribed limits of this letter.
Imperialism.
While I presented my views at the
notification proceedings concerning
this vital issue, the overshadowing
importance of this question impels
me to refer to it again. The issue
is oftentimes referred to as Constitu-
tionalism 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 execu-
tive branch of our government. We
should be ever mindful of the words
of Webster, sLiberty is only to be
preserved by maintaining constitu-
tional restraints and just divisions
IF political powers"
Already the national governmtnt
has become centralized beyond any
point contemplated or imagined by
the trainers of the constitution. How
tremendously all this has added to
the power of the president! 1t. has
developed from year to year until it
almost equals that of many monarchs.
While the growth of Our country and
the magnitude Fof interstate interests
may seem to furnish a plausible rea-
son for this centralization Of power,
yet these same facts afford the most
potent reason why the executive
should not be permitted to encroach
upon the other departments Of the
government, and assume legislative,
CT otl IT powers, not expressly con-
ferred by the constitution.
The magnitude of the country and
its diversity of interests and popula-
ton would enable determined, am
bilious and able executive. unmindful
of constitutional limitations and fired
with the lust of power, to 90 far in
the usurpation of authority and the
aggrandizement of personal power
before the situations could be fully
appreciated or the people could 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 i'm
perialism may give rise to brilliant,
startling, dashing results, but the
principle of democracy holds in check
the brilliant executive and subjects
him to the sober, conservatice control
of the people.
The people Of the United States
stand at the parting of the ways