The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1904-04-08
NO DIcTATIoN WANTED.

independence ny the OeIuOCIdlIC party
and Of it's frightened outlook for the
future that it brushes aside with i'm
patience or contempt all attempts of
individuals, of however great repute or
service, to dictate to it it's future policy.
There has been too much of this in the
past. Too many men have dared to
confront Democracy and say, You
must do this or you must do that; you
must nominate this candidate or you
must send that one to the rear" all
under a penalty implied or spoken of
defeat in case of refusal.
Democracy is sufficient unto itself.
1t has wisdom enough and patriotism
enough to make it's own choices and
to determine them wisely. It seeks
good advice from all sources. 1t has
just and high respect for the opinion
of its great leaders in the past, but it
does not doff the cap to them more
than to others, or run between their
knees and ask humbly what it ought
to do.
1t is interesting to know what Mr..
Cleveland and Mr.. Bryan think of
Judge Parker or of any other gentle
man as prospective Democratic can
didate for the presidency. Each of the
gentlemen named has at times been
recognized as the drst Democrat in
the land, and each has borne his
party's standard high. He who ostra-
cizes either of them OF holds the pref
erences of either an occasion for gibe
or reproach is not a good Democrat
He, on the other hand, who would hold
that the opinion of either must be fol-
lowed with craven obedience and solic-
itude is not a good Democrat These
two men are entitled to their weight as
Democrats, and no more The Denoc-
racy is greater than either of them
and shall do what is wisest and best
for the sacred cause that 1t represents.
Mr.. Bryan, through the Commoner,
has stated his belief that Judge Parker
is not an available candidate. He is
entitled to respectful consideration.
The reasons that he advances are in
our opinion not good. As a matter of
fact they carry no weight whatever to
the thoughtful mind. The assertion
that Judge Parker is Hills candidate"
is futile. Any Democrat of New York
state might be labeled either HilPs
candidate or Murphy's candidate. The
question is not as to who is a mans
hacker nor by whom it is his fortune
or misfortune to be supported; but is
be good man? Mayor Mcclellan is
making a rare and phenomenal sue
cess, though Tammany supported him.
A Democrat of the highest standing
and ideals would not reject the support
Of any able party leader. Judge Parker
owes no more to Hill than another, ami
is not to be prejudiced by any such
superficial alliances.
Bess worthy Of respect is the asser-
ton that Judge Parker will have cor
porate support. So will any other
candidate that can be named. This is
on par with the objection that Mr..
Hill will support him. If we are to re-
Ject every man, whatever his charac-
acter and standing, because some one
whom we do not like may also wish to
vote for him p1oI
date, or how shall we elect him? No
man can be elected on either side as
candidate for the presidency who will
not receive important elements of cor
porate support. The question is not
whether he is favorable or unfavorable
to corporations, but is he honest. is he
fearless, is he just? Given an afirma-
tive answer to those questions, we
need care nothing about the alignment
of forces behind him.
Everything for Democracy, everv-
thing for the nation, depends upon the
quality Of manhood. In selecting the
candidate it is the man that we must
look for We shall fall into the worst
OF snares, we shall struggle in pitfalls
and bind ourselves with whfpcords If
we are to pick candidates by imaginary
relations to their friauds and to busi-
ness interests. What we want is
strong and honest man, a patriotic
American, faithful and fearless DEM
ocrat, who will hold above all other
earthly considerations his duty to his
party, his country, his honor and his
God.
Away with all lesser considerations
and all foolish criticism founded on the
accidents of the hour. Is Judge Parker
such man? We believe him to be.
and if he be such, then he is a fit lead
er for Democracy. Let us get back to
sound basis Of criticism. and away
from the attempt to sway party action
by personalities and Individual caprice.
which have wrought US infinite injury
in the past.
The Star-eyed Goddess of Reform has
en- immersed Cbioo0o xr,;+L A. .4