The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1904-10-25

ESOPUS. n. Y, Oct. 24.-Judge Par
ker to-day laid aside the issues usually
discussed in national political contests
and addressed q crowd of several hun
dred persons on the general topic of
campaign practices and abuses. He re-
buked the present administration for
the part Government officials were al
legged to be taking in the campaign.
He charged that the officers of the
Government were now practically
chosen by handful of corporate man
ayers, who contributed the assets of
the corporations to keep the conduct of
the Government in the hands they con-
slider best for their private interests.
Said he:
Appreciating the responsibility put upon
hy the Democratic party. and the duty which
acceptance imposed upon me l have care
fully considered the utterance / am about TO
make. and am well persuaded that had a stu
alton calling for its consideration been at the
time presented, II would have met the full APP
prevail OF the convention as il will now meet
me me approval Of every thoughtful right minded
parry creed or party prejudice.
Many years have passed since my active
participation in politics In the meantime a
startling change has taken place in the method
q conducting campaigns-a change not for
the better, but for the worse; change that
mas introduced debasing and corrupt methods
which threaten the integrity of our country,
leaving H. perhaps, a republic in form, but not
d ItpupllC IN substance, nc longer a govern
ment OF the people, by the people and for the
people, but a government whose officers are
practically chosen by a handful of corporate
managers, who levy upon the assets OF the
stockholders whom they represent such sums
Of money as they deem requisite TO place the
conduct OF the Government in such hands as
they consider best for their private interests.
PATRIOTISM AND FAVORITISM.
1 make no complaint. nor should complaint
be made, of any individual who contributes
toward the many legitimate expenses of a
So SaihPaleh' Inc capltailst' as an lhui-
vidual, has as much right to contribute TO
such purposes and in proportion TO his means
as has his less wealthy fellow citizen. What
ever he may do, based on a patriotic desire
TO help elect the candidates of that party
which IL seems TO him will serve the best in
terests of the country should be encouraged.
Equally is it true that all right thinking
men favor the encouragement OF thrift. accu-
mutation Of property and its due and just pro-
lection. and they equally opposed TO either
the saying or doing Of anything that will ar
ray one class against another. All classes are
mutually dependent upon and mutually help
ful 10 each other. and no word or act of mine
shall cause gulf TO be opened between them
But there is a wide difference between an
individual employing his wealth in the manner
authorized by law ana individuals corpora
tions who operate in defiance Of law. The first
Is independent Of, the latter dependent upon
since the body Of the people at large pro-
vided the legitimate expenses of campaign
Then farmer and lawyer. doctor and mechanic,
day laborer and banker each contributed some
thing toward the erection Of banners the
circulation Of literature and the expenses Of
public meetings. Each contributor a bet
ter citizen for it. II stimulated his patriotism
and the contributions were devoted to the le
Ultimate advancement OF the cause, not made
for the deliberate corruption Of masses OF
electors
Gradually and. alas. erectually. but surely
not permanently, has all this been changed.
Some Of the enterprises which have unduly
thrived through favoritism and which have
been permitted by statute to Indirectly levy
tribute on the people have in the course Of time
become rich and strong that they and
do contribute vast when II Is made clear
that II will be an advantage to them. and they
contribute upon the promise. direct or implied
that they shall be permitted 70 continue TO tax
the people for their own benefit Upon such
promises contributions have been not infre-
quently made in such large measure to in
duce and procure colonization, repeating and
bribery in doubtful States