The Weiser semi-weekly signal. (Weiser, Washington Co., Idaho) 1904-1911, 1904-10-01

promptly set on foot an inquiry for the
cause of the waste and take immediate
measures to stop 1t, especially when
trusted employees have been found dis
honest and convicted and widespread
impression exists that thorough investi-
cation may discover other cases of mall
feasance? When the chief executive re-
ported to congress that through frauds,
forgeries and perjuries and by shameless
briberies the laws relating to the proper
conduct of the public service in general
and to the due administration of the post
office department have been VIGOROUSLY
violated = -" there was a general popu-
lar demand for a rigid, sweeping investi-
CATION by congress In addition to that I'M
dertaken by the executive himself Such
an investigation the Republican majority
in congress would not permit although
the minority insisted that the interests of
good government demanded it. And the
minority was right. The liberality, pa
triotism and national pride of the people
should not be made an excuse for waste
of the public funds. Official extravaganza
is official crime
There is not sentence in the Repub-
lican platform recommending reduction
In the expenditures of the government.
not line suggesting that the increase in
the cost of the war department from s94,
100000 in 1886 to $115000 900 in 1904 should be
inquired into. and not a paragraph calling
for thorough investigation of those
departments of the government in which
dishonesty has been recently disclosed.
The people. however, can by their votes.
If they desire 1t, order such an investiga-
ton and inaugurate policy of economy
and retrenchment 1t is safe to say that
this will not be accomplished by indors-
ing at the polls the Republican majority
of the house Of representatives which re-
fused the investigation and made the APP
preparations nor by continuing in power
the administration which made the dis
bursements.
Reform in expenditures must be had In
both the civil. military and naval estab-
lishments in order that the national ex-
penditures may be brought to 6 basis of
peace and the government maintained
without recourse TO the taxes of war.
Conclusion.
1 have put aside a congenial work. to
which l had expected to devote my life,
in order to assume best / can the re-
sponsbilities your convention put upon me.
solicit the cordial cooperation and
generous assistance OF every man who
believes that change of measures and
OF men at this time would be wise, and
urge harmony of endeavor as we'll as
vigorous action on the part OF all SO
minded.
The issues are Joined, and the people
must render the verdict.
Shall economy of administration be de-
manded or shall extravaganza be encour-
aged:
Shall the wrongdoer be brought to bay
by the people. or must justice wait upon
political oligarchy7
Shall our government stand for equal
opportunity or for special privilege?
Shall 1t remain a government of law or
become one of individual caprice?
Shall we cling to the rule of the people.
or shall we embrace beneficent despotism ?
With calmness and confidence we await
the peoples verdict.
II called TO the office OF president I
shall consider myself the chief magistrate
OF all the people and not OF any faction.
and shall ever be mindful OF the fact thai
on many questions of national polio,
there are honest differences OF opinion. ]
believe In the patriotism. good sense anu
absolute sincerity OF all the people. /
shall strive 10 remember that ne may
serve his party best who serves hts c0un-
try best.
II u be the wish OF the people that I
undertake the duties OF the presidency i
pledge myself, with Gods help, 10 devote
All my powers and energy 10 the duties OF
this exalted ONCE Very truly yours,
ALTON y. PARKER.