The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1904-10-01


Roosevelt. and therefore will be more widely
read. Judge Parker says that while the issues
involved in this campaign are numerous, he
mentions
Tariff Reform,
Imperialism,
Economical Administration and
Honesty in the Public Service,
as the four most important.
These he devotes considerable space to, but
+. .lso touches upon other matters of difference
between the two great political parties and
matters calling for reform.
Imperialism is first taken up and Judge
Parker saws ''If we would retain our liberties
and constitutional rights unimpaired. we can
not permit or tolerate, at any time or for any
purpose, the arrogstiOn of unconstitutional
powers by the executive branch Of our gov
eminent" The Presidents order No. IS,
fixing 60 years, as the limit when soldiers are
unable to perform manual labor and granting
them pensions, adding largely 10 the cost OF
government expenses, is one OF the incidents
pointed out as executive usurpation OF power
That Congress gave support TO that order la
ter, in making the necessary appropriation to
meet the increased expenses Of the pension
Office, saws Judge Parker, does not alter the
usurpatiou And in reply to Republican IN
quiry what are you going TO do about II
Judge Parker plainly declares that if elected
be will revoke that order and urge Congress
to pass law thas will tx an age limit, with
out reference to disability.
The Presidents course in aiding an insur-
rection in Panama, hasty recognition Of the
newly proclaimed government and the keep
ing Of war vessels close by TO prevent Colombia
from exercising her rghtful power to re
store order in Panama, IS another act without
authority of the Constitution or laws cited by
Judge Parker as progress toward imperialism.
He also opposes this government acting as
policeman for the governments OF South
America, requiring them to maintain order
and nav their debts President Roosevelt's /
role in this line has tended to make the States /
of South America mistrust our friendship, /
and to fear always our interference IN their
affairs. The Presidents conduct, wholly I'M
warranted, II continued. will divert trade and
estranre millions Of people who have looked
TO this government for protection by the en-
forcement Of the Monroe Doctrine. For
nearly a century the South American States
have felt secure against European aggression.
Now they fear that, while the Monroe Doc.
trine will be enforced, there Is danger Of IN
reference BY the United States.
e. t,r1.rr-as -
cited in the holdiag of the Filipinos subjects
and denying them the benefits OF the Consti
tuition and laws, aud the denial os free trade,
as it exists between the States and Territories
of the Union. Judge Parker favors the same
policy toward the Philippines that was pur-
sued toward Cuba. and he would make the
promise OF independence to them now, so that
they may prepare for self-governmeni and
independent action.
Upon the question Of reform Of the tariff
Judge Parker is foreibIe. He believes in
tariff for revenue, but the reductions should
be made slowly, prudeutly and wisely. The
present tariff upon many lines OF imports
we're made purposely prohibitiye, IN order to
pave the way for reciprocity treaties, whereby
this government could make certain reduc
tons in return for tariff reductions by other
governments upon American exports, and still
maintain high rate upon foreign goods
piece of conduct insineere, dishonest aud
wholly unworthy of this government
Any tariff is protection. aud in view Of
the enormous expenses of government and our
fixed policy of raising revenue by taxing i'm
ports, a tariff for revenue will afford ample
protection TO our manufacturers. The Demo
cratic contention is that taxes should be levied
for revenue. The Republicans policy is that
tariffs should be primarily laid for protection.
Judge Parker favors reciprocity, and gently
chides the Republicans for declaring in favor
of reciprocal trade regulations and then fail
ing to ratify reciprocity treaties.
Judge Psrker's letter is in keeping with his
judicial training and habits. 1t is clear aud
forcible, without any tinge Of Rough Riderism-
In conclusion he states the issues tersely as
follows:
Shall economy of administration be de-
manded or shall extravagance be encour-
aged2
snail the NfOuBuotE Dt uIpuEAt " jay
by the people, or must justice wait upon
political oligarcy?
Shall our government stand for equal
opportunity or for special privilege?
Shall it remain government OF law or
become one of individual caprice?
Shall we cling TO the rule of the people,
or shall we embrace benefcent despotism?
Judge Parker says "With ealmness aud con
fdence, we await the peoples verdict" And
well may he have confidence, unless the peo
pie have departed far away from the love aud
yeueratiou of the Constitution; no longer hold
TO obedience to law; no longer believe in
the independence of the three departments of
government; no longer have respect for the
advice OF Washington to avoid foreign entan-
elements; no longer hold civil above military
authority; no longer believe in economy in
public expenditures and honesty in the public
service; no longer believe, with the Declare
ton of Independence, that all men are and OF
right ought to be free; no longer believe IN
large standing armies and unnecessary war
ships Four years more OF Rooseveltism
should be stunned more than war, pestilence
and famine. From all these recuperation Is
certain. A change in the form of govern
ment-a departure from republican govern
ment to imperialism-may not be so easily
reversed. There is now crisis in affairs
more serious than for nearly half century,
and the issues to be decided should be well
considered by every intelligent voter, and his
ballot should be cast with full knowledge and
conception of his duty as citizen of a free
republie. If he desires freedom, peace and
prosperity he should vote for Parker and
Davis. If he believes in Imperialism, Com
mercialism, Miitarism, excessive taxation
and unnecessary expenditures of the public
money, and the social equality of the white
and black races at the White House, he should
vote for Roosevelt and Fairbanks.