Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1904-10-04

In convention assembled recommenda,l to
the National Democracy the nomination of
Samuel j Ttlden as its candidate for the
Presidency. and declared 1t to be their set.
tied conviction that a return to the consti-
tutional principles, frugal expenses and adj
ministratlve purity of the founders of the
republic is the first and most mperious duty
Of the times-the commanding issue now
before the people Of this union" THIS strong
expression was called forth by the national
expenditures fog the year 1875. amounting
to $274,000, 000-a situation which, I'm tie
opinion of a majority of our people. justi-
fed an imperative demand for reform in
the administration of public affairs. as
the expenditures OF the last fiscal year
amounted to the enormous total OF S5S2,-
100000. 1t is evident that a thorough 10
vestfgation of the public service and the
Immediate abandonment of useless and ex-
traordlnary expenditures are more necas.
Sary now than they were then. This
astounding increase is out Of all proportion
to the increase OF our population. and finds
no excuse from whatever aspect we view
the situation.
If man Of ordinary intelligence and
prudence should find in the operating ex-
penSes Of his business such trem cndous
percentage of increase, would he not
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 dishonest and
convicted and widespread impression ex-
lists that thorough investigation may dis
cover other cases of malfeasance? When
the chief executive reported to Congress
that Through frauds, forgeries and per-
juries. and by shameless briberies the Ia VS.
relating to the proper conduct Of the pub
lic service In general and to the due ad
ministration OF the pOstoflce department
have been VIGOROUSLY violated" there was
a general popular demand for rigid,
sweeping investigation by Congress- in adj
dition to that undertaken by the executive
himself. Such an Investigation the Re-
publican majority In Congress would not
permit, although the minority insisted that
the interests of good government demanded
1t. And the minority was right The lib
crafty. patriotism and national pride OF
the people should not he made an excuse
for waste Of the public funds Official
extravaganza Is official crime
There IS not a sentence In the Republican
platform recommending a reduction in the
expenditures of the government. not n line
suggesting that the increase In the cost Of
the war department from $34. 100000 In
1886 to S115,OOO.O 600 I'm 1904 should he in
CURED into. and not a paragraph calling
for a thorough Investigation Of those de-
partments Of the government In which dis
honesty has been recently disclosed
The people. however can by their votes
If they desire it, order such an Inyestica
ton and inaugurate policy OF economy
and retrenchment- IL Is safe TO say that
this will not be accomplished by indorsIng
at the polls the Republican majority of the
House Of Representatives which refused the
investigation and made the appropriatIons
nor by continuing In power the adlninistra.
ton which made the disbursements.
Defines His Issues.
The issues are Joined and the peopIe
must render the verdict
Shall economy Of administration be de-
maDded or shall extravaganza be encour-
aged?
Shall the wrougdoers be brought to bay
by the people ar must Justice wait upon
political oligarcty?
Shall our government stand for equal op-
portunIty or for special privilege:
Shall Il remain a government OF law or
become one OF Individual caprice?
Shall we cling TO the rule OF the people
or shall we embrace benehcent despotism7
With calmness and confidence we await
the peoples verdict.
II called TO the Office Of President shall
consider myself the chief magistrate Of all
the people and not OF any faction and shall
ever be mindful Of the fact that on many
questions Of national policy there are hon
est differences of opinion. I believe IN the
patriotism good sense and absolute sin
certify Of all the people. ! shall strive TO re-
member that he may serve his party best
who serves bis country best.
III ii be- the wish Of the people that
undertake tthe duties OF the Presidency
pledge myself with Gods help, 10 devote
all my powers and energy TO the duties Of
this exalted Office. Very truly yours.
ALTON 3. PARKER.