St. Landry clarion. (Opelousas, La.) 1890-1921, 1919-10-04
From Natchitoches Enterprise, Mrs.
Camilla Breazeale. Editor.

4 Mr.. John nj. Parker, who four yeal
ago was Republican candidate *
governor of this state in opposition
the regular democratic nominee, ha
ing changed his political affiliation Q
the registration rolls, is now cand
date for the democratic nomination
Having spent the greater part of hi
life in efforts to destroy the democr;
tic party in this state and failed, b
has probably concluded to follow th
advice of the old politician who said
IF you can't beat 'em durn EN-
jine'em."
His sponsor, the man who succeed
ed, when many others had failed, i
inducing him to enter the race, is tn
present democratic governor, who fou
years ago denounced Mr.. Parker, hi
then opponent, from every platform il
the state, and did 1t so effectively tina
he won by some $4,000 majority.
We are not disposed to review, OF
even repeat, the charges which Mr.
Pleasant then hurled against Mr. Par
ker particularly those which reflect
ed upon that gentleman's personal in
tegrity, because we believe that he is
personally an honest man, but when
Mr.. Pleasant referred to Mr.. Parker
as a political acrobat he very apply
described him.
Both of these gentlemen are now de-
dicating themselves to the task of de-
stroying the New Orleans ring, an or
ganization to which ne governor owes
his election.
They say, in substance that the de-
struction of bossism in New Orleans
is the paramount if not the only is
sue now before the people.
Let us see how their present profess
sions square with their recent con-
duct.
Some three months ago Mr.. Brea-
zeale published his platform, which
denounced the New Orleans ring in
scathing terms and pledged himself,
Il elected, to use the power vested in
lim to the limit in an effort to destroy
hat organization, which has waxed
10 strong under Governor Peasants
administration.
Since then he has been engaged in
! campaign, which will long be re
nembered in this state for its cour-
tge and eloquence, in an effort to-
rouse public sentiment against
'ossism in our politics.
In the meantime other candidates
ntered the field, some of whom join
d Mr.. Breazeale in denouncing the
ward bosses, and in order to avoid a
ivision of the reform forces, Mr..
with rare devotion to a
rinciple, agreed to submit his claims
0 the Liberty League of New Orleans
nd to permit that organization to say
rho should lead the fight for reform.
.fter much discussion and consider
BILE delay, he was chosen as the |
tandard bearer of the League, and |
repaired, with that organization be-
ind him, to wage atill more vigorous
nd effective fight.
Now let US see what Mr. Parker
nd Governor Pleasant were doing all
his time.
Il we are to believe the statements
{ several reputable gentlemen, which
re however denied by the governor
: at least partially denied--the lat
II was doing his best to secure the
1dorsement by the head of the New
rleans ring of one of several gentle
en- who were known to be allied with
lat organization, and In opposition to
le policy advocated by Mr.. Breazeale
i'd those who were associated with
I'M.
At any rate, it is a fact that he gave
} word of encouragement to the
tuse upon which Mr.. BreazeaIe had
J brayely staked his political future.
And at the same time Mr.. Parker
as declaring through the press and
numerous personal friends that he
rs out of politics and would not be
candidate for any office at the next
ection. In the meantime he, too,
rs as silent as the grave upon the
sue which Mr.. Breazeale was so
advocating from day to day,
d which Mr.. Parker now say is the
ly issue before the people.
Mr.. Breazeale did another thing
itch evidenced his devotion to the
use he had espoused and his desire
secure its success even at the sa-
Ifice Of his own laudabIe ambition.
hen about the time OF his selection !.
the Liberty League it began to be
mored that Mr.. Parker had again
anged his mind and was thinking of
tering the race, he wrote that gen
man and offered to withdraw If he 4
Ir. Parker1 would agree to continue i
: fight on his platform. TO this 4
nerous offer Mr.. Parker replied !
mewhat curtIy that If he decided to Il
candidate he would write his d
n platform. Fl
And now comes upon the scene q Id
who holds the commission I