The St. Mary Banner

Hon. John M. Parker
Announces His Candidacy
For Governor.

Hon. John M. Parker has yielded to the call of the people and has definitely announced his candidacy for the nomination for Governor before the Democratic primary.

We publish herewith his announcement verbatim:

"By letter, telegram, telephone and personally many of the best citizens in every walk of life, including friends of a lifetime and many who have been opposed to me politically, have urged me to become a candidate for Governor.

"My earnest wish has been to keep out of politics, but all my life I have worked for what I believe the welfare of the people, and when the unsolicited call comes so powerfully from every section of the State, every class of industry, business, agriculture and profession, my strong personal desires must be put aside and my services and any ability I possess cheerfully given to the people of Louisiana should they select me.

"For the above reasons, I am a candidate for the Democratic nomination for Governor, standing squarely for those great principles for which I have always fought, and will clearly and unequivocally so announce at the meeting to be held here on September 18."

John M. Parker.

Its ringing words bring relief and satisfaction to the people in every portion of the State.

The statewide mass meeting called for the 18th of this month at New Orleans, though the purpose for which it was called has been accomplished, will nevertheless, be held. The democrats in overwhelming numbers will assemble in New Orleans on that day and date to listen to the first speech of Hon. John M. Parker in the campaign. Thence onward he will lead the fight for true reform, good government and prosperity in Louisiana.

Mr. Hewitt Bouanchaud, the present Speaker of the House of Representatives, has announced his candidacy for Lieutenant Governor. His past public record make him a fitting running mate with John M. Parker.

The citizens of the State, those who think and those who know the history of her public men, cannot understand why the Liberty League did not take the advice of Senator Stafford, who was then a candidate for Governor, when he contended that it should support a man who has never been connected with the New Orleans organization. He said further: "I will withdraw from the contest in favor of such a man and will support him." The executive committee of the League knew that there was a man close by whose record filled that requirement fully; its members knew that a large number of reform democrats were clamoring for that man to lead them in their fight before the democratic primary.

We do not question the motive and sincerity of the members of the Liberty League.

We feel confident that they were earnestly striving for the reform that dominates their wishes.

We do not question the earnestness and sincerity of the gentleman whom they have selected as their leader; still we are constrained to believe that they have made a political mistake; because in every great reform movement like the present one, it behooves its supporters to combine and select the strongest, purest, ablest and most consistent reformer in their midst to lead them. Such a man will promote and maintain that confidence among the people which leads on to victory and relief. It is evident that John M. Parker is That Man in Louisiana today.

Mr. Braxeale says he will not withdraw because Mr. Parker has entered the race for Governor.

Well, it will make no difference in the end. Whether he withdraw or not, the result will be the same. Parker will be nominated.