The eastern, pro-gold wing of the party having regained control from the agrarian, pro-silver faction led by Bryan, New York Appeals Court justice Alton Parker was nominated on the first ballot at the 1904 Democratic convention. Known for his support of labor against capital, while defending property rights, he differed little from his opponent, President Theodore Roosevelt. Lacking Roosevelt's political genius and sound base, however, Parker was soundly defeated, winning only 38 percent of the popular vote and 140 electoral votes to Roosevelt's 336.

A century later, interest in Parker is increasing and relatively little material from his campaign survives. Offered is an original celluloid button featuring a picture of the disappointed Democrat.