Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1871-12-25
THE ONE TERN PRINCIPLE.

reelection of the President All his cita-
tions from Jackson to B. f. Wade, give
no other substantial reason. MIR. Sum
ner assumes that there is danger without
such limitation. Although several of our
Presidents have been reelected and served
a second term without injury to the coun-
try. lending the weight OF their example
in accepting a second term and the sue
cess of their administrations during the
time as evidence in favor OF non-limita-
ton, he still argues for but one term.
Washington, Jefferson, Madison, Monroe,
Jackson and Lincoln, the most ilusirious
names on the roll of Presidents, were all
reelected and served second term Mr.
Sumner quotes from Jackson in his first
term in favor of limitation. but his ac-
ceptance of second term overthrows
his declarations aga nst the principle. The
act takes precedence of the word. Posi-
bly, he changed his opinion as upon other
questions ofpublic policy. 1t is worthy OF
notice, too, that only our Presidents in
whom the people had most confidence sue
cceedcd in reaching the second term. If it
is assumed that the use of Executive patron
age is the great power to effect a re-elec-
ton, the conclusion follows that the Presi-
dents whom we heave named used it
more skillfuily than the others, were
more adroit schemers and managers,
perpaps more corrupt; hence their
success. This view of the case none
will accept. Those Presidents were re.
elected because the people desired it. No
manipulation of the Presidential patron
age has ever yet secured ~ an incumbent
his second term. There is little doubt
that it is hindrance rather than help to
the man who yields it. Where one sup
porter is gained to the administration by the
distribution of patronage many are dis
appointed and become its bitter and active
opponents.
But the adoption of the amendment
while it would limit the President to one
term, would be utterly Intellectual to pre-.
vent him from using his patronage in favor
of successor, and thus continuing his
influence and power in the following adj
ministration. Doubtless he could employ
it with more effect for another than for
himself. Being screened from suspicion
of welding his power to secure his own
reelection by the limitation combining him
to one term. he might under the dsnter-
estedness with which he would be credited
operate the more securely for successor
Thus the patronage which is now positive
damage to the President who is cand-
date for reelection, would become an
element of strength in the contest for the
nomination. The amendment would Gre
ate instead of destroying corruption. 1t
would enlarge the ability OF the President
to influence the nomination instead of
lessening it. No politician viii deny this
Presidents who could not secure re-elec-
ton have in times past cast their patron
age to influence the succession, and Presi-
dents may and will do the same thing
under MIR. Summers amendment if adopt
ed. Thus it can accomplish nothing of
what the author designs. The Executive
patronage would play its part a. before in
settling the Presidency, with increased
rather than diminished influence If it
were able to control it would give the
nation puppet for head, moved by a
force outside of himself, instead of al
lowing it a responsible and Independent
President
Besides being unable to accomplish the
object intended by Mr.. Sumner, it would
tie the hands of the People in the choice
OF their Presidents, perhaps against their
interests. There have been times when
the reelection of "a President has been
deemed essential to the peace and welfare
of the nation. Indeed no one has yet been
reelected unless the public good seemed
to call for and sanction it, When Lincoln
was elected the second time it was mani
testify the popular choice. Had he been
ineligible the difficulties of selecting a
successor in the midst of war would
have been serious. 4 new man would
have brought uncertainty changes Of poll
cy, weakness in the army, and The people
wisely decided to keep the same prudent,
honest, trusted hand at the helm another
four years. Mr.. Summers amendment
would have deprived them of the priyi-
iege had it been in operation.
Under the head of a 'snoyel cure for con-
suption" the indianapolis Evening Journal
publishes the following "a young lady OF
this city, sick, with disease of the lungs, was
told that If she would get young puppy and
raise it the dog would take the consumption
OF her hands and she would get we'll. She
did 90, and as the dog grew j, was noticed tina,
the animal acquired a hacking cough, while
the young lady grew rapidly better. In the
meantime, however, she had become yer,