The Hawaiian gazette. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1865-1918, 1873-11-12
A Third Presidential Term.

A grave question is coming up before tbs
American people,-whether a President may bt
elected for third term. The Constitution is
silent on the subject, but hitherto no President
has been chosen for more than two terms, OF
eight years, thus establishing precedent, which
has almost the force of law. The New York
Herald in common with other leading papers in
the United States, calls this third term service
" Cesarism," asforeshadOwing perpetual service
ending virtually in despotism. At first glance, a
casual observer would take this view of it, espe-
cially if such man as General Butler ever snc-
ceeded in reaching the presidential chair but
after weighing the whole question, and especially
the fact that the people have the power at any
election, to make a change, if the incumbent
prove unworthy Of the place, it would seem that
there is no sufficient cause of alarm. On the
other hand, it is argued that the patronage Of the
government is so powerful as TO overcome the
popular voice. There may be danger of this at
some future day, but it certainly does not exist
at the present time, when the number of Office
holders does not exceed on hundred thousand
out Of q popular vote of FIVE millions. Still
much can be said for and against third term
election. and the subject is destined TO be warm
ly discussed. The London Times seems to favor
it, as will be seen by the following extract from
recent leader 10 it:
1t would be a very great and important
change If this were to occur and one that could
not fail largely to influence the general state of
politics in America. There are many ways ia
which it might appear desirable. The rule fol-
lowed hitherto has certainly not worked 50 well
that there would seem TO be no room for improve
meut. Elections, without limit in number, from
the conduct of which the better part Of society
is excluded are not so great good 10 themselves
that we could wish them preserved in the spirit
as well as in the letter Of their founders wishes.
We may dismiss the notion that a despotism
would be likely to result from the perpetual re-
election of the President, though this was real
terror TO those Revolutionary heroes who had
Just emancipated themselves from King. The
only question would be whether the new custom
would tend in any degree to cure the evils of the
old, whether the process of election would be
purer when the ultimate prize was greater and
better worth contending for with all weapons 1t
is an obvions objection too, that q Presidents
first term Of Office is employed very much in a
process of canvass and corruption, because be
hopes by these to secure his election a second
time. His second term is purer, for be has
nothing more to get for himself, and can afford
to think of his country and his friends. The
danger is that the corruption of the first term
might extend to the second and oil his official
energies be speut in providing for the exigencies
of elections that were yet 10 come. ALL OF
course, must depend upon the manner in which
any change 10 the present system is worked. 1t
may increase the existing corruption, as fU as
such a change is possible it may. and we believe
it more likely would, be beneficial in its immedi-
ate and its remoter consequences. 1t would be
very likely to secure the services of better men,
and to render their appointment less degrading
TO themselves and to all concerned in it. The
details of Presidential election are read on his
side OF the Atlantic with amusement and dis
gust, and there are many signs that they are
looked on in much the same way 10 America. 1t
would be worth while to try plan which could
do little harm and might do much good. 1t is
the simplest reform that ever was carried out OF
suggested"