New-York tribune., 1874-09-14
JACKsoNs VIEWS OF A THIRD TERM.

Jackson like Jefferson, was inexoTaby opposed to
the reegibilty of Presidents for third term, and
indeed to any reelection at ALL thoughn the absence
of constitutional prohibition he allowed himself to
follow the example of Washington and some of his
Successors. The strong feeling which exhibited
both by Jefferson and Jackson on this subject was
due no doubt in a great measure to their own pc
cuar experience as Presidential candidates. Both
ran against an actual incumbent; both ran against
candidates of the same name, father and son, and
both believed that each of their respective adver
sares had used the patronage of the Administration
to promote his own election and to defeat the will
of the people. If in Jackson the prejudice against
the reelection of Presidents seemed somewhat more
violent than in Jefferson, it may be explained by
the fact that he had been opposed in 1926 by the
dldate who though receiving less electoral votes,
became President through what he regarded as a
corrupt use of Executive patronage.
The moment the intrigue was cOnsummated which
gave the Presidency in 1926 to of the minority
candidates and the Secretaryshlp of State to an-
other Gen. Jackson went home, accepted a renom-
nation from his own State, resigned his seat in the
United States Senate and in the brief address which
he made at public reception given him by the
Legislature of Tennessee, took occasion to speak
with cordial approval of proposed amendment of
the Constitution which should limit the service of
President to a single term Of four or six years.
In due time the General was elected President
by an overwhelming majority; and in his
first message to Congress, in December, 1929,
after dwelling upon tho inconvenience of
that provision of our Constitution which
in certain contingencies leaves the choice of the
President to the House of Representatives he pro-
ceeds: Il would therefore recommend such an
amendment of the Constitution as may remove all
intermediate agency in the election of the President
and Vice-President The mode may be so regulated
as to preserve to each State its present relative
weight in the election and failure in the first at
tempt may be provided for by conining the second
choice between the two highest candidates. In con-
nection with such an amendment it tcOud seem ad-
risabte TO limit the serrice Of the Chief Magistrate
to single term Of either four or sir years."
In his message at the opening of the second ses-
sion of the Congress in December $780, he said
1t a leading object with the trainers OF the Con-
stltutOn 10 keep as separate as possible the action OF
the Legislative and Executive branches OF the Govern
ment To secure this object nothing is essential
than preserve the former from the temptations of
private fnerest aud therefore, direct the patron
age Of the latter not to permit such temptations to be
offered. Experience abundanty demonstrates that
every precaution in this respect s valuable safeguard
OF liberty, and one which my reflections upon the ten
dencs 81 our system nene me ME 10 LINK a saoGa ~ DC
nec'ion with an amendment OF the Const
the Choice Of the President some
restrictions upon the reegibity OF that ofi.
Ger, and upon the tenure OF Offices generally. The
reason still exists and renew the recommendation
with increased confidence that its adoption will
strengthen those checks by which the Constitution de-
signed TO the independence OF department
OF the Government, and promote the healthfui and
equitable administration OF all the trusts which 10 has
created. The agent most likely to contrayane this de-
sign Of the Constitution Is the Chief Magistrate. In
order, particularly, that his appointment may far
possible, be placed beyond the reach OF any improper
Influences; order that he may approach the solemn
responsibilities OF the highest office In the gift OF free
people uncommitted to other than the strict
line constitutional duty: and that the securities for
this Independence may be rendered as strong the
Of power ana the weakness OF Its possessOr will
admit cannot too earnestly tnrtte pour attention
The prOpriety OF promoting such an amendment Of Me
COnsuiOn ciH render him ineligible after term
OF serr,ee.
In his message at the opening of the next Congress
in 1881, he said
have heretofore recommended amendments OF the
Federal Constitution giving the election OF President
and Vice President the people and limiting ne serpice
OF the former 10 single term 30 important do
slider these changes In fundamental law that
not in accordance with sense OF duty omit press
them upon the consideration OF O Congress.
For my views at large we'll In relation 10 these
points TO the disqualification OF members OF Congress
they have had official agency " bich proposed as
substitute refer 70 my former messages.
In his message at the opening Of Congress, 1882
he thus recurs to this subject
beg leave to cali the attention Of Congress to the
Jefeuon's Complete Works " S, D. 401.
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