The Washington critic., 1886-12-09
The SIXTEENTH AMENDMENT.

A joint resolution passed the Senate
at the last session upon which the
House should take early action. We
refer 10 the resolution for change of
Inauguration day from the Fourth of
Ma ch to the last Of April. 1t was in
troduced by Mr.. ingalls, ON the 10Th of
March as follows:
Whereas the first President OF the United
States was not inaugurated until the goth
day of April, 1880, and
Whereas the day which was chosen By the
Continental Congress for the installation OF
the new government then established by the
Constitution, the 4th day of March, does
now cause public Inconvenience in unduly
cuitailng and limiting the second session
Of every Congress: aud
WhrCds II is fitting that the ore hun
dre0th anniversary OF the Inauguration of
George Washington as the first President
of the United States be commemoratcd by
the inauguration of his successor In 1889
upon the same day, and that this should be
the day hereafter for the beginning Of
successive administrations OF the Govern
ment: Therefore,
Resolted, That the following article bo
proposed to the Legislatures OF the several
States as an amendment to the Constitution
Of the United States as part of the Consti-
tuition, namely:
"The term of Office Of the President and
the second session OF the Fiftleth Congress
shall continue until the Both day OF April
in the year 1885, and the 30th Of April shall
thereafter be substituted for the 4th OF
March, as the commencement Of the official
term Of the successive Presidents, Vice.
Presidents and Congresses Of the United
States"
On the 3D. Of May 1t was reported
favorably by Mr.. Hoar, from the Com.
mittee on Privileges and Elections, to
which 1t had been referred, and placed
on the calendar.
On the 18th of June 1t was consid-
cred in Committee of the Whole and
an amendment offered by Mr. Hoar
was adopted, substituting for the new
article originally proposed the follow.
ing thus obviating the contingency of
Presidential Inauguration or the ex.
piration Of Congress falling on Sun
day:
"ARTIcLE. XVI.
"rhe term OF Office OF the President and
OF the Fiftieth Congress shall continue un
Ill the last Tuesday OF April, in the yeai
1889, at noon. The Senators whose existing
term would otherwise expire on the 4tl
day Of March, in the year 1889, or there
after, shall continue in office until noon OF
the last Tuesday In April succeeding such
expiration, and the last Tuesday OF April
at noon, shall thereafter be substituted fol
the 4th Of March Ms the commencement
and termination OF tue official term Of the
President, Nice-Presdent, Senators and
Representatives IN Congress"
The joint resolution was then passed
two-thirds of the Senators voting In 1t,
favor, and the preamble stricken out.
The propriety of this amendment tC
the Constitution Is scarcely to be ques
toned. 1t not only better comporti
with the historic associations of tho
anniversary of the first Presidential in
auguration, but changes the day of in
auguration hereafter from periot
frequently the most incement of tn,
entire year and consequently unsuite(
to out door ceremonies, to what II
Washington is almost invariably
charming season, and especially flttet
for a great national gathering of tn
people.
1t also adds nearly two months to tn
length of the second and objectionabl.
short session of Congress, which, In
business point of view, is much TO b
desired.
TO delay action on the resolution II
the House is to endanger its passage II
time to become constitutionally opera