The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-11-25
A SIX YEAR TERM.
The Proposed Extension OF the Presi-
dents Duration in ONCE.


They are talking everywhere now about
the proposal 10 extend the Presidential
term to six years and prohibit second
term.
II is not party question, Tor Democrats
and Republicans alike favor the change as
a needed relief to the business Of the coun-
try from the too frequent upheavals that
keep the nation in state OF excitement
and upset commerce.
The agitation is spreading from the me-
tropoiis all over the country, aud tho Her
ad broadsides OF interviews with the most
distinguished men in every walk Of life
have arrested the attention and aroused
the enthusiasm Of the people.
There aro strong reasons for believing
that an amendment 10 the Constitution
will be submitted TO the new Congress
providing relief from the two things against
which the business men OF America arc
protesting frequent national cam
paigns and the re-cligibility OF the Presi-
dent. Six years seems TO be the term
upon which every one agrees.
The Herdh has taken pains TO get the
views OF men who are likely 20 be con-
sentative and object to novel plans Affect
ing the Government Their names have
been selected without respect TO their
politics. The views OF those who oppose
the longer term idea are given with the
views OF those who support il. But the
overwhelming weight OF public opinion
50 Tar Is in favor OF six year Term and no
q lafN. al NNfrtu
on the agitation, have been sent 10 the
Herald office, aud the newspapers from
outside are beginning to discuss the quos-
ton pro and cou. Such careful student
Of the Constitution as Noah Davis says
that the change should have been made
long ago, and that ii an amendment OF the
kind is submitted TO the people 1t will he
approved by an overwhelming vote.
Many of the newspapers declare that
the Herald estimates the damage done TO
the country by the recent four months
campaign at $500, 900. This is not the
Hcrdifs estimate, but Is Chaunccy NJ.
Depew's statement. which the Herald gave
to the public.
NOAH DAVIS INDoRsKs 1T.
Ex-Chicf Justice Noah Davis was
heartily in favor Of q six year term for the
President aud inciigibility for second
election 10 that office.
my idea on that subject was formed a
! long time ago. IL IL the common view.
| IL is surprising to SEQ how practically
unanimous the people are that the Prcsi-
dental term should be increased to xix
/ wears aud the incumbent rendered in
/ eligible for reelection. II would Dc In.
| hniicly better II the change were made,
and why the Constitution has not been
| amended in that respect before now
cannot understand. hope the new Con-
| gross will promptly take the matter up
aud deal with IL. IL Is all true, this com.
! plant about the injury inflicted ON the
country every four years, and why the
Executive should not be subjected Ia the
temptation Of trying 10 secure rcnomi-
nation and reelection.
WHAT IT COSTS.
"No man can estimate in dollars the
loss caused 10 the country through suspen-
| sion oi business. | really think We have
the most expensive government on earth.
The loss OF time In Presidential year TO
active men will amount TO at least ten
DAYS each, not TO speak Of the money they
contribute 10 the campaign one way or
other. As for mysclf, don't suppose
came upon the field rs an active partisan
that has cost me less than $1,000 In cash,
not 10 speak Of all tho time have lost.
These terrible cxcitemenis are too ire
! qucnt. The country ought 90 have a rca.
sonablc chance 10 recover from them"
"But, Judge. do you think there il any
danger OF people taking less interest in the
! government II the Presidents duration In
office were increased
There Is not the slightest danger OF
that. 4 longer term would call out even
| grtaicr enthusiasm at election time"
"lou think that the entire country is in
favor OF the changer
"Yes, believe that II the proposition
should be submitted to the American pco-
pie, Il would be Endorsed by an over
Nhclming vote. There Is no doubt about
IL ut all.
"JJudgo Davis, you have met and
talked with the constitutional lawyers and
statesmen OF your time. How have they
looked upon the question:
81 don't remember single man Of
prominence In any limo OF liic who has not
favored It,"
TiiR Evils or 4 SECOND TERM.
"What do YOU regard ~ the greatest
| WI W wv EanihHlAt n AtlhihilAAl lNi " wv
ond icrm2"
"wcll, the candidates start out nearly
always with declaration that they DO not
believe In second term. That really
means that they DOM believe IN second
term Tor somebody else. When prcsi.
dents once take Office they get what my
old partner, Chief Justice Church, used u
call, a taste Tor blood They arc then
willing 10 DO Tor The sake Of recollection
what they would not dream Of doing other
wise. We should take away from the
Presidential Office the strong temptation
Which now induces tho incumbonis 10 do
official acts which will aid In their own
nomination aud reelection.
III Mr. Cleveland had not wanted an
other term, he would not have sent that
tariff message to Congress lie was mis-
guided los his Southern friends, who con
yiucrd him that the matter made his re-
election SURF. So, for the purpose OF iur.
ihcfing his own ambition, he gave great
prominence TO The tadn policy, which has
furnished the Republican party With an
issue upon which ID will never be defeated.
Had MIR. Cleveland simply recommended
Congress 10 ~ reform the tariff ~ to pre-
serve the protective principle, aud at ihc
same time provide against the langer OF
large surplus, ho would have swung lh'o
office again without any trouble.
GIVE rnE ExgcuriyK NoRg TINE.
TO extend the Presidents term would