The morning call., 1892-05-22
TERMS OF OFFICE.

A letter from General Grant to Roscoe
ConkIing on the subject of second and third
terms is published in an Ohio paper The
general says that he had his doubts as to
the advsability of a second term and did
not believe the best interests Of the coun-
try could ever demand third term. Simnl-
taneously with the appearance Of this letter
adyiees from Mexico state that the re-
election next month Of PcrfriO DiaZ for his
third term as President is a foregone con-
clusion, as no one is willing to run against
him.
There is no abstract reason why chief
magistrates term of usefulness should be
regulated by the almanac. He who admin
isters public affairs wisely and well for four
years ought, all things being equal, to be
able to administer them as we'll for eight,
or twelve, or sixteen years. The Quadren-
nial term was selected eaprieiously. There
is no law of nature which fixes four years
as the probable period Of a Presidents use
tulness. He might be chosen for year, as
the Roman COnsuls we're; or for two years,
as most of our municipal officers are. The
four years. term was hit upon accidentally,
and it has prevailed so long that sensible
men like General Grant have seemed TO con-
=
career. In nOn-poltical spheres tenure Of
Office is not affected by the lapse OF time,
except that long term of service is sup
posed to be a guarantee Of efficiency and
fidelity. merchant who removed his
cashier because he had served him faith
fully for four OF eight years would be sus-
peeted of softening of the brain, and cor
poTation which introduced rotation in office
e 5fc arxiaa
pretty sure Of being badly served.
What we want Of a chief magistrate IS
familiarity with his business and a prudent
administration of public affairs. Is be more
likely to possess these qualifications when
lie comes fresh from the people or after he
has had four years training? The question
answers Itself
The universal prejudice against the re-
election Of chief magistrates has grown out
Of the instances in which prolonged tenure
has led to usurpation. Both the Napoleons
made elective Offices stepping-stones to the
throne. Hence most modern constitutions
have limited the term of the chief exeeu-
tive. 1t has come to be an unwritten law in
this country that no President shall have a
third term. In the Confederate constitution
the Presidential term was six years. and the
incumbent was not re-eligible. According
to the Mexican constitution of 1857, the
Presidential term was four years and the
President vas not -Te-eligibie. But in 1887
the MeXicans were satisfied that for the
first time in their history, they had got the
right man in the Office Of President and
they amended the constitution so that a
President might be elected Tor three consec-
utive terms. Under this amendment Diaz
was reelected in 1888 for his second term,
and next month he VIII probably again be
reelected, for his third. If he continues to
give satisfaction, the constitution will prob
ably be again amended in 1895, so that the
republic shall continue to receive his serv-
ices.
The changes which have taken place in
public sentiment during the present GEN.
tury have minimized the danger Of usurpa-
tions, though the establishment Of the
| French Empire forty years ago proves that
they may still occur. But they are likely to
be very infreauent There was q serious
danger Of a monarchical reaction in this
country when Burr and Blennerhasset con-
c0cted their plot But when Andrew John
son suggested that our institutions were a
fsilure people only laughed at him, and
when a Kentuckiau called for 1000 men
to iuaugurate Samuel J. Tilden the very
citizens who believed that Tilden had been
elected advised him TO take advice from eX-
pert alienists. France is, of all countries
the one which promises most TO the mill
taTy adveHtuTeT But BoulangeT did not
make any impression on the soldity of the
republic. On the other hand, the law Of
rotation in Office sometimes leads to inc0n-
Yenirpce In Switzerland the Presidential
term is one year, and no President can sue
ceed himself. So, when they ~get a good
President they have to lay him eff every
alternate year and then re-eleet him, which
leads to disturbance in The public business.