The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1892-03-12
TO AMEND THE CONSTITUTION.
Stewart to Entredace a Resolution Prevent
ing Consecutive Terms as President.

WAsHINGToN. March 11.-Senator Stew
art has prepared, and introduced in the Sem
ate to-day. the following joint resolution
proposing an amendment to the constitution
concerning eligibility to the Office of Pres-
dent
ReS0lred by the Senate and House of
Representatives of the United States of
America, In Congress assembled, two-thirds
Of each House concurring therein. that the
following proposed amendment to the con-
stitution of the United States shall be sub
mtted to the several States for their ap-
proyal or rejection: Article XVI-No per-
son who has held the office of President for
term Of four years, or any part thereof,
shall be eligible to that Office within four
years after the expiration of sucn term.
The article shall take effect and be in force
on aud after the 4th day Of March, 1897.
The explanation of the objects of this reso-
iution 10 be referred to the Committee on
Civil Service and Retrenchment, because
IL relates particularly 10 the subject over
which that committee has jurisdiction.
Civil Service Reform.
1.-THE object of advoC ates of civil service
reform. as l understand it," Stewart said.
|" is to remove from administration If office
political considerations. 1t is difficult TO
understand now this can be accomplished
by placing the appointment OF clerks and
tide walters under the control OF the Civil
Service Board, while the Presidential office,
Iii which the appointing power is lodged,
may be used for continuing in Office the in
cumbent, whoever lie may he. 1n theory it
is possible for the President 10 make the
White House storm center Of a political
campaign during his entire term. l say in
theory because no one Will charge the
President of the United States with using the
patronage OF his Office To secure his own re-
election. That being the case / regard this
as q most favorable opportunity TO prevent
any future President from using the enor-
nous power entrusted TO him for selfish or
partisan purposes. 1t would be manifestly
unfair to propose a change in the constitu-
ton affecting the opportunity of any pos
sible candidate tor President To avoid any
interference with the ambition of a eandi-
date, and also to avoid any implied refipc-
tion upon the incum bent or any other
aspiTant provide that the proposed article
shall not take effect until the Attn of March,
1897.
Power Of Patronage.
"The power of patronage of the President
and the growing dispos stion to increase that
power OF patronage by legislation must sat
iSfy thinking men that the time IS not far
distant when the temrtatloD to use such
| enormous power TO continue an incum bent
| in Office will be too strong TO be resisted. Ii
will be observed that the proposed amend
ment does not dlsqualify person who has
| to that Office after the expiration of -four
| years from the end of his last term. An ex-
| President is private citizen and there is
| no good reason why as such he should not
aspire again to hold that high office. The
object of the amendment is to remove the
temptation from all future Presidents TO
conduct a political campaign Tor ELECTION
with the power and patronage Of his Office.
1T is not sufficient answer that such
power has not been heretofore abused. The
power of tile President must Deces sarily
grow with the growth of the country, and
1t can hardly be anticipated that all future
Presidents will follow the example of the
incumbent aud his predecessors aud refrain
| from engaging in contest for reelection
| while administering that great Office for the
| benefit Of all the people, with justice and
| impartiality."
Danger of Longer Terms.
why do you not increase the term to six
| years" Z"
Senator Stewart-Because there would be
| a great danger of a revolution if such an
| enormous prize as six years term was at
| stake. term Of four years is as long as
| is safe for the stability of the Govern.
was confined to four years that the
unhappy contest in 1876 was peacefully
| settled. The prospect of change in
four years has for more than a century
| induced people willingly TO submit to
| many Irregularities in the elections of Presi-
| dents. There is no necessity for trying the
| doubtful experiment OF longer term. FIRE.
| quent elections, although expensive, are
| worth all the cost in their restraining effect
| upon office-holders. and in the education OF
| the people In constitutional government.