The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1892-06-16
THE ONE TERM IDEA.
From the GlObe-Democrat.


There is some reason to believe that
the trainers of the constitution favored
the idea Of single term for the presi-
dent, mainly because of the fear that an
ambitious incumbent of the Office might
use the eXpedient of reelection to make
himself a dictator. 1t was first decided
TO fix the term at seven years, with the
condition of non-eligibility for another
term attachee; but it was fually made
four years, and the Limitation OF service
was left out, on the theory that the cleo
torai college system would impose an
effectual check upon the plans of any
evil-disposed president But the fact re-
mains that the first president was re-
elected, thus proving that the people
did not stand in any dread of the posi-
sible consequences of such q practice
Jefferson, Madison and Monroe
were successfully honored in the
same way, and it does not
seem that any special alarm was
felt in either of those instances. The
question of making the president eneiig-
lble was not again seriously preached
until the time OF jackson, who advised
that the term be fixed at six years, and
who WAS himself second-term presi-
dent. The first Harrison repeated this
advice; and so did Hayes, and then
Cleveland. But there has never been
any decided sentiment in favor of the
plan, and it would probably not receive
the approval of single state if con-
stitutional amendment 70 that effect
should be submitted. The experience of
the country in the reelection Of presi-
otrcf al
speaking, and that is q. strong argument
against the proposed change.
1t is not at all likely that the people
will ever re-elect an undeserving presi-
dent; and certainly there can be no
harm in retaining the privilege of giving
second term TO g deserving
president. This is the popular
view OF the matter. Those who
advocate the necessity of limitation in
order to prevent president from using
the patronage to secure reelection
overlook the fact that he could as well
use the same power in behalf OF a per-
Sonal favCrite or convenient tool. and
thus perpetuate his control of affairs
Notwithstanding the Limitation. The
simple truth is, however. that 70 presi-
dent can re-elect himself, or give the
Office to anybody else by such means.
There is as much danger as there is ad-
vantage in having offices TO distribute.
We have an immediate and impressive
illustration of this proposition in the case
of President Harrison. The patronage
has done him more harm than
good. He has made ten enemies
for every friend that he has
gained in that relation. The men who
made such strenuous exertiops 10 pre-
vent his denomination at Minneapolis
were mostly animated by feelings of dis
appointment and resentment about the
offices. 1t has been SO with all of our
presidents 1t is impossible fox any man
to apportIou the offices among his adj
herents III such manner as 10 give gen
eral satisfaction. In the very nature Of
things there Is sure to be abundant and I
bitter complaint. The necessity of max !
ing choice between a number of aopli- /.
cants involves a certainty of giving /
offense much oftener than il is possible 4
10 give pleasure; and the speculation Is .
losing one from first 10 /
last. even under the most favorable con-
dltionS.