The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1893-02-03
ONE TERM FOR PRESIDENT.
BY C. X. BUCKALEW.

Having completed our examination
of the subject of presidential elections
and reached the conclusion that the
popular electoral plan for their regula
ton would be wise one, the main
object of the present paper is accom-
plished. But the question of the elg.
ibility of president for re election
has been brought into debite along
with propositions regarding the man
ner OF choice they ere, however, per-
fectly distinct, not only plainly disting
uishable but the considerations and
reasoning which apply to the one are
quite foreign to tine other; therefore
the manner of electing president ought
to be kept entirely separate from any
question of second term besides it
Is inexpedient to connect these ques-
tons for debate or for action in Con.
gress or in the State Legislatures for
the enemies of either OF the proposi
tions of change in case of their con-
nection would naturally If not inevita
bly, oppose both Even if separate
votes were permitted on the two prop
ositions a union of the enemies of
each to oppose both, might still be ex-
pected, but as the two subjects are in
fact connected in proposed amend
ments submitted for the action OF
Congress we will proceed to examine
the doctrine of one term, accompan
led by the extension of term to six
years (the form in whic!, the question
is now commonly presented) in order
to ascertain whether one termism is
doctrine founded in sound reason
and supported by our experience in
practical government, as some persons
suppose. or on the other hand is mis-
chievous heresy i'll political doctrine
resting upon fallacy in argument and
wholly unsustained by facts in our po-
litical history.
One termism received 4 consider.
ale impetus and growth in public
opinion from the writings OF Mr.. Gree
ly during period Of forty years when
he was engaged for the most part Of
the time in opposing the election and
re election Of political opponents to
the presidential Office. Many honora.
bic and discreet men receiving their
impressions directly or indirectly from
that vigorous and volumlnous writer,
remain of the opinion that an amend
ment to the Constitution according to
his views, would have a salutary effect
upon the practical administration
of our Government.
The main argument if not the only
one put forward in support of a one
tern. rule is this That if the re-elec.
ton of president be permitted, an
incumbent of that office will use his
power, patronage and influence to re.
nominate and re-elect himself that
the large number OF persons in Office
under him, and contractors engaged
IN public work and their employees
constitute a strong phalanx of supper
ters independent of his merit or claim
to public favor, and that an opposing
and independent opinion will be, to a
great extent, over borne and sup
pressed.
10 this argument a substantial if
not conclusive answer can be made,
comprehensive by those even moder-
ately acquainted with the character of
political parties and the history of our
Government. 1t is this: That the
president is always the chief of a polit-
lcal party, and can and will use his in
tiuence and power for the nomination
and election of political friend as
his successors with infinitely greater
effect than he can for himself. He
will always be profoundly interested
in the choice of his successor and in
the triumph Of his party, and his su,
bordinate officials and the employ
ecs of Government will feel that
their continuance in Office or employ
ment may depend upon the zeal and
efficiency with which they shall second
his views and assist in carrying them
into execution.
A notable illustration of this fact
was presented by the popular election
Of 1876 and by the remarkable con-
test which followed it. The supper,
given by the retiring President, and by
members of his cabinet and subordi-
nate officials to the administration can
didate for the succession, insured the
triumph of the latter, under adverse
circumstances and against difficulties
which without such support would
have been insuperable.
The reason why official influence
will be more effective in favor of a
successor to the president, than it can
possibly be for his own re election is
not far to seek, it is less odious. less
offensive to public sentiment, is less
guarded against by ingenious minded
men, and of course inspires less of op.