The daily morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1883-1899, 1896-12-01

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government When the constitution
was framed there we're only 1900. 900 Of
people scattered along the Eastern
coast 60 be governed by II, and their In
terestB but little diversified. Now the
republic extends from the Eastern 70
the Western sea, and from the North.
ern lakes to the Southern gulf, with a
diversity of interests that could not
have been dreamed Of by the fathers OF
our free institutions.
In early days a presidential contest
could not materially disturb the busi-
ness interests OF the country. but now
presidential year is invariably a year
Of partial paralysis IN industry. COM
merce and trade because Of issues
which are 70 be determined by the peo-
pie. and one presidential election Is not
more than well over until another be-
gins During at least one-half Of the
tins the people Of this country are
more or less disturbed by the election
OF a president Our national legislation
Is shaped chiefly or wholly 10 that end,
and II logically prevents Intelligent and
dispasslonate legislation because all
parties are looking solely to its effect
upon the coming presidential contest.
There In every reason. therefore. why
the presidential term should be extend
ed TO six years. That would give the
country a much needed rest from po-
lltlcal strife. and IL would enable an
administration 20 give a thorough test
OF any policy Il may adopt The Nc
Kinley tarir was overthrow before
It's operations were visible 10 the peo-
pie. and the Wilson tariff has been ap-
parently overthrown without opportu-
nifty to test It's wisdom under ordinary
business conditions. II would have been
much better II the Mckinley tariff had
been given four years for a thorough
test Of its benefits and defects. and GER
tRlnly II would have been much better
could the Wilson bill have had two
years more under favorable business
conditions to demonstrate wherein II is
right and wherein II is wrong.
Another important feature Of the pro-
posed amendment Of the constitution Is
the inelisibIlity Of the president to sue
coed himself. For twenty-four years no
presiden; Of the United States has been
elected as his own successor. Grant de-
sired a third term. but failed TO receive
I IL. Hayes would have been glad to
succeed himself. but he had lost favor
Z with his party. AqtanF made an earnest
struggle for nomination to succeed
himself. but was defeated In the nation
al convention by Blaine. Cleveland was
renominated In 1855 and defeated. and
Harrison was renominated in 1892 and
also defeated.
Z when president is a candidate for
reelection the fact OF his candidacy
amounts TO command to the more
than 100000 federal officials throughout
I the country to make battle for his
cause, and IL is undisputed that in some
I Instances the power of the government
has been welded exhaustively TO aid
the reelection of president. With the
president Ineligible TO succeed himself.
there would be no temptation for the
prostitution OF the patronage OF the gov
ernment to advance his individual in
terests, and such an amendment to the
constitution would certainly be promo
tive OF a disinterested and patriotic dis
charge OF the duties Of the highest
civil trust OF the world.
We heartily join the Trades League
OF this city in It's organized movement
for this important amendment to the
national constitution. Every oonsidera-
ton OF sound public policy and of busi-
ness tranquility clearly Indicates the
wisdom of such an amendment to the
fundamental law OF the republic.