The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1898-03-14
The Term of Congress smen.

The Term of Congress smen.
The house committee on the election
OF the president, vice-president and
representatives in congress, in it's fav-
orable report on the proposition to
amend the constitution so that MEM
bers of the house of representatives
should be elected for four years in
stead of two, offered these reasons:
"First-The people have almost in
variably elected a house of represen-
tatives in harmony with the partisan
policy of the president in presidential
campaigns, but unfortunately for the
tranquility of the people and the safe
development of our commercial and in
dustral industries, the theory of gov
ermental administration upon which
the people elect the president, cannot
be successfully inaugurated and put
into practical operation before the
members of the house are compelled,
under our constitution, to enter an
other election, and thus keep in con-
stant agitation the business interests
of our country.
"Second-Every intervening congress
since 1872, with a single exception, has
been hostile to thes administration of
national affairs until the intervening
congress has become famous only for
| the things it does not do, rather than
for the good accomplished.
"Third-The evils of frequent cleo
tions are a constant menace to our
financial and industrial industry.
"Fourth-New members are required
to give the principal part of their time
during the first session to familiarize
themselves with the rules and regula-
tions of the house and preparing for
the political campaign in the midst
of their term.
"F1fth-The present amendment
would tend to secure greater stability
and tranquility in public affairs. With
! q president and house working in har-
mony, with a term Of four years of
continued exemption from political tur-
moil, we may justly hope for harmony
in the administration of public affairs,
the creation and execution of wise
laws, the restoration of business tran
| quillity advancement in industrial
| and commercial enterprises, and the
| prosperity and happiness of the peo-
| tde."
These arguments are not without
! force, although it is our belief that
upon the whole the disadvantages of
| the present system Of biennial elections
the opportunity which that system af-
! fords to the people to interpose be-
! tween presidential elections an eX-
| preston Of opinion upon the execu-
! tiVe's work and policies. The COM
mittee from whose report we have Just
/ quoted evidently assumes that a presi-
| dent and congress elected simultan-
| eouely for four years would, during
| those years, work together harmon
iously and intelligently for the public
! good. This assumption views only
the optimistic side of the picture.
What if the congress and president
should not agree, or, if in agreement
should be partners rather in iniuuity
than in wisdom? In that event-and
it is not in our judgment a suppose
ton much more improbable than the
other one-the people would be likely
to appreciate the chance, now offered
at two-year periods, to lay new in
structions before the government.
| This discussion, however, is wholly
academic. Neither the presidents
term nor that of congressman is likely
to be changed in the near future
Whether desirable or not a change is
improbable-particularly a change in
Volving constitutional amendment
But there Is one good remedy for most
of these and similar complaints which
the people have already in hand That
is,' when they find a credltable and
efficient representative in congress, to
keep him there. Then the newness OF
green congressional timber will not
constitute, as at present, continual
hindrance to the effective transaction
of the public business.
Francis G. Moore, of 46 Cedar street
New York, has written to President
Mckinley: II stand ready to send you
my check for $1,000, payable to your
order as a loan to the government
without interest, to be repaid at its
convenience. or not at all, to be used
by you in your discretion for the ma,
tional defence. There are 100000 mer
in the country richer than / am. and II