New-York tribune., 1902-03-30

ADVOCATED Il CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT IN
MESSAGE TO THE LEGISLATURE IN 1889.
IN Governor Hills first annual message to the
legislature at the beginning of his second full
term Governor in 1889 he urged upon that
body the adoption Of a joint resolution TO be
communicated to Congress. formally recon-
mending the amendment Of the constitution Civ
ing eX-Presidents seats in the Senate which has
len advocated by The Tribune The words in
which Governor Hill commended this subject to
the legislature follow. The fact that the only
ex-President in sight is a Democrat. while the
only other candidate in posse is a Republican
makes appropriate now Governor HIS remarks
OF thirteen years ago, that in the present situ-
alton. parusanship cannot be accused OF seek
ing advantage in this proposed change, for a
representative Of each Of the great political
parties would be the [irstl recipients of such
senatorships." Governor Hill said:
The present time seems peculiarly opportune
for our consideration of certain amendments 70
the constitution Of the United States having re-
latiOn 10 the Office of President Such amend
rents, If proposed in Congress by authority or
approval Of the State of New York and advo-
Gated by lis representatives at Washington.
would command and receive the immediate and
respectful attention of all the States. The
probability OF their incorporation into the con-
stitutiOH would also be much greater now than
II their proposal and discussion should be de-
layed until nearer the next Presidential election
If the suggestions I make commend themselves
10 your honorable bodies, recommend that bv
Joint resolution or otherwise some formal ex-
preston Of your views should be communicated
10 Congress. The amendments which I COM
mend Tor your consideration are briefly stated
First-That the term Of office Of the President
and Vice-President shall be six years
Second-That the President shall be ineligible
for reelection.
Third-That the President shall Immediately.
upon the expiration Of his term. become a men,
Der Of the United States Senate for life and re-
ceive an appropriate salary. This amendment
shall apply to all living eX-Presidents
The result of the last general election deprives
the public service of the priceless experience
and unique official training Of another President
Of our republic. At the moment when his avail
ability a public servant is presumably great
est and representing, as he does, not only the
erninence OF character which called him to the
Chief Magistracy, but the accumulated distinc-
ton and wisdom which necessarily come with
the discharge of its duties for series of years.
he must soon share the fate of all his ilustrious
predecessors and be consigned, in the prime Of
his manhood and the full maturity Of his facul
ties, to the comparative privacy of unofficial life.
This is not ii should be. I persuaded it is
not as the people Of the country wish il to be.
I reason why this should longer be toll
Grated. A more auspiCious moment than this
has never presented Itself IN all our history, l
believe. for securing to our retiring Presidents
such rank and position shall make due
count not only Of the services they may have
rendered, but of those services which they more
than any other persons are still capable Of rem
dering 10 their country.
Among the several suggestions looking to this
end, which have received more less of the
consideration Of thoughtful men, none has com
mended itself to my judgment so entirely as the
amendment Of the federal constitution, pre-
viously suggested. by which the President shall
become a Senator Of the United States for life.
with appropriate salary the moment his term
Of Office expires.
The propriety Of this third amendatory propo-
sition is perhaps, not so well established in the
public mind. It is, however, submitted in the
confident belief that careful discussion will re-
veal its merits and confirm the Judgment Of
many Of our statesmen who have already pro-
nOunced themselves favorab BILE thereto. A wise
consideration Of the honor due TO who has
held the chief Office in the gift of people
declares that such provision would be most fit
ting-honorable alike to people and President.
Had our constitution from the beginning ap
pointed such Senators, Washington would have
served as a life Senator for two years, John
Adams for twenty-five years, Jefferson for
enteen years. Madison for nineteen years Mon
roe for six years. John Quincy Adams for eigh-
teen years, jackson for eight years. Van Buren
for tWenty-one years and Grant for nine years
AS 10 the possible number Of such Senator'S in
vestigatiOn shows that during the existence OF
the republic. the average number of living eX-
Presidents has been somewhat less than three
In the present situation partisa nship cannot be
accused Of seeking advantage in this proposed
change for representative of each Of the great
political parties would be the recipients Of such
Senatorships
These considerations and many others that
will readily occur. and that might be mentioned
have led to suggest to you the proposal 70
Congress Of these amendments, and trust that
this apparently favorable time and situation Ot
affairs may not be allowed to pass without some
affirmative action therein on your part.