Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1909-03-11
A Rlessinr From the Rlixzatvl.

| "A BLESSING rTOm tHc DnAAdAu'
The storm which occurred on March 4,
while most distressing in its immediate
effects, may result in permanent good.
In this latitude the chances are that the
weather on March will be inclement.
Not once in 10 years, perhaps, is it mild
enough to make sitting out of doors or
marching through the streets agreeable.
There is absolutely not one single valid
and substantial reason why the date of
the Presidential Inauguration should not
be changed, and there are numerous
reasons why it should be changed. 1t is
only necessary to extend the term of one
President for few weeks and extend
the short sessions of Congress. This can
be done by constitutional amendment,
and where there is no substantial objec-
ton to proposed amendment it is SIM
pie and easy matter to adopt it. Sena-
tor Depew, of New York, on Saturday
introduced resolution proposing an
amendment to extend the present Presi-
Dental term to the last Wedne sday in
| April, 1913, and to fix the Inauguration
of Mr.. Taft's successor on that date, and
of future Presidents on the last Wednes-
day in April, instead of March 4. In
Washington the latter part of April is
always balmy and mild, with flowers
blooming in the squares and public gar
dens. A visit to the capital at that sea-
son is delightful, and the city is at its
best. There is no danger in being out of
doors or sitting on the stands to watch
the parade, and the loss of life from sick
ness which nearly always follows an in
auguraton will be avoided.
Another benefit to the country which
it is anticipated would attend this change
is the leng Lhening of the short term of
Congress. This would give more time
for mature consideration of legislation,
and especially of the great appropriation
bills. The short sessions of Congress is
only three months, from the beginning
of December to the beginning of March.
Out of this the Christmas holidays are to
be taken, leaving an insufficient time for
the proper consideration of bills appro-
prialing $1,000, 600, 600, with thousands
of items. The present practice is to
rush through Congress bill carrying
millions of dollars with scarcely time al
lowed for the members to read it. More
time for delberation would give oppor-
tunity for the exercise of economy.
Mr.. Depew's resolution must first re-
ceive the votes of two-thirds of the men,
bers of each house of Congress, and then
go to the Legislatures of the States for
ratification. After receiving the approx
al of the Legislatures of three-fourths of
the States, it would become part of
the Constitution. 1t is not conceivable
that any member of either the Senate or
House will vote against this resolution in
the face of the experience of last Thurs
day. nor that it will be rejected by the
Legislature of any State. We believe
that there will be session of the Legis-
lature of every State of the Union before
the next Inauguration, and the ratifica-
ton of the amendment can, therefore, be
made in time. Senator Depew's resolu-
ton should be passed promptly at the
extra session which has been called by
the President. Sun.
Every word of the a bove we endorse.
No person with but grain of common
sense would oppose making change in
Inauguration day. In this tickle climate
there are 80 chances out of every 40
that the day will be inclement. 1t need
not be blizzard like March 4th to be
bad, but it can be so inclement that it is
ridiculous for people to expose them
selves. Some cranks say the day ought
to be more quietly spent, OF in other
words pick out the worst possible day in
order to prevent large crowds attending.
Nonsense, the people have right to as
sist with their presence the induction in
to office of the Chief Executive. They
will attend, so why not make it at sea-
son that it will not look like we are in
league with the undertaken trust. ED.
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