The Caucasian. (Shreveport, La.) 1900-192?, 1909-12-12
IF IN THE WISDOM OF THE
GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

he NeWS-oldI lids SOhAS va NV
favoring retaining capable official
when one is elected, but does not favor
amending the Constitution for the sole
benefit of any one individual. Governor
Sanders says one term is quite enough
for him. If, in the wisdom OF the
General Assembly an amendment seems
desirable and opportune, submit the
matter to the people at the general
State election two years hence, provid-
ing the proposed amendment, if adopt
ed, shall become effective four years
after doption-Monroe News-Star.
IF in the wisdom of the General As
semb1v." In this wisdom lies the dan
ger of providing the opportunity,
through an amendment of the article of
the Constitution which restricts the
Governor to one term of four years.
If this restriction were removed
Governor Sanders could hold the office
of Governor for an indefinite term of
years. The people have been in
formed through the press that a suf-
ficient number of the members of the
Senate and the House are pledged to
support and to vote for the measure,
which is to be presented at the next ses-
sion of the Legislature. Assuming that
the amendment annulling the restriction
of four years term should be sub
mitted to the people and be declared
ratified, as it could be if it were so de-
creed by the political machine, and
Governor Sanders were nominated for
a second term, as his own successor
would he decline? And if he were to
decline, could not this same political
machine insist on his standing by the
nomination?
What would Governor Sanders do!
Would he decline in the face of this
popular demand" as it would be styled
or would he sacrifice his personal am
bition by, not only declining the noml-
nation which is equicalent to an, cleo
ton, but by announcig his determine
ton to stand by his pledge to the peo-
pie?
Politicians are human and are al
times filled with good intentions, but ii
is not always possible for them to re,
sist temptation, especially when the of,
fee is alluring and in ready and steady
demand.
The opposition of the Caucasian tc
the proposed amendment is not direct
ed at Governor Sanders, but would APP
ply to any man holding the office Of
| Governor.
Having tested by years of experience
| this provision of the Constitution Of
1903, enacted by men who were moved
by patriotism, and which was one o.
| the wisest of the enactments of thi!
Constitutional Convention, it woulc
seem criminal to remove this restric
ton.
Four years is term sufficient for any
man for Governor.
1t has been so decreed since 1893, anc
there can be no substantial reason fol
its abrogation.
The only plea for its consideration a
this time is dictated in personal sense
by few men, whose political ambition
is without bounds or limit.
1t is evidently dawning on this co
terie of politicians in this State that tn
opposition to this proposed amendnen
to the Constitution is stronger thai
they had anticipated, and possibly il
their wisdom the General Assembl
will let it alone
The people having greater interes
in the welfare of the State than il
politicians and time servers, are we
satisfied with this limitation of fou
years, as one term, for any man TO
Governor.
Let it alone.