The Washington herald., 1909-03-11

More 'FOrcibIe Reasons why Inausu-
ration Should Occur Later.

ration should Occur Later.
From the New Yozk Trsbune
The Tribune has long advocated moving
forward the date OF the Inauguration 70
April 30. for a double reason. The change
would allow the continuance under proper
conditions OF the public ceremonies in
Washington. to which the country has
become accustomed. The drawing power
of the inaugural spectacle is Increasing
rather than diminishing. The passing OF
one administration and the entry OF an
other naturally excite widespread interest
and the desire 70 participate IN OF 10 wit
ness so striking a political event Is nat
ural. and should be encouraged mas
much as governors. detachments Of State
troops. and civil organizations from vari-
Gus parts OF the country win continue 70
go 10 Washington for the Inauguration.
and enormous crowds VIII gather there 10
enjoy the display incident thereto, Il IS
far better 10 take advantage % the ideal
weather conditions Of the last week Of
/ April-when the Capital blooms IN al its
beauty-than 20 risk the distressing ard
/ dangerous interference of a malevolent
March storm II We are TO have a na-
/ tional celebration OF the installation of a
new President, why not give Il the most
agreeable and impressive setting possiblez
From the Boston Herald
Inauguration weather Is not the only
/ objectionable feature OF the March cal
endar. Experience with last weeks bliz-
Zard is now aiding national common sense
in an effort 10 overcome precedent and
change the Inauguration day 10 a balmier
season The fact that there viii be a
{ special session OF Congress while the dis
I comfort is fresh in the minds OF members
increases the possibility Of such a change.
But while this matter IS under cons4dera-
tiOn other needed calendar reforms should
be given attention Under the existing
arrangement for sessions the wishes OF
the people expressed IN q Congressional
election cannot be put into effect until
thirteen months after a Congress Is
chosen This seems 10 way not 70 do Il.
The prellminaries OF another Congress
siOnal election are under way before the
first session OF Congress Is ended The
Encouragement Of sessions IS within the
! province OF Congress. The power OF pre-
cedent appears 70 be the chief obstacle IN
4 the way OF this reform.
Fron the Phnadsspaia Pres
The lesson should be Needed For many
years Congress has been gagging over
/ passing constitutional amendment max
Ing the last Wednesday in April inaugu-
ration day For historic reasons Il was
proposed TO make the new Inauguration
day April 80. the day Washington frs;
took the oath OF Office. but IN order 10
overcome the Inconvenience Of any given
date falling on a Sunday, t. las-
4 wednesday in April was picked q, as q
/ proper period.
\ There is no question about Il that the
whole country viii now demand that &C
ton be taken a. once. and the matter re-
\ ferred TO the several States for their ap-
II provaL II such legislation had been
passed before. the Inauguration this year
would have taken place on April =. with
I a possibility OF weather that would
neither be a menace 70 individuals nor s
bar 10 communication. Certainly after
this experience. whatever may have beer
narrow reasons for refusing 70 pass the
amendment before, they have lost al
force and should be absolutely ignored by
a Congress that looks al the thing In -.
/ right light.