The Caucasian. (Shreveport, La.) 1900-192?, 1909-12-09
IF IN THE WISDOM OF THE
GENERAL ASSEMBLY.


GENERAL ASSEMBLY.
The News-Star has gone on record
favoring retaining a 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 adoption.--Monroe News-Star.
IF Ia the wisdom of the General As
sembly. 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 restrietion 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 annuIling the restriction
Of four years term should be sub
tnitted to the people and be declared
ratified, as it could be il it were SO de-
creed BY the political machine, and
Governor Sanders were nominated for
1 second term, as his own successor,
would he declinei And If he were to
decline, could not this same political
machine insist on his standing by the
nomination.
What would Governor Sanders dof
Would he decline in the face of this
popular demand as ii would be styled,
Or would he sacrifice his personal am
bition BY, not only declining the nomi-
nation which Is equivalent to an cleo
ton, but by announcing his determine
ton TO stand BY his pledge to the peo-l
plef
Politicians are human and are at
times filed with good intentions. but it
IS not always possible for them to re-
sist temptation, especially when the Of
bee Is alIuring and In ready and steady
demand.
The opposition of the Caucasian to.
the proposed amendment is not direct
ed at Governor Sanders, but would ap-
ply TO any man holding the Office of
Governor.
Having tested BY years Of experience
this provision of the Constitution of
1858, enacted by men who were moved
By patriotism, and which was one of
the wisesf OF the enactinents Of this
Constitutional Convention, it would
seem criminal to remove this restric-
tion.
-Four years is term sufficiei,t for any
man for Governor
Il has been so decreed since 1903, and
there can be no substantial reason for
its ahrogation.
The only plea for its consideration at
this time IS dictated in a personal sense
BY few men, whose political ambition
IS without bounds or limit.
It IS evidently dawtling on this CO.
terie Of politicians in this State that the
opposition to this proposed amendment
TO the Constitution is stronger than
they had anticipated. and possibly in
their wisdom the General Assembly
viii iet i alone.
The people having greater interest
IN the welfare Of the State than in
politicians and tinle-servers. are well
satisfied with this limitation of four
years. IS one ternl for any man for
Governor.
Lei il alone.