The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-06-19
Roo.eveIt and Third Termism

..,x,,a+bar or not ex-President Theodore
Roosevelt will be able to keep quiet ioi
a time he cannot eliminate himself from
tho nolitieal spotlight" said an old cit
ten "ue will be discussed from now
on as the foremost politician IN TINS
country and as a presidential propapiii,y
for 1872
at do not recall a time when the re-
publican party was so weak III presi-
Dental timber as now. 1t seems iore-
gone conclusion that President Tart can
NOT he his own successor. His administra-
ton is disappointing to republicans as
we,, as democrats Many of those who
were his ardent partisans two years ago
now admit that the White House Jop Is
too much for him. In view OF the sltua-
ton. therefore, it looks as If Mr.. Roose-
welt could have the republican nominal
ton two years hence, provided ne might
want it; and have no idea that he would
decline it. | believe he will be nominated
nv reclamation. How about the unwritten
law against a third term? That will play
little or no part The republican con-
vention will be composed of delegates
Roosevelt. If nominated can Roosevelt
be elected? That is another question. If
the democrats put out strong ticket
and adopt a sane, democratic platform
It would certainly be difficult for third
termer to win.
Now, | am one of those Americans
who believe in holding steadfastly to
such traditions as seem reasonable, but
have never taken much stock in the
idea that 1t would be wrong or un-Amer-
lean to elect chief magistrate for a
third time, or as many times as might to
the electors seem best. So long as the
people elect President for the constitu-
tional term of four years, no principle
would be violated if the same man should
be chosen three or four times. 1t is all
with the voters.
"Apropos, the history of third terrnism
is invested with fresh interest now. The
phrase was first used when the friends
| of Grant tried to have him nominated in
the republican convention in 1880 after he
had served eight years in the White
House March 4. 1869, to March 4, 1877.
These efforts led to the division of the
republican party into two sections, called
stalwarts' and half breeds The OPP
ponents of Grant presented great array
of historical matter to show that the sem
timent of the country had been ever
against third term. In point of time,
however the third term idea dates back
to the time of Washington. The father
of his country, in his farewell address,
declined to be considered for third term,
and this established the precedent which
has been followed ever since. Mr.. JEFF
ferson was opposed even to second
term, from principle, although he was
prevailed upon to accept the presidency
| a second time.
Toward the close of Jackson's second
term notion prevailed that he wanted a
third term and that he could be elected a
third time, but Jackson was then old and
in feeble health. He craved retirement
and when his wishes became known the
talk of running him again ceased.
Roosevelt may not be the one to first
set aside the unwritten law and become
President after having served practically
two terms; but some day a third termel
will win and the country will not go te
smash by reason Of such happening