Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-04-24
The Change of Date Resolution.

Tomorrow is the last Thursday in
April the day which. under the proposed
new arrangement. would in an ''inaugu-
I ration year" by the occasion for the in
duction of the President into office. Ii
: has been suggested that the House APP
propriately observe the day by taking up
tomorrow the joint resolution which pro-
vides for the amendment OF the Constitu-
ton in respect to the national calendar
Of events so that it may go TO tho Sen
ate. if approved in season for joint ac-
ton at this session or Congress- There
:, is unqucStonably a great prcponderance
Of sentiment in both houses Of Congress
for this change The Senate has on sew
eral occasions expressed its approval and
VIII doubtless now. when the resolution
is sent to it by the House. adopt il in
good season before the adjournment. 1t
: is understood that there has been an in
formal agreement to allow the House to
move in the matter first. inasmuch as
that body has not yet voted for the
amendment. while the Senate has already
been ready to agree to the change. 1t
will take two-thirds vote in the House
= 10 adopt the resolution. On the last occa-
sion when the simple change-of date plan
was before the House. uncoupled with
! the proposed change in the congressional
calendar. ii failed of passage by only one
third of a vote. 1t is believed to be
stronger now than then. owing to the fact
that IL has met the objections Of those
Who previously wished to see the inaugu-
ration item coupled with general read
irstment of the calendar. Chairman
!. Henry of the judiciary committee has
: worked out proposition that meets all
. reasonable objections to the change-of-
date project while effecting a most SEN
sible arrangement of congressional meet
inSs TO put an end to the short session
and to bring the newly elected Congress
into action more. promptly after the peo-
pie have cast their votes.
On the score Of the Inauguration day
itself there is no room for question or
,. discussion. This amendment is not de-
. rnanded merely l.. the interest of great
Washington show. The people of the
United States want the date changed so
: that they can attend the Inauguration of
the President without risking their lives
as was the case three years ago and as
has been the case on several occasions
s. heretofore. II the national feeling had
been needed Immediately after the terri
BILE. experience OF 1909 fine Constitution
would have been amended in good season
for the Inauguration next year Unfor-
tunately time has been lost from session
ito, session until it is now impossible to
!, induct the next President into office at
surely clement season. and there is the
possibility Of another such terrible ex-
perience as that which befell those who
came to the capital to see Mr.. Taft take
The oath of Office. This fact. however,
does not justify further delay. AS a
matter Of fact. 1t renders more urgent
, assured action by the House tomorrow.
An excellent opportunity now presents
cself. with favorable report before the
House from the judiciary committee, with
a well-n.gh universal sentiment In the
House for this change, with the leaders
Of the body in sympathy with the propo-
, sition. with the date appropriate to the &C.
casion and with the knowledge that the
/. Senate stands ready to approve as soon
as the measure has gone over from the
south end Of the capitol. BY the close of
legislative business tomorrow the change
of-date resolution should. have passed it's
most dificult stage and be on its way to
ultimate ratification.