Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-05-25

length of the short session. II is not |
worth while in ordinary circumstances /
10 require the new congress TO assem- |
BILE at the beginning of the presiden- |
tial year, as this would mean three ses-
sions in the two years.
Another, perhaps the most import
ant of all, recently presented in con-
gress, extends the presidents term Of
Office to six years, and refuses him
ground, and We should give it most
careful study. It is urged that the
elections occur too frequently. They
interfere with business, delay enter
prises because of the uncertainty of
tie result, take up much time that
might be devoted TO productive indus
try, and cost immense sums of money.
1t is pointed out that such frequent
changes in the policy Of the govern
ment are unwise, since these policies
cannot in so few years demonstrate
themselves in results. II the presi-
dent cannot be reelected, he will have
no temptation TO neglect public in
terests for his personal benefit, or
TO use his official power to advance
his political prospects.
On the other hand it may be said
that if the president is not worthily
filling his Office, four years is too
much, and if he is worthy we can have
eight years. That occasions may arise
at any time requiring a change Of
policy, and that the president should
al all times respect the will of the
people, the six-year term would be a
/ more valuable prize than the four
/ year, and the elections would make up
/ in intensity of action what they might
lose in frequency Of occurrence. If the
president cannot be reelected, he can
| and likely will use his influence in
favor of his personal or political
/ friend, and thus perpetuate the poll
| cies he approves. II may also be noted
| that the same argument now calling
for a six-year term, will, after a while
/ demand an eight-year term, and so
on till We will have a dictator elected
/ for life Indeed, if this argument is
sound, it proves the failure of popu-
lar government in great nations like
our own.
The writer does not express a posi-
tive opinion, he reserves the right TO
modify his view as may appear wise.
If, however, the presidents term is
extended, two things should be done.
The veto power should be taken away,
or it may be overruled by the vote of
majority of the members of the
house of representatives. instead of
| q two-thirds vote OF both houses as
now. The senators are excluded be
cause they represent constituencies
OF such unequal size, that
they Go not always correct
president should never he able to es-
tabiish his personal opinion or wish
over the will of a majority of the peo-
pie.
Again, in case of death or disability,
d new election should be held, in place
Of the succession now provided for.
If the unexpired term exceeds two
years, the one chosen to fill he vac
anCy should assume office at the next
Inauguration dav coiuciding with the
end of a congressional term, and
serve a full term from that date. We
have had sufficient experience in cleo
ton by assassination 20 take any
chances extending over a longer period
than the congressional term in which
the vacancy occurs.
With these provisions concerning
the veto and the vacancy, the siX-year
term would be less objectionabl BILE, wiCh-
out hem l am inclined TO approve it,
but am open TO conviction.