The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1912-11-18

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president is, I don't care how deter
mined he is that he himself will not
secure his denomination (and there
are very few indeed who go to that
eXtent), still his subordinates equal
ly interested with him in his re-elec-
ton will whenever they have the OPP
portunity. exert their influence and di-
vide their time between the public ser
vice and the effort to secure tnelr
chiefs denomination and reelection.
-Four years is rather short time
in which to work out great govern
mental policies. Six years is better.
Another suggestion I would make
is that legislative steps be taken, Tor
there is nothing in the constitution TO
forbid it, bringing more closely to-
gether the operation of the executive
and Iegislat alive branches. The STUDIED
effort which is made to MAINTAIN
these branches rigidly separate Is !
think, mistake. Woula hol auu
any more actual power to the execu-
tive in legislative matters, nor Would
T give the legislative any more actua4
power in executive matters the veto
on the one hand and the conhrmatlon
of amendments and the ratification OF
treaties on the other, would not
but it does seem to. me that they
need not be at arms length as they
now are under the present system. II
tory. after the fullest consideration by
some of the wisest statesmen we nave
ever had, to pass law giving TO each
department head a seat In the senate
and in the house, and right to enter
into the discussion of the proposed leg
islation in either of the national Iegis-
Iative bodies. This would keep con-
gress much better informed as to the
actual conditions in the executive de-
partments. 1t would keep the depart
ment heads on the qui vive with rer-
erence to their knowledge of their own
departments, and their ability to an
swer appropriate questions in respect to
them.
Advantages of the Plan.
TT would necessitate the appointment
to the cabinet of men used TO DEBATE
and to defend their positions and it
would offer an opportunity for the pup
lie to judge of the executive and MS
government much more justly ana
much more quickly than under our
present system.
IF mem bers of the cabinet were al
lowed the floor, their very presence
would suggest in the possibility of re-
ply, moderation in discussing the ad-
ministration, which does not now at all
times prevail. The strongest reason Tor
advocating this change, however, is
that the influence that the executive
shall have in shaping legislation shall
be more in harmony with the RESPONSE
bility that the people hold him to in re-
Spect TO it. He is he head of the party
that elected him, and so, if congress
is controlled by the same political
party, as it generally is, he is looked to
give one his just need of praise, is
to shape the congressional policy and to
secure the passage of the statutes the
party platform has promised
Now, with such a burden on him. he
ought to have a greater means of
hT.in a w q wishes n
character of the legislation to be con-
sidered by congress and greater powers
of persuasion to secure the adoption Of
such legislation than those which the
mere right to send messages and the
mere opportunity of personal conSulta-
ton with leading members of the house
and senate give him.
''One of the results of my observa-
lions in the presidency is that the posi-
ton is not a place to be enjoyed by a
sensitive man.
THE experience in the presidency
toughens the hide of the occupant so
as to enable him to resist the stings of
criticism directed against him from
the time he takes Office until he lays
it down. 1 doT't know that criticisms
made without reference to facts have
been any greater in this adminiStra-
ton than in a previous administration.
All know is that it was my first ex-
perience and that it seemed to me as
IL Hdu DSeIl more greatly tried Ina11 /
most presidents by such methods.
Justice May Come Too Late.
"Of course, the reassuring formula
that history will right one and will
give one his just need of praise. is
consolatory, but it is not altogether
satisfactory, because the thought sug-
gests itself that the time for remedy
of the injustice may be postponed I'M
til one is gathered to his fathers, and
when he is not then particularly in
terested in earthly history or mundane
affairs.
Il think the period for successful muck
raking is gradually drawing to close. 1
hope so. We must consider that the ebdl-
lition in undertaking literature is only ore
of the temporary excuses of the times
which is curing itself by firing these
whose patronage formed the motive for Its
beginning and rise.
The presidency is a great office to hold |
I consider that the president of the United |
Gtates is well paid. The salary by no !
means measures the contribution to his
means of living which the generosity OF |
congress has afforded, and unless it is the |
policy of congress to enable him in ms |
four years to save money enough to live
in adequate dignity and comfort there |
after. then the salary is all that it ought 1
to be-
"Of course. the great and really the |
only lasting satisfaction that one can have l
in the administration OF the great office