The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-06-17
HISTORY IF THIRD
 TERM PRECEDENT What Washington, Jeffer-
 son and Others Said LINCOLN'S PROPHECY
"When Such a Man Appears It Will Require United People to Frus- trate His Designs
 Roosevelt Said
By C. E. STEWART

By C. F. STEWART
 Washington. June. 16.-(Spe D. Representative Henry D. Clayton. chair man of the judiciary committee and author of the proposed amendment to the constitution making the presidential term six years, and also providing that tho President shall be ineligible for a second term, in reporting the measure te the House, said:
 You committee believe that the American people hold it to be part of the unwritten law that no man shall be three times President of the United States. whether the terms be consecu- tive or otherwise. Doubtless it Is true that even without any positive law on the subJect-that Is, without any amendment of the constitution-no man will ever be called to be chief magis- trate for the third time. It Is cer- tainly wellf however, to provide against possible agitation of the question Per haps it Is not too much to say that every President, with possibly two ex- captions, has at least acquiesced in the fact-thats George Washington took wise and patriotic position when he declined to entertain even the ambition cf being President for a third time. And the American people denied a third term to President Grant, one of the worlds greatest generals. So it may be said that the unwritten law, public sen- tinaent, and the practice has been and will continue to be opposed to any mans being President for a third time.
 "Your committee believe that it is wise to CD limit the tenure of office to one ia a xyic to extend the period of the one term from four to six years.
 T. The President should be- ineligible to a second term, because being ineligi- ble there will be no temptation improp- erly to use the powers and patronage Of that exalted office.
 "The limitation to a single term will in the opinion of your committee, tend to improve the administration of the laws generally and to increase the non partisan and business like efficiency of the executive department. It will take away from the President any induce- ment to building up a political machine instead of attending to his duties as chief magistrate of the republic. Such a limitation will prevent the too fre- quent practice of making appointments for mere partisan or selfish political purposes It will make the President the chief executive of the whole people
 
 the chief of political party.
 Applies Elsewhere
 Your committee is of opinion that the same reasons which obtain against allow ing a President who has been elected to the office to hold his office for more than one term, are applicable in the case of the Vice President or any other person who may succeed to the presidency by operation of law without an election. In the case of the Vice President or other person so succeeding to the presidency there would be the same temptation on his part to build up machine in order to gain a nomination for President and possibly to abuse his patronage to win an election. It Is true that Vice Presi- dent or other person so succeeding to the presidency will have held the office only fractional part of the six-year term and it may be for only a short part of such term. Nevertheless. he has been honored with the highest place in our government and there is no reason why he should have the office by succession for fractional term to be followed by a regular term of six years.
 2. Again, your committee believe that It would be wise policy to extend the single term of the President to six years. for four years Is hardly sufficient time to enable the policies for which the Presi- dent may stand to come into full effect The term of six years, coupled with the freedom from anxiety for reelection. would give sufficient opportunity to the President properly to organize his ad- ministration and to bring about real ac complishments within the bounds of his duties and powers under the constitution
 Tn short. this amendment if submitted and ratified, will increase the efficiency of the administration of the President; will remove the temptation to build up a political machine by the abuse of patron- age and power and will save the Pres- dent from the humiliating necessity of going on the stump to repel assaults made upon him.
 It Is believed by members of Congress that Representative Clayton's resolution will meet with almost unanimous ap- proval throughout the country, and that should it receive the support of Congress that the people will ratify it. Under ex- isting conditions, there is ample testi- mony in history that has fallen from the lips of statesmen who's memories will ever remain green in the minds of a grateful people, that this provision is wise and prudent and only writes upon the statute books an unwritten law, with perhaps some slight notifications.
 Washington's Statement
 On September II, 1796 Washington pub lished to his friends and fellow citizens" that farewell address of which the his torian Henry Cabot Lodge, says: Every \ word was instinct with wisest and purest patriotism" after declining to be con sidered among the number of those out President at the next election he said: 'T beg you at the same time to do me the austice to be assured that this resolution