New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1912-06-28

Charles II. Strong, president Of the
City Club.
More opinions on the siX-year Presidential
term formulated yesterday for The Tribune
by men prominent in various activities
brought out IN new lights the value of the
change or laid renewed emphasis on points
already made.
81 think many thousands OF persons will
take great pleasure I'm the stand The
Tribune has taken on this subject said
Silas W. Burt. the venerable president OF
the Civil Service Reform Association. Il
have been thinking of the subject ever
since the present campaign began.
In the first place. experience has shown
that the struggle for another nomination
and election is very injurious to the in
terests OF the country. 1t has distracting
effect on the business OF the country. and
for that reason I think the term should be
heightened. making the disturbance come
less frequently
1t also distracts the Presidents atten-
ton from his duties If he has TO consider
the matter OF getting another term
On General Principles.
I'm in favor OF IT," sa!d Frederick w.
Whltridge. Il haven't thought much about
Il. but it's a good thing. No. don't give
any reasons for me why I am for it. but
we'll, that is all"
Although ne laughed as II enjoying tho
chance to express his opinion on the sub
iect he reiterated that he honestly be
lieved In the change.
William Feowes Morgan. 81 the Brook
Ign Bridge Freezing and Cold Storage Com
pany and other refrigerating interests. was
ready 10 indorsc I'm part tho change as
advocated by The Tribune.
Il believe the length OF the term IN
doubtedly should be increased" he said.
1T takes President NOR" than four
years to get thoroughly versed In his obli-
cations. Also II would benefit business TO
have the election less often.
But | don't believe In inellgibility. There
is no reason why. II a man has served
once az President, he should not be called
back to the job II lie g. needed and tho
people want him there. AS 10 the question
OF his succeeding himself. OF course, there
are serious objections than can be- brought
forward against that. but he sholldnt DC
Duration Of Sympathy.
Professor r. II. \. Sclgman, 81 Column
bla University, WAS against the change.
THE disadvantages Of IL siX-year term
with inellgibillty outweigh the advantages
he said. In the first place. there ought TO
be Il second term allowable, az II takes
more than one term for a man TO master
the work Of the Presidency. But six years
IL too long. AZ It would make II possible
for a Congress to get entirely out OF poliu-
cal sympathy with the President
Cleveland H. Dodge. y!ce-prcsident and
director OF Phelps. Dodge * Co, said he
was not prepared to give an opinion. lie
added that although at first blush the
change might seem AL for the Better
there we're grave questions as TO whether
II was or not.
Professor Franklin w. Hooper, director
Of the Brooklyn Institute OF Arts and
Sciences, said yesterday that II WAS an
omen question whether It would be wise to
limit a man to one term OF six years as
President, but that history pointed out that
the American people were unalterably op-
posed 70 a third term for any one.
Nation Against Third Term.
There are two sides to the question,
he said. MANY times during the last TWEEN
tv-aye wears the subject has come up for
discussion. / am absolutely opposed to a
third term, and history shows that tho
country IS thoroughly against II. At this
Zine there ought to be strong and decided
opInion on the part Of the American people
adverse TO the third term idea. 1t is not
question OF personality. for | am and have
b.en antagonlstic TO a third term for any
one at any time.
The third term Is dangerous to establish.
or course We had Colonel Roosevelts SOL
enn pledge that he would not be candl-
date for a third term. The American peo-
nile took his word, and knowing that Wash
Ington, Jefferson and Jackson had declined
to be considered for third term they felt
that Mr.. Roosevelts position was correct
I'm the light OF history and precedent.
"As TO whether there should be two terms
of six years each or one term or six years
do not care 10 say. But In view of what
is now taking up the attention Of the think
ing people, IL Is we'll to recall that Mr..
Roosevelts declaration that he would not
accent a third term was simply sancuonlns
the verdict of history. II was not pledge
on a matter that was an open question: IL
WAS a pledge that was solemnly made. ii
pleased the American people because II
was carrying out precedent when TINS
country indorsed when it refused to elect
General Grant a third time.