The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1912-11-24
Says Primary Was Intended
to Allow Merit" to Win
Instead of "Scheming"
WILL PUSH HIS BILL
FOR SIX-YEAR TERM
His Measure In Congress Would Also
Make President Ineligible for
Observation-Disclosures Sus-
cessful Administration

Henry ID. Clayton. congressman of the
Third district, en- route to Washington
passed through Birmingham yesterday.
As chairman of the judiciary committee,
as the chief prosecuting figure in the
impeachment charges against Judge Arch
bold, in the light of his mention for at
torney general in the cabinet of President
elect Wilson, and his tentative candidacy
for the senatorial seat now occupied by
Senator Joseph L. Johnston. Mr.. Clayton
is one of the most interesting characters
in American politics.
During the ten minutes he remained in
Birmingham, Congressman Clayton re-
ferred to the proposal which Congress-
man Hobson made to Ex-Governor Conner
in reference TO the subordinatlon of per-
sonal ambitions. declared that he would
press his resolution seeking to amend
the constitution in reference to presiden-
tial terms. and stated that members of
the Senate would be busy December 3,
with Archbold impeachment proceedings.
As to Hobson
In reference to the Hobson incident,
Congressman Clayton said:
f, "Some years ago the democratic party
thought it wise not to nominate eandi-
dates for office by convention COM
| posed of several hundred good and emil
nent citizens. and therefore adopted the
primary election plan. l am of the opin-
ion that this plan has worked well. and
that il should be adhered to except possi-
| bly, in the case of making nominations for
supreme court judges.
Three or more citizens are. of course,
at liberty to meet II they wish to do so,
| but every individual democrat must be
| left free to vote for his own first ia
vorite candidate, and in doing this there
seems to be no need of advice from any
combination of ambitious gentlemen, how
ever worthy they may be.
| IT cannot believe that as many as three
! eminent citizens have agreed to or can
| agree to parcel out the public offices in
| Alabama. Such a scheme is visionary
II it were practicable il would be hurt
| full TO the people. 1t is better to trust all
the people. They have sense and Rnow
what they want and whom they want
to serve them. Let each democrat cast
win sometimes before the advent of the
primary. Now let merit win.
Wants the Amendment
| ut is my intention" continued the con.
gresham with a change of subject, 'te
urge the passage of the resolution to 81
amend the constitution as to provide tha
the tenure of the presidency shall be lin
tied to one term of six years and that hs
shall be forever ineligible for reelection
and also that any man who is made the
| President by succession and has enjoyed
that office for as long as six months
| shall be ineligible for election. / reported
this resolution favorably to the House
last summer. II is now ON the calendar
| "The Impeachment case against Judge
| Archibold will be taken up In the Senate
on December 3. The members of Con-
| gress who have been entrusted with i'm
portant work will be kept busy for the
| next six or seven months ! predict a
great administration for Mr.. Wilson"