The Washington times., 1912-01-18
CONGRESS GETS
REPORT FOR NEW
INAUGURAL DATE
Judiciary Committee Favors
Change From March 4 to
Last Thursday In April.
Continued from First Page.)


suitable day for the great ceremony.
This amendment will secure good
weather for the great public function
and Vice President. This is not of SO
much Importance as the lengthcning of
the short session. but 1t is idle to say
what Is OF no Importance.
THE amendment curtails the term of
the members of the House in existence
at the first general election after its
ratification by changing the day of the
termination of said term and succeed
ing terms from the 4th day OF March to
the second Tuesday of January. The
reason for this change is obvious and
well night Imperative. Under the pres
ent arrangement the House chosen in
November does not begin its service
for thirteen months thereafter although
the members draw their salaries from the
election. During nine months after. the
election under the present plan. there
Is q vacancy in the Speakership and
other offices Of the House. The success
incumbents have yet four months to
serve prior to the expiration of their
terms on the 4th day of March. subse-
quent to the general Congressional elec-
ures is frequently prevented by the GER
tain termination of the short session on
the 4th Of March. Many Representa-
| tives have their efficiency impaired at
| stituencies have refused to re-elect them
and the people are often in such con-
| tingencies represented by men thus de-
| feated who do not reflect their Views.
| 'Tn conclusion we especially emphasize
| two propositions, but not in disparage-
! ment Of the other considerations herein
| urged. -,
! sarily is an intolerabe evil in our Gov
! ernment and should be eradicated by
the ratification Of this amendment. II
can be remedied In no other way, and
! in great governmental emergencies rep
resentatives should rise to the occasion
and meet the appropriate requirements
! rcdounding to the benefit of future gen.
! erations and ages.
"Second-The manifest hiatus in the
Constitution rendering possible absolute
chaos in the Government for four years,
| should be speedily cured b. the adop-
ton of this amendment before some
| great national calamity befalls our peo-
pie by reason of the serious omission in
the Constitution as herein pointed out
! II Mr.. Taft and Mr.. Sherman had died
or become disabled between the casting
of tine electoral vote and their inaugura.
ton in 1909, our Government would have
been without an Executive for the foui
| ensuing years ending on March !. 1913
governmental virility, let us take this
necessary and appropriate step and sub
NIT the amendment to the respective
States.
"Chang1ng the GATE or Inauguration il
: great national issue and of vital con
Germ to the entire population of the
United States. 1t should not be lightly
passed over by Congress. The commit
, tee is indebted to II. B. F. Macfarland
, OF Washington city, and his coworkers
= the national committee on the change
of Inauguration date composed Of the
, governors OF the respective States. fol
/, ,, most valuable assistance. and those
: gentlemen are entitled to the thanks o.
, , this committee, Congress, and the entire
, country for their unceasing work and
splendid service in bringing about the
sentiment for the change In the date Of
, our great national ceremony.
The committee believes the joint res
olution should be passed and the amend
ment adopted, and so recommends