The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1913-02-01
BY ASSOCIATED PRESS.

Washington, Jan. 31.-'T did not be-
lieve any one would insist that this
legislation was aimed at Col Roose-
velt," declared Senator Cummins to-
day In advocating the Works single six
year presidential term amendment in
the senate, but it has been very busi-
ly urged throughout the United States
lately that we are legislating to make
Roosevelt ineligible. There is no truth
in such statements and 1 know they
must be abhorrent to Col. Roosevelt"
The debate centered about the deo-
laration by Senator Williams, demo-
crat, that unless such amendments
were adopted as to make Roosevelt,
Taft and Wilson eligible for another
term, the friends of Roosevelt and
others might oppose ratification of the
constitutional amendment by the
states.
Republican and democratic senators
who urged that Roosevelt, Taft and
Wilson all be made eligible for one
more elective term met the opposi-
tion Of the progressives and of some OF
their own party nennernra =. -
When the senate took up the sub
ject, Senator Roots amendment TO
make the constitutional amendment
effective March 4, 1917, was defeated
on a viva voce vote but by demand
ing g. roll call he got 1t before the
senate again for further consideration.
AS a substitute, Senator Hitchcock
proposed an amendment to let Wilson,
Roosevelt or Taft have one six year
term under the new amendment.
when we except these persons from
its operations, we are making it en-
tirely personal" declared Senator
Borah. 1--WE practically would be
amending the constitution for their
convenience"
Senator Paynter then proposed an
amendment to make the six year term
take effect in 1912. Senator Works,
author of the original resolution, en-
dorsed Senator Hitchcock's plan.
Senator Clapp, progressive, took en-
phatic exception to his position.
'Tt is a reflection upon the senate
itself" he declared, 'in our saying to
the country that a great principle can
not pass this body unless three great
partisan leaders are recognized and
cared for in the legislation.
'If this change in our constitution
is wise and this limitation is to be
adopted, let us rise u the occasion and
apply it to every man.
Senator Sutherland urged adoption
OF the Root amendment setting March
4, 1917 as the date This brought
protest from Senator Poindexter, pro-
gressive, who declared that if there
was any danger of man perpetual
ing himself in Office" because of his
liability and popularity"
Senator Cummins favored and SEN
ator Lodge opposed the exemptions for
Wilson, Roosevelt and Taft
Senator williams, democrat, declar-
ed that the single term proposal would
probably be defeated by the states un-
less Col Roosevelt were exempted from
its provisions.
'whatever might be the motives of
those who oppose the amendment"
said Senator Williams, they would be
able to say to the people:
""They are after one mans scalp; he
received more than 100000 votes OF
the American people and now they are
trying to make him ineligible
at would be unwise for those who
favor this amendment to handicap
themselves with the active antagon-
ism of those who could make this
point against it"
The amendments by Senator Hitch