The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1913-02-07
WEsTMINSTER,MD
FRIDAY AFTERNOON, FEB. 7, 1918
TIE PRESIDENTIAL TERM.


Whether this shall be made single
and somewhat extended term, without
eligibility upon the part of the same
person for second term, or whether
the provision of the constitution shall
remain as 1t is now with four year
term, with eligibility for reelection.
is a question which has been many
times discussed by the American peo-
pie.
Recently 1t has been emphasized by
the U. S. Senate passing 4 bill proYid-
ing for a six year single term. II the
House passes the bill, 1t will then be
submitted to the states and the af-
flrmatiye vote of three-fourths of the
whole number of states Will be neees-
sary to ratify 1t and make II a part of
the constitution. So that 1t looks
as If the contamination of the propo-
sition Is yet far in the distance.
AS to the merits of the proposed
change. there is a good deal of diff
ference of opinion. Like all other
important questions. 1t has two sides
Our present constitution makes the
Presidential term four years but does
not itself, put any limitation upon the
number of terms to which the same
person may be elected While there Is
no express Law to govern this case,
fhIaly thu axafaula aT psztn nm,
and other of the early Presidents. I'm
declining a third term. and advising
strongly against any one receiving
third nomination, has become so deep
ly rooted In the American mind. and
30 fully fixed there rs a guiding prln-
ciple that 1t. in fact. has the force Of
law.
No man. We think, can succeed to
a third Presidential. term IN this
country, except by revolution, and
that attempt would not be tolerated
for an instant
We are an intelligent. liberty low
ing, law-abiding people and any at
tempt upon the part of one of our
citizens to force himself for a third
term. and by revolutionary means
seek the Presidency. would be stamp
ed from the face Of the earth ~ an
outraged public sentiment The
strongest attempt that was ever made
In this country and We think the
strongest that ever can b. made for a
third term for one of our Presidents.
WAS In the case Of General Grant.
Grant was very popular at The time.
He WAS the military hero OF the var.
and had served two terms aa Pfesi-
dent with aceeptabIllty TO his party.
There was strong element OF his
party. amounting to BOG votes in the
nominating convention, led b. Roscoe
conkling Of New York. one of the
most prominent Republicans of the
country, urging his nomination. Great
pressure was brought 10 bear uponthe
other delegates, but TO the credit of
the convention be II said. that the
majority Of the delegates declined 10
depart from the wise precedent of
limiting the Presidential Office to TWO
terms.
While We have no decided pref
erenee In this matter, We believe
constitutional six year term. would be
an Improvement. In the first place
1t would put an absolute limit to the
term of Office. And then we think 1t
would be better for another reason.
that Is, the incumbent knowing that
he had single term. would have no
incentive 10 use the patronage of his
great office, to promote renomlna-
ton.
We believe IT would be n wise thing
to give the President Of the United
States single term of six years.