Evening star., 1919-04-06
The National Calendar,

In another part of The Star today
Is printed an article in the course of
which Representative Mondell, who
will be leader of the House ma
jority in the next Congress, discusses
the question of a change of the con-
gressional calendar and possibly a
change in the date of Inauguration.
Mr.. Mondell is frankly undecided as
to the best course to pursue in the
matter. Broadly, there are two gem
eral propositions, to lengthen the
short session of the retiring Con-
gress and place the date of the
inauguration late in April, or to
shorten the short session and advance
the date of Inauguration to early in
January coincident with the beginning
of the new Congress. Mr.. Mondell
inclines somewhat to the latter plan
on the score that the newly elected
Congress and, every fourth year, the
new administration should have con-
troll of the appropriations for the
fiscal year following. At present the
appropriations for the first fiscal year
of the new administration are voted
by the retiring Congress unless, as in
the present case, there has been a
deadlock and bills have failed and an
extra session of the new Congress is
necessary.
This problem of the national calen-
dar has been studied for many years,
chiefly in connection with the plan to
change the date of Inauguration. The
local and to a very large extent the
national demand for later Inaugural
ton date is based upon the fact that
the 4th of March is altogether un-
seasonabIe for an outdoor assemblage,
and at times is dangerous. Some des-
perately severe visitations have been
suffered on that date and lives have
been sacrificed and the great national
ceremony has been spoiled. Again the
weather has been delightful and mild.
But the chances are altogether against
. clement day, suitable for an outdoor
gathering.
The last Thursday in April, which
has been named in proposed consti-
tutional amendment, has an historical
basis in that it was on that day that
George Washington was first inaugu-
rated. It is, moreover, ideal for a
ceremonial in this latitude. Should it
be considered wise in the reformation
Of the calendar to bring the new Con-
gress in session simultaneously with
the induction of the President into
Office there would be time before the
first Of July for the enactment Of the
appropriation bills.
One difficulty stands in the way Of
. January Inauguration and eonvening
of the new Congress. By the Consti-
tuition it is now provided that Con-
gress shall act as the canvassing board
for the election of President and Vice
President. If the Inauguration occurs
early in January the old Congress
must canvass the electoral votes be-
fore that date. There is but little
time for such a procedure if the cleo
tions remain as now fixed in Novem-
ber. A change of the election date to
October would give more time for this
procedure.
It is gratifying to find the leader
Of the House majority in the next
Congress concerned about this matter,
which has been neglected so long. Mr..
Mondell is perfectly familiar with the
congressional necessities and limita-
tions and knows the need of a longer
time for transaeting business than that
permitted by the present calendar
every alternate year. A sensible, bust
nesslike schedule Of national dates
should be worked out to the end of
better legislation and if possible a
more satisfactory date for the quad
rennial assemblage of the people to
witness the induction of the President
into Office.