The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1919-03-12
THE RIGHT TO PROLOGUE.
A Grievance Of 1879 Recalled by
President wilson's Absence.

To THE EDrroR OF THE suN--Str: It
is extremely gratifying to ind that
Democratic United States Senators are
joining hands with Republican Senators
in popular campaign OF education az
to the true significance OF tho proposed
covenant Of the so-called League Of
Nations.
What tho people should be reminded
Of IL that when we were n dependency
Of Great Britain 1iS years ago, one Of
our principal gTievances--that which
led Samuel Adams of Massachusetts to
circularize the other Colonies and by tho
consequent Interchange of views planted
the seed of union among them---was
the fact that the British Government
sent to America English governors who
disregsrded the will OF the people OF the
Colonies when the will OF the people.
as represented and expressed by tho
Legislatures elected by the people, dif-
fered from the will of the Governor.
whereupon the Governor sholved tho
Legislature and prevented their particle
pating In the affairs of government. A
specific example was that OF tho Cover
nor Of Massachusetts. who under tho
circumstances prorogued the Legislature.
This. President Wilson has in effect
done when no absented himself from
washington TO 60 abroad during the
last three months OF the late session OF
Congress-. for. according to the latest
ground youchsafed by him for not con-
vening Congress in special session at the
In hot hn
President should be present here 10 take
part In shaping and celebrating upon
proposed legislation. In other words,
Congress cannot function alone. Albeit
Mr.. Wilson was Of a different opinion
in December whom hs went abroad, al
leging that there would DO no suspen-
sion OF his Presidential duties, as swift
communication by steamer, cable and
wireless made his physical presence at
the nations capital unnecessary. Re-
suit: tho last Congress-, Of the Presi-
dents own political faith. did virtually
nothing to provide for the anomalous
period OF the armistice through which we
are passing. let alone anything toward
a reconstruction programme.
Why should the people or their rep
their public servants to perform their
duties, be at their posts and render an
account OF their Stewardship, at any
and all times?
The answer Is that the Fathers could
not conceive OF a situation such as now
confronts the nation. and made no eH-
press provision for It in the Constitution.
George Washington. who was thor
oughly imbued with the spirit as well
as the letter OF the Constitution. de-
clined to pass through Rhode Island on
a. memorable occasion because ii had not
yet ratified the Constitution and entered
the Union. This is the first time in the
history OF the country that 20 impera-
tive n necessity for the converting OF
Congress In special session has been dis
regarded by the President in the face OF
the known desires of Congress itself and
the people that It should meet and de-
,ioerate on pressing and important
problems.
What is the remedy? BY constitu-
tional amendment. the power 10 convene
Itself in full session should be vested In
Congress. Many Legislatures have the
power. CHARLES II. YouNc.
NEW York. March II.