The New York herald. [volume] (New York, N.Y.) 1920-1924, 1920-12-12
PROPOSALS ARE VARIED
Second Term for President
Should Be Outlawed, Say
Congress Members.
DISLIKE THEIR 2 YEARS
Men in Lower House Would
Hold Elections From 3 to
6 Years Apart.

Further replies received by The NEW
York HERALD In it's symposium on the
question of a six year term for Presi-
dent, with ineligibility at the end of the
term, and a three year term for Repre-
sentatives indicate a clear majority in
favor OF both proposals among those
Senators and Representatives who have
been heard from. The replies received
have been indicative of sentiment In all
sections of the country. No State has
been unrepresented. and Democratic and
Republican opinion has been equally
represented
Many of the answers state prefer
ence for a four year term for Repre-
sentative rather than three year term,
and such opinions have been grouped
with those indorsing the three year
term as indicating conviction that the
present arrangement is not satisfactory.
The following additional opinions have
been received:
SENATOR WILLIAM II. KING CD,
Ctah-In my opinion. the present Con-
stitutional provision with respect to the
Presidential term has proven satisfac-
tory. 1t has been repeatedly urged that
under the present system the first term
of the President Is devoted to strength
ening his position In order that he may
be renominated for the second term. ]
have no doubt that in many instances
this criticism Is we'll founded, but in re-
viewing the history of the Republic
feel that the fathers wisely provided for
the executive department of the Govern
ment, and nothing has developed In re-
cent years to occasion any change.
Your second question relates to the
term of Congressman. I am in favor of
frequent elections and do not think that
there should be any change in the pres
Ont term of those elected to the House of
Representatives. 1t is true that the term
is too brief for Representatives to i'm
press themselves upon their constituents.
and yet, the procedure in the House Of
Representatives is so simple and the
duties of Congressman are so clearly
understood and are so free from COM
plexities that the two year period per-
mits them to be of service and to dis
charge their duties to their constituents.
SENATOR HOKE SMITH CD. Geor.
gia---I believe it most desirable that the
service by a President should be limited
10 one term. The President should rep
resent the people of the entire country,
with as little control by party as posi-
BILE. and with little thought of managing
party machines.
The study of the official life of Presi-
dents leads me to the conclusion that
few have done as we'll In their second
as in their first term. We may be sure
the country would lose nothing by limit
ing President TO one term of office
The extension of that term to six years
perhaps would do no harm. Preferably,
however. l would be gratfed to see the
Administration proper respond more
promptly 70 the wishes OF the people and
20 the views of Congress. The people
really speak through their legislative
branches The President and Cabinet
should be administrative officers. An OBJ
etinate President might find It possible
TO hinder wise legislation II he had too
long a term of service. II, however. he
is ineligible for a second term he might
rise above party politics and broaden
into the representative of all interests.
and the more fully recognize himself as
charged with administrative, and not
legislative. duties.
REPRESENTATIVE NJ. l.. DAvEY
Cd, Ohio-Four years is fairly long
time for a good President. and possibly
too long for the other kind. Our form
of Government makes our Chief Execu-
tive less responsive than some other
countries. Hope of reelection naturally
makes the President little more re-
sponsive than the form of Government
requires.
with reference to the members of
Congress, can see arguments on both
sides. The hope and expectation of re-
election makes n man a little more ro-
sponsive probably. On the other hand
q man no sooner takes his seat In WASH
ington than he must begin to plan for
his next campaign. So that there pos
sibly would be some advantage to the
members OF Congress and to the country
y. t. ALL ~ Id
Nevertheless, / believe Il was the
theory OF the founders OF the Govern
nlcnt that the lower House OF Congress
should be essentially the popular branch
and II may be after all that II was n
wiser provision TO require them to seek
reelection every two years
REPRESENTATIVE II. y. HERS.
MAN Cd, Californian my judgment.
the term OF the President Of the United
States should be increased to six years
with ineligibllity at tho end OF the term.
The President OF our great Republic
would not be- subject TO bitter and un-
Just criticism for political purposes. His
motives would not be misunderstood,
political expediency would not influence
his actions The term OF a Congressman
should he extended 10 at least three
pears. better stiiL TO six years.
An the law now IT, Congressman
scarcely assumes the duties or his Office
until no Ia obliged 20 think Of his re-
election This desire 20 retain once IL
not always conducive 10 free and direct
thinking. or to conservative legislation
The longer term VIII make for more 81
fective public service while the short
term Of n Congressman prevents many
able men from undertaking the race be-
cause they realize that ~ IN a continuous
and expensive effort 20 maintain their
position.
REPRESENTATIVE y. VI. BAER
fRJ. North Dakota have always be-
fieved that tho terms Of President SEN
stor and Representative should be FOR
four years each. favor having tho
party that wins NJ an election come into
power Immediately 80 that tho peoples
desires can Immediately be reflected IN
legislation. The Canadian or English
system has merits along these lines. As
II IL now. the entire political complexion
OF the country may change before tho
party last elected 20 rover can function
and carry out the aspirations OF ~ fol
lowers.
REPREsrNTATINT =. W SIMS
(nl, Tfnnessec--f am in favor ol
amending The Constitution Fo aa % make
tho terms % Conrresgnian four yeara n-
ltead Of two az they now are. think