Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1923-08-10

In the course of remaking the pres
idency, which is urged so strongly
these days. there might be considered
the date OF inauguration. which has
had its tragedy in the fatal illness
of one President within a month fol-
lowing the ceremony, and also is re-
sponsible for innumerable cases Of
pneumonia and lesser diseases, due to
exposure.
March 4 is seldom blessed with safe
weather in this climate. Incoming
Presidents are required to deliver
inaugural addresses with barred heads
and thousands of citizens stand for
hours through rains or SHOWS. Why
must the precedent be perpetuated?
This is the sentiment of the American
Bar Association.
That representative organization is
planning to take active steps at its
next meeting-which will be held in
Minneapolis this month-to urge
upon Congress such action as will be
necessary 10 have the inauguration
of a President follow almost imme-
diately after his election. They are
planning to have committee of law
yers-one member from each state
whose duty will be to press upon
Congress these resolutions.
The same committee will urge that
newly elected members of Congress
take their seats at the first regular
meeting of Congress following their
election. That plan. it is claimed.
would keep the people in closer COM
mand of Congress.
, X x i: x
On the other hand. the more con-
sentative argue that it is one of the
important safeguards of legislation
that it shall not be done hastily. nor
in response TO a sudden wave of pop
uIar demand They argue that the
making of laws for 100000 people
must be accomplished with great con-
sideration and elaboration; therefore,
several months after election before
a new and inexperienced member is
given power is none too long for
him to fit himself To bear the respon-
sibility
President Coolidge is quoted on this
subject:
I'VE have had too much legislating
| by clamor. by tumult. by pressure.
Representative government ceases
when outside influence of any kind
/ is substituted for the judgment of it's
representative"
x x * !.
A representative or senator is elect
| ed by his constituents who exercise
! their right to vote. The "outside
pressure" to which President Coolidge
! refers comes not from all his con-
stituents, but usually from local
! leaders, self-constituted representa-
| tives of local sentiment-the very
| position to which the franchise has
] constituted the congressman alone to
hold.
Senator Cummins proposes that the
! term Of President be extended to six
| years, and no reelection to follow
Men have been killed from overworlS
in much less than six years. The
| health of President Wilson broke in
about that period and President Hard
/ ing succumbed in less than half that
term.
Members of Congress argue that
| the cumulative value of Presidents
experience Is of very great impor-
lance. anu COtti StNtil the putty VI
| having terms too short. The presi-
| dency is looked upon by them as the
great stabilizer of a government
| which receives its biennial mandates
| from the people through elections 10
Congress.
| x * Is X
When the presidential term of Of
fce was fixed by the Constitution
builders. great as was their vision.