Evening star., 1937-07-05

From constituent Of Washington
Observations comes q timely contribu-
ton to the third term controversy. which
is destined by all the signs of the polit-
ical zodiac to dominate public discus
sion until President Roosevelt removes
the question from the field of specula-
ton by some unequivocal pronounce
ment The tip wigwagged this way is
that the first Democratic National Con-
Vention F. D. r. is said to have attended
while young New York State Sem
ator-was the Baltimore conclave of
1912, which nominated Woodrow Wilson.
The platform. according to the writer's
informant, pledged the party standard
bearer to work for q constitutional
amendment limiting the President Of
the United States to one term, thus
making him ineligible to succeed him.
self even for another four years, to say
nothing of third term. While such an
injunction is not binding on the party
today or on Mr.. Roosevelt, it does indi-
cate that the Jeffersonians, as long as a
quarter of century ago. were deeply
stirred by the third term idea and re-
pudiated it, The reputed Baltimore reSo-
luton, as history was to show. had no
restraining effect upon Wilson's readi-
ness to prolong his tenure beyond a
single term.
Despite the ironical rebuke admin
iStered to third term questioners at the
last press conference held by the
President before he went to Hyde Park,
it's pretty safe to guess that sooner or
later he'll again be cross-examined on
the delicate subject. Whether his news
paper friends will have any better luck
next time is another question. In view
of the displeasure and criticism aroused
in reportorial quarters by the Presidents
suggestion that his interrogators put on
Ounce caps, it's thought possible Mr..
Roosevelt, because of his keen evalua-
ton of cordial press relations, will him.
self reopen the discussion In some form
though perhaps not by way of any
brass -tacks third-term revelation. What
ever betides, the issue has been pitch
forked plump into the middle of the
political arena 1t will stay there until
taken out by the one man who can do
the trick.
Although the original court packing
PlOSldhl 10 do 0Cdu do IlutGOll dp.
proval of compromise is highly prob
lematical, many authorities contend Mr.
Roosevelt will not emerge from the judi
cial war with his colors entirely dropping.
Their argument is that Van Devanter's
retirement enables the appointment of
at least one justice. while the courts
latest decisions were overwhelmingly
along New Deal lines Thus, even
should the President not obtain an en-
larged tribunal, history may record that
the underlying Rooseveltian objective of
a "liberalized" court was nevertheless
attained. Such philosophical reflections
will not restrain administration leaders
from making herculean efforts to pass
the Logan -Hatch-A -Ashurst substitute. Its
supporters hold that nothing short of
the amended measures enactment can
rescue White House prestige. AS the
battle swings into the decisive stage,
they claim SO votes, four more than q
Senate majority. Compromise opponents
INSPIRED, retort: Even thou
shalt not pass"
Retirement age discussion Is still the
order of the day. Supreme Court reform
proponents now recall that Nathaniel
Macon OF North Carolins, Who served