Montana labor news., 1939-09-14
Dictatorship Explained
By Frank Edwards
Continued from Page 81
TraditiOn-COnvenient Assumption

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If the third-term specter finds a
parking place in the word "tradi-
tion," why not, by the same token
and better reasoning, apply this same
brand of nonsense to a second term?
Statistics disclose that of the % elect
ed President, Is of them including
their successor "a vice presidents
were retired at the end of four years.
Some of these tried for a second
term, namely, Harrison, Taft and
Hoover. Cleveland ran three times
but was defeated when trying to
succeed himself, 1t is a fact, there
fore, that tradition" if concerned
at all, worked hardest for a one
term President.
Washington Favored Third Term
If Washington had been opposed
to a third term, he would have said
so. When his second term was ap-
preaching its end, he could have
said, q don't choose to run" In
stead, however, he apologized be-
cause of the urge within him to re
tire. His farewell address to the
people of the United States is, of
course, the best evidence.
Washington's farewell address con-
tanning 5000 words, can allow only
for quotations here. The address
devoted 5000 words to Ammunition in
matters relating to e~ntangling alli-
ances, and to Interpretation of the
Constitution rather than amending
as constitutionally provided for, etc,
ETC., and the remaining 1000 words
were devoted to his determination
to retire"
The following quotations from a
lengthy farewell address should in
dictate the attitude of Washington
in a matter relating to a third presi-
dental term:
September II, 1896
Friends and Fellow-C Citizens: The
period for a new election of a citizen
to administer the executive govern
ment being not far distant ii
appears to me that I should now
apprise you of the resolution I have
formed, to decline being considered
among the number of those out OF
whom a choice is to be made.
81 beg of you, at the same time, to
do me the justice to be assured that
this resolution has not been taken
without a strict regard to all the
considerations appertaining to the
relation which binds a dutiful citi-
zen to his country; and that, in with
drawing the tender Of service, which
silence in my situation might imply,
l am influenced by no diminution OF
zeal for your future interest; nor de-
ficiency of grateful respect for your
past kindness; but am supported by
a full conviction that the step is COM
patible with both.
Considered Earlier Withdrawal
81 constantly hoped that it would
have been much earlier in my power,
to return to retirement. The strength
of my inclination to do this, previous
to the last election, had even led to
the preparation of an address to de-
clare it to you; but mature reflec-
ton impelled me to abandon the idea.
l rejoice that the state of your con-
Germs, external as well as internal,
no longer renders the pursuit of in
c~lination incompatible with the senti-
ment of duty or propriety, and am
persuaded that, in the present cir
cumstances, of our country, you will
not disapprove my determination to
retire"
Monopoly is prohibited by the Con-
stitutions Of the United States and
Montana, and by the Declaration Of
independence. Corporations enjoy
ing special privileges are outlaws,
and because of their schemes OF
perpetuation, should be given the
attention that is now given to the
question of how long n person
might serve as President.