THE THIRD TERM

With the nation unusually occupied with questions of paramount importance, domestic and international. Congress still concerns itself with little more than a wholehearted meddling in the choice of the next president. For the last two days, the Senate has devoted its time, almost entirely, to a discussion of the resolution introduced by Senator Lafayette which declares the third term "fraught with peril to the country," and "commends observance of this precedence by the President." The last clause is violently attacked by Senators Bingham and Gillette, strong supporters of Mr. Coolidge, as an unwarranted intimation that his services are no longer desired. And the resolution can obviously have no other meaning. For it was inspired by the refusal of New York Republicans, foreseeing the possibility of Mr. Coolidge's being drafted; to instruct their delegates. Aroused by indications that the advantage which his prosperous regime has given the President will cause such a move on the part of the conservative Republicans, the insurgents have united with the Democrats, and bid fair to see the measure passed.

It is only such action as this, that can make an unlimited number of terms undesirable. As long as the people can exercise unimpeded their right to choose the, executive, it is their prerogative to support a man of great constructive ability, if any shall appear, until the need for him no longer exists. But if the legislative body, in formal session, is to thus pass resolutions against an individual candidate, the fear at once arises that a powerful administration could keep its leader indefinitely. Such, indeed, is the procedure in England, but it is efficient because the governing functions are not torn every four years by the dissensions of campaigning. The existence of the two methods in this country is disquieting, especially so because the majority in Congress is at present opposed to the President. Since little can be accomplished with such a deadlock, the insurgents are perhaps justified in siding with the Democrats in an effort to prevent Mr. Coolidge's re-election. But the means they have taken create a precedent that carries Congress still further from the unbiased ways of judicious legislation, and the people, still further from the power of choosing their president.