Show LANSING PRESIDENT OR FOR JUST ONE DAY The next president of the United States will be Robert Lansing of New York the present secretary of ot state stute Mr Lansing's term of office does not depend upon the action of any political convention Itis It ItIs itis Is likewise Irrespective of any primary or direct election In point of fact It dates back to January 10 19 U 1880 1886 when congress passed an act providing that In the event of ot the death removal resignation resignation tion or Inability of both the president and the vice president of ot the United States the secretary of state shall act net as president March 4 l 1017 1917 17 will fall upon a Sunday and it is contrary to all nIl precedent precedent although although not In opposition opposition tion to any law law to to hold an Inauguration on Sun Sun- day Therefore the Incoming chief chiet executive will take the tile oath of office and commence his term shortly after noon on March 5 G. President Wilsons Wilson's term commenced at noon on March 4 1913 1013 therefore therefore there there- fore according to the Constitution which defines the tile term of ot a n president as four years his tenure of office will be over at noon on March 4 and even If he Is elected to succeed himself he cannot take the oath of office until noon on the toll following owing day Vice President Marshall of course Is under the same disability as ns the president Therefore the secretary of state Mr r. r Lansing will be president of the United States for the 24 hours and some minutes elapsing between en noon on Sunday March 4 4 and the time that the n new w president takes tho the oath of office on the following day This brief term of ot office Is not a mere formality It Is an nn actual occupation of the power of ot dent lent with all nIl his authorities and prerogatives Mr Lansing President Lansing President Lansing for the day will day will willbe be empowered to occupy the White House to Issue is issue issue Is- Is sue pardons to attend to all the other business of ot which the chief executive has control ane and to ride rida to the capitol capital should he desire as the outgoing president on inauguration day Moreover this Is the first time In the tho history of the nation that a secretary of ot state has had this honor bestowed upon him and only the second time In the years of the existence of ot the United States that the office has been held by anyone other than the president and vice president |