6 FEBRUARY 1926, Page 18

THE AMERICAN VICE-PRESIDENT

[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] Sut,—In your review of Mr. Horwill's Usages of the American Constitution in the Spectator of January 2nd, it is stated that the " Vice-President becomes President, on the death of the elected President during his term of office, merely by custom and not by virtue of the Constitution."

The provision of the Constitution, Article II., Section 1, is clear enough, and is as follows :—" In the case of the removal of the president from office, or of his death, resigna- tion, or inability to discharge the powers and duties of the said-office, the same shall devolve on the vice-president."—

-am, Sir, &c.,