The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1873-07-30

Freedom.
In the very year that the people of this
country intend to celebrate the centenary OF
their independence and liberty, and, proba-
bly,, within few days of that celebration,
July 4, 1876, the ofice-holders and ambitious
friends Of General Grant propose, it is
thought, to nominate him for a third term,
with the expectation of electing him the fol-
lowing November. Just century of freedom,
| to eliminate with the first and an important
step toward Cesarism! This is matter for
grave consideration. Three years will soon
pass away, and then the crisis will be upon
us. Some of our contemporaries think we
have mooted the question too early, and
others that We are creating needless apprehen-
sions We think not. The question was
raised first not by us, but by an administra-
ton organ i'll Washington half jestingly and
half in earnest, and then quietly encouraged by
the ardent friends of General Grant himself
Then the silence of the President gives rather
an ominous colorlng to the proposition of his
friends. Besides the American people have
fallen into such state of indifference or apathy
regarding public affairs, partly from the e1-
haustive effects of the late civil war and partly
! from the enervating influence of prosperity
and the growth of wealth and luxury, that
considerable time is required to arouse them
And it should be remembered that the enor-
nous patronage and political machinery of the
federal government, controlled by the Pres-
dent and his supporters, can only be held in
check or overcome by awakening the public
mind in time and preparing for the conflict
long in advance.
We can imagine how fascinating the idea
Of third term must be to an occupant
of the White House. To be the first
President to receive that honor-an honor
which the Father of His Country did not have,
or, rather, would not have-an honor not
conferred upon such Presidents, statesmen
and patriots as Jefferson, Adams, Madison,
Monroe and jackson, might well excite
the ambition of a sturdier patriot and
moro unselfsh man than even General Grant
To have it said and to have it go down to
history that out of all that galaxy of great
men who have filed the Executive chair he
was the first and only one to be President for
three successive terms would be, no doubt,
extremely flattering to him, though he might
not contemplate longer period of office than
that nor do anything more to subvert the liber-
ties of the country. Washington did not
want third term, for he loved his country
more than himself and family, and he would
not establish q precedent that might prove
dangerous; but he was an exceptional man,
and We can hardly expect to find Wash
ingtons in these degenerate times We do
not say General Grant is not patriot or
that he would crush the liberties of the Repub-
patriotism as well as skill, on the battle field,
and we are disposed to give him credit for
good intentions, though they even may be
mixed up with personal ambition. While
discharging the duties of the Presidential Office
conscientiously, an opinion has been attributed
to him that the Republic is self-governing
machine, and that its chief can afford to
take life easy. According to this view-a
mistaken one We think-one man Us President
is about as good as another, and, therefore, q
third term could work little harm But there
is danger in such an optimist and laisser faire
idea. This great country, with its multifarious
interests and wonderful development, requires
statesmanlike ability and unselfsh patriotism
in the President as well as much work from
him. However able and pure President might
be, the precedent of electing him q third time
should not be made, for that would be an in
sidious step towards Cnsarism
Nations, and particularly those that have
long enjoyed free institutions, do not
usually jump suddenly from freedom to
despotism. There is generally some prepa-
ration-some drifting to such result
before the change takes place. Coups d <tdt
are not always practicable, at least not until
disorder and corruption give some ambitious
and INSCRIPTIONS chief an opportunity,
though the liberties of people may be sub
verified as effectually step by step. Often, too,
the impulse to the assumption of arbitrary
power springs from the opportunity. A man
with some claims to patriotism, who had mover
contemplated usurpation, might be tempted
by the occasion. This would be likely to be the
case with selfish man of no fixed principles
or lofty patriotism. Such On one would be
apt to drift into usurpaton Of arbitrary power
if the opportunity were presented or made for
him by unprincipled partisans and Aatterers.
General Grant has not probably, the least
idea of overthrowing the liberties Of the Re-
public by perpetuating his power. He smiles
incredulously, perhaps, at the mention of
such thing. He would, perhaps, enter
upon third term with the full
intention of being candidate no
more, as he avowed during the first and
second terms but circumstances might
change his purpose. Circumstances might
be created to make it appear that pro-
longation of his power was necessary. No
man bowsyer exalted should be put un-