New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1874-11-03
GEN. GRANTS MANIFESTO.

GEN. GHANI'S MdNITEOIO
Gen. Grant at least does not propose to al
low the people who are to vote to-day to go
to the polls under any false impression as to
his intentions and attitude. He has declared
himself on the eve of the elections which are
to decide the question of the continued SUI
premacy of the Republican party, candidate
for reelection. He has done it in his own
singular, somewhat furtive way; but he has
done it.
We printed yesterday morning the follow
ing dispatch from the agent of the Associated
Press at Washington, which is clearly author
lied. The veteran journalist who sent it
knows the meaning of his words, and would
never have used this language without ex
press authority:
WASHINGTON, Oct 31.-Those who have the best OPP
portunty of knowing say that the Presidents letter.
published to-day addressed to the editor Of The Cincin
natl Gazette although referring to second term. ex-
presses his views to third term The permission to
publish this letter considered the only
patble with his sense OF propriety of making known
the position wbach he now occupies.
In matter of such Importance, we cannot
abridge or cOndense the letter referred to. We
published it on Saturday, but give it once more
below. 1t was written in the Spring of 1872,
in answer to a direct inquiry as to whether
the President was a candidate for reelection:
EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON. d. c., May II. 1874
DEAR SIR: Your favor OF the 10th inst, saying that
the managers OF The Gazette had decided TO out
squarely for my denomination at Philadelphia on June
prOx., when they were met by the report that
would either decline being candidate before the Con-
veDtion would decline after nomination. was received
last night after leaving my Office for the day. caused
dispatch to TO the eec. that the report
ifv rhatay r inf ha
habit Of writing letters political subjects, and
especially have never written letter calculated to
Influence q convention as to who should be candidates
before It, But your letter Is OF such nature as TO
properly demand answer, particularly as you
say you will treat my response as strictly con-
fdenlia. Now I will say that 1 never pro-
claimed myself q candidate either before the Con-
yention which meets in Philadelphia this year. nor the
Convention which was held in Chicago four years ago.
have never written line, done an act nor believe,
can say with TRUTH entertained thought calculated to
produce action by the Republican party In favor OF my
promotion over that Of any other man In who might
be their choice do now did four years ago. SIM
ceIey believe that the interests OF the whole country
demand the success OF the Republican party II deemed
advisable, willing to make any sacrifice to accom-
pish feel that did make sacrifice in
giving up high position, highly priced by me; one
created for by appreclatve public Tor winch act
can never thank them sufficiently Now. IL can be
Of to the party that chose me then snail render
that service and to the best OF my ability
The personal sacrifice made four years ago cannot
be made now With great respect, your obedent
want, U. s. GRANT.
His Cincinnati letter says, in politicians
phrase, that she is in the hands of hs
friends" and the authorized dispatch from
Washington says that this letter, although re-
ferring to a secOud term, expresses his views
II akot.a tI,.x
letter is published as the only means com
"patible with his sense of propriety of max
"ing known the position which he nOW Occu-
"pies."
Is there anything more wanted to define
this position7 If there be any so Unsuitable
of proof that they want any further light
upon the subject, let them read Col. FOrney's
account of his famous interview at Army
Headquarters in 1862 when he submitted to
Gen. Grant, through his Chief of staff, an
editorial nominating him for the Presidency,
and showing that he was good enough
Republican for the party. Gen. Rawlins took
the article to the General, and after staying
with him a while came back saying, "Gen.
"Grant is quite pleased with your statement of
"his political record, and surprised that he
article was printed upon this approval But
the General did not yield rashly to the wooing
politicians. He wanted it distinctly understood
that one term of the Presidency was not
worth his acceptance. "He thinks" said Gen.
Rawlins, the Republican party may need
shin, and he believes, as their candidate
"be can be elected, and reelected but what
ais to become Of him after his second
presidential termi" The ambassadors from
the Republican party were not able to promise
anything so far in the future, and 30 the
General, taking care to lay especial weight
upon the sacrifice he was making, agreed
to take the two terms, without committing
himself to anything beyond.
These later declarations only carry out and
illustrate the frank venality aud selfshness
with which Gen. Grant made his first bargain.
The whole naattey ptGseuscl Itself " him a. q