The New York herald., 1874-08-10
The Third Term.

From the Richmond (vs) Dispatch conservative
democratic
The public had become somewhat tired OF this
phrase, we suppose, but the NEW YORK HERALDs
Long Branch correspondent has given it fresh In
terest by reporting what President Grant is said
to have communicated to liberal republican from
the West. This Long Branch interviewer may be
shooting out OF 'long bow" but we apprehend
we shall not soon know any better; for, as friend
says, General Grant VIII hardly deny the accusa.
ton If anybody were to charge that he had
poisoned his mother. II ne is correctly reported
BY the letter IN the HERALD. which we published
yesterday morning, "tne great silent man" was
Tor once In quite talking mood.
rake the reported interview with the liberal
repuoncan as we may 1t Will create stir, ana
add much to the excitement and the manGuvres
IN the political arena. 1t will increase party con.
fus1on, and cause mucn uncertainty and 1nde-
clslOn among politicians.
speaking ior the present, we are not clear what
Is best, and we remain uncOmmltted. That the
Presidential term ctu be extended on some one at O.
time not far in the ttnre, Jeel SATISFIED. Every
government is too strong TO aio,o .for any great
Eertod the principal oQce, or government TO DC dis
placed ana succeeded on another eUerv Jour years.
The mo1ves lor holding on to power will be too
strong, and the head OF the government will be
too well sustained by the authority he wields, and
the patronage he controls, TO allow the term OF
onice to be limited by mere custom. Puolic
opinion VIII be unable to Keep check upon per-
sonal ambition thus powerfully fortified.
lt Is therefore TO reflective minds absurd for
people to say that there never will be third term
or that the Presidential Office Will never be ex-
tended. We canno, hope Tor any such exemption
lor THIS country rom the fate OF all nations. The
Presidential oilce must at some time be extended
and the ruler OF the country will possess ana exer
else power t1at Will as much exceed that exerted
by the federal President since the war as that
power has exceeded tue simple powers OF Pres-
dent as defined and exercised by the first Presi-
dents OF the Union.
Entertaining these opinions, we have felt no
great and undytug respect for one ancient usage
alter seeing so many Just as sacred discarded and
uampled Into tho dust. And we have said that
Tor really good. honest. impartial and wise Presi-
dent we would be happy 10 see the old custom
dsregardcd by his reelection any number OF
terms.
This Is what we believe would he the best for the
country We know that the Presidential as, trants,
VINO are numerous, and their friends Will fight
hard hgat lor the ancient custom" and that be-
cause tney want 10 get to the White House they
WIZ make loud professions Of a venerAnon t0r the
''ancient custom" which they do not feel But in
spite OF Oil this there will be fight before long f0r
the thlrd, ana possibly the 0urtn and nth terms.
we hate nerer unttmdted disposition 10 support
General Grant and are shall on no means 40 SO
,sotc But we repeat what we nave often said, that
y me country could get q proper President Ior
0bird or Jourfh term II tDouid be better on tina" "