New-York tribune., 1874-09-14
~.
JEFFERsoN's VIEWS OF A THIRD TERM.


Mr. John Adams, who succeeded Washington in
the Presidency. held that Office for only single
term though it does not appear that personally he
had any scruples about reflections.
Mr. Jefferson succeeded him in March, 1891, and
was reelected at the close of his term During the
year in which he entered upon his second term he
for the first time promulgated the very decided
views which he had formed on the subject of Pres-
Dental reeligibility in letter to his friend j. Tay
lor. 1t was, believe the first, and for that and
other reasons the most important statement of the
objections to an indefinite Presidential reehgbity
that has ever yet been madeS
WASHINGTON, Jan. G. 1905.
DEAR SIR: Your favor OF Dec. 26 has been duly re-
ceived proof OF your friendly partiaites to me. of
which have often had to be sensible. My
opinion originally was that the President OF the United
states shoui have been elected for seven years and
forever Ineligible afterward have since become sens
that there should be a peaceable way OF Withdrawing
man in midway who is doing wrong The service for
eight years. with power % remove at the end of the
four. comes nearly TO my principle corrected by
experience and it is in adherence to that that deter
mine to withdraw at the end Of my second term. The
danger Is that the indulgence and attachments OF the
people will keep man an the chair after he becomes
doard, that reelection through life shall become habit
ua. and election for life follow that Gen. Washington
set the example OF voluntary retirement after eight
will oppose the obstacle OF habit to any one
after q while who shall endeavor to extend his
term Perhaps beget disposition to establish
by an amendment OF the Constitution. believe am
dong right therefore pursuing my principle. had
determined to declare my Intention but have consented
to be silent the opinion Of friends who think 1t best
not put continuance out OF my power In defiance OF
All circumstances There is, however but circum-
stance which could engage my acquescence In another
election. to wit, such a division about successor as
might bring In a monarchst. But that circumstance Is
impossible While therefore, shall make no formal dec
araton to the public OF my purpose have Freely let IL
persuaded yourself and MY friends generally will APP
prove OF my views. Aud should at the end or second
term carry into retirement all the favor which the rst
has acquired shall feel the consolation OF having done
all the good in power, and expect with more than
composure the termination of life no longer valuable
10 others OF importance TO myself Accept my affect
onate salutaons and assurances OF great esteem ana
respect.
The views expressed in this letter were frequently
repeated in his correspondence, both during his
Presidency aud after his retirement. Two years
later he wrote "a follows to Mr. Weaver:
WASHINGTON. June 7, 1907
SIR Your favor OF March 30 reached my hands
till May The friendly views II expresses OF
Testimonies OF the appreciation OF my fellow citizens
know ttat am indebted TO their indulgent dispo
than to peculiar claims OF my own. For 1t
can give great claims any TO manage honestly
and dsnterestedy the concerns of others trusted TO
That shOnld lay down my charge at proper sea-
Beas %ucS S ssy Sensible ss o decay.
advancing years ought not to doubt their effect on the
seIioye or little observation Of what passes under our
ewes and shall be fortunate N l am tue first TO per
ceiye and 10 obey this admonition OF nature. That
there are in our country great number OF characters
entirely equal tEe management OF its affairs cannot
he doubted. Many OF them, indeed, have not had op
portunes OF making themselves known 20 their follow
ritizens; but many have had. and the only difficulty
will be 20 choose among them. These changes neces
sary too, for the security OF republican government.
II some period be not fixed. either by the Constitution
ar by practce the services OF the First Magistrate
his office, nominaly elective wl In fact be for
life that will soon degenerate into an inheritance
In the fall of 1906 the Legislature of Vermont ex-
pressed its wish that Jefferson would consent to be
candidate for a second reelection. On the 10th Of
December, 1907, he sent his reply:
Entertaining as do for the Legislature OF Vermont
those sentiments OF high respect which would have
prompted Immediate answer, was certain, never
ibeless they would approve delay which had for Its
object to avoid premature agitation OF the public
mind subject so interesting as the election OF
Chief Ma gistrate. r. !. ....| .... :
That should lay down my charge at proper period
/. Je6ersons Writings vol o, 2ol.
4 Annals Of Congress. D. l,52l.
Annals OF Congress. .. l,oll.
! JsfsIsons Conpete Works vol Nv, 2. o65,
! JsssTsoa; Cass.iai3 w0rks. " a.R b.