Connecticut western news., 1875-06-11
g1y D~a THE~THKRDyEERM. 2 3EEE E Letter fronl President Grnht, on the Third
 s% Term Questipn. aT

s%H Term Questipn. 6T
 The following is the letter of Presi- dent Grant to the Pennsylvania Repubi- can Convention relative to the third term question A short time subsequent to the Presi- dential election of 1872, the press, DOT tion.of it hostile to the Republican party, and particularly so to the Administration, started the cry of "Caesarism' and the third term,'' calling Justify for me to define my position on the latter sub ject. Believed it to be beneath the dignity of the office which I have been twice called upon to fill to answer such question before the subject should Joe presented by competent authority to make 2 nomination, or by body of such dignity and authority as not to make 8 reply fair subject of ridicule. In fact, l have been surprised that so many sensible persons in the Republican party should permit their enen1y to force upon them, and>thsit party ,an. issue which cannot add Strength to the party, mo matter how met. But a body of the dignity and sparty authority of conven- ktion to sndake nominations for the State officers of the second State in the Union having considered this question. I deem it not improper that I should speak.
 In the first place, Isnever sought the office for a second, nor even for first nomination. To the first I was cal led from 8 life position-one created by Congress expressly for me for supposed services rendered to the republic. The position vacated liked. It would have been most agreeable to me to have re- itained it until such Binel as Congress might have consented to my retirement, with ItheT srRnk and portion of the emoluhahtS wbichA IIso lmuch neede ed, to 8 home where the balance of my days hight be spent in peace and the | tenjoyment o4 domestic quiet, relieved from the cares which have oppressed k me so constantly ? now for fourteen years: But was made to believe that the public good called me to make the esaerifee. g' Withop seeking the office I5for 5ths secofd1 term, Jthe nomination was rendered to me by unanimous vote of nthez aelegates4of all the States b,aaa Terfito hea, aaeeted by the Rapub- hcans of 6apksto xepresent Hheh Ewhole num mbe1,S fdF Hhe M pi1rposes of4 making their nomination.
 l cannot say that was not pleased at this, and at the overwhelming indorse- fment which their action received at the election following. But it must be re- membYteq that all gtfe sacrifices except that 6f cefdfor had b6sh made in accept ing the first term. Then, too, such a fire of personal abuse and slander had been kept up for four years, notwith- Standing the conscieht tious performance of my ddties Ato the best of my under standing, though I admit in the light .ot subsequent events many times subject to fair criticism, that an inaersement publcs, was @ a[gratiaSGatien 8 i that | is only human to have appreciated and enjoyed. Now for the third term. l do not want it any more than did the first. ] would net.write or utter word to change thesWl of the people in expressing and having their choice. The question oi the number of terms allowed to any one Executive can only come up fairly in the shape of 8 proposition to amend the Constitution, 0 shape in which all politi- cal spafties can participate, fixing sthe length of time Fof the hunaber'ofA terms for which any one person shall be eligi- ble for the office of President. Until such an amendment is adopted the peo- pie eeeannot be restricted in. their choice [ by resolution further than they are now res tricted as to age, nativity, etc. It may happen in the future history of the country Shat to change an Executive because he has been eight years in office will prove unfortunate if not disastrous. The idea that any man could elect him. self President or even. renominate him. self is preppatefous. 2 Itis reflection upon the intelligence and patriotism of the people to suppose such thing pos sible. Any man can destroy his chances for the office, but no one, can force an election, or even a noninatlon.
 F 5~Tosrecapitulate: am not nor have ] ever been 8 candidate for renomination. IL would not accept nomination if it eEWere tendered, unless it should come un, der such circumstances as to make it an imperative duty -circumstances not like ly to arise. } # With great respect r'~N Your obedient servant,
 F:s (Signed) ssl U. s. GRANT.
 To General Harry White, President
 Pennsylvania Republican State Con, vention