The Rutland daily globe. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1873-1877, 1875-05-31
THIRD TERM.
Letter from President Grant.
He Defines his Position.


has written the following letter to Gen.
Harry White, president of the recent
Pennsylvania republican state convention.
EXECUTIVE MANSION, WAsuISeToN, ID. O.,
May 30, 1876.
DEAR SRA soort time subsequent to
the presidential election Of 1879 the press,
portion of It hostile to the Republican
party, and particularly so to the admins
tration, started the cry of C@sarism and
the 'third terni,' calling Justify for me to
define my position. On the last subject /
believed it to be beneath the dignity of the
office which have been twice called upon
to oil to answer such a question before the
subject should be presented by competent
authority to make nomination, or by
body of such dignity and au-
thority as not to make a reply fair
subject Of ridcule. In fact, | have been
surprised that so many sensible persons in
the Republican party should permit their
enemy to force upon them and their party
an issue which cannot add strength to the
party no matter how met. But body of
the dignity and party authority of a conven.
| tion to make nominations for officers of the
| second state in the union having consid-
cred this question, deem it not improper
that ] should now speak. In the first
place, never sought the Office for sec.
ond nor even for a first nomination. To
the first was called from life position,
one created by congress expressly for me
for supposed services rendered to the re-
public the position vacated l liked; II
would have been most agreeable to me to
have retained It until such time as congress
might have consented to my retirement
with the rank and a portion Of the emolu-
ments, which so mnch needed, to home
where the balance of my days might be
spent in peace and the enjoyment of do
mestic quiet, relieved from the cares which
have oppressed me so constantly now for
fourteen years, but was made to believe
that the public good called me to make The
sacrifice. Without seeking the office for
the second term the nomination was ten
dered to me by a unanimous vote of all the
delegates Of all the states aud territories,
reelected by the republicans of each
to represent their whole number for the
purpose OF making their nomination.
cannot say that was not pleased at this
and at the overwhelming endorsement
which their action received at the election
following, but it must be remembered that
all the sacrifices, except that. of comfort,
had been made in accepting the first term
then, too, such fire of personal abuse
and SANDER had been kept up for foui
years, notwithstanding the conscientious
performance of my duties to the best of
my understanding, though admit, in the
light of subsequent events, many times
subject to fair criticism, rather than an
endorsement, from the people, who alone
govern republics, was a qualification that
it is fully human TO have appreciated and
enjoyed. Non for The third term | do
not want ii any more than did the first.
Iiwould not write or utter word to change
the will Of the people in expressing and
having their choice. The question of the
number of terms allowed to any one execu-
tive can only come up fully in the shape Of
proposition to amend the constitution. a
shape in which all political parties can
participate, fixing the length Of time or
the number Of terms for which any one
person shall be eligible for the office of
president. Until such an amendment is
adopted, the people cannot be restricted
in their choice by resolution,
further than they are now restricted as
TO age, nationality, &c. Ii may happen
in the history of the country that 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 himself president were he to
re:nominate himself is prepOsterous. 1t
is reflection upon the intelligence and pa
triotism of the people to suppose such
thing possible. Any man can destroy his
chances for the office, but no one can force
an election or even nomination.
TO RECAPITULATE.
am not, nor have ever been, candi-
date for denomination. l would not ac-
cept a nomination if 1t were rendered, un-
less it should come under such circum-
stances as to make it an imperative duty
circum stances not likely to arse. l con-
graduate the convention over which you
presided on the harmony which prevailed
and for the excellent ticket put in the field,
and which, hope, may be triumphantly
elected. With great respect, your ODE
dent servant.
(SigneD L. s. GRANT.
To Henry White, President Pennsylvania
Republican State Convention.