New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1875-06-08
Why Not Three Terms .

next day.
The Chamber then adjourned
Why Not Three Terms.
Under this query, correspondent of the
New York Graphic presents some very
vigorous reasons in the affirmative or at
least attacks the negative as sheer non
sense, as follows:
You have shown more fairness in the dis
cussion of public questions than any other
metropolitan paper, and l have always no.
ticed that you never fail to give the other
side fair chance. In this matter of a
third term there has been deal of non
sense emitted. But what men want is not
cant, but reason. The only man the Repuc-
licans can elect to the presidency in 1876 is
President Grant. But he has already been
elected twice, and many Republicans have
scruples against nominating him for re-
election, while the opposition keep up an
incessant clanOr against the third term, as
though it were crime. But the Repub.
licans believe in Grant, respect him, COM
pliment him by resolutions and acknOWl-
edge that he is the best man for the place
the party has. Eight years of experience
has taught him what to avoid and what to
do. And were he reelected, undoubtedly
u
and popular than either of the others. Yet
many of them are scared from nominating
him on account of this third term bogy.
Now, what | want to know is, why the
people of the United States should be de-
prived of the privilege of electing Presi-
dent third time if they choose to do So!
What crime is there in nominating him for
reelection! How does the acceptance OF q
nomination imply CRsarism? The constitu-
ton puts no limit on the number of times a
President may be elected. The question
was considered in the convention whether
the President should be elected for term
of seven years without reelection, OF term
of four years with the privilege of re.elec-
ton, and it was decided in favor of four
years with reelection. A great deal has
been said about using the patronage of the
government to secure a re election. But
this applies to first re election as strongly
as to second, and all who oppose third
term on this ground should be equally op-
posed to second. But they are not. Very
few of them object to a second term. In-
deed, they have no scruple against electing
Governors and members Of Congress third
and even a sixth term. Experience is in
valuable in the Senate, in the Legislature. iE
a railway corporation. Experience doubles
capacity and worth in every position and
office but that of President, where it is
needed most. The absurdity of such po-
sitiOn is too conspicuous to call for an
answer.
am amazed at the stupid nonsense that
is doled out on this subject. What is the
argument! Mr.. George Washington de-
second term, and set an example which his
successors have scrupulously followed. And
Mr.. George Washington was a great and
good man. That is all 1t is forgotten that
Washington was sixty five years old at the
close of his second term, and the exposures
and privations of his military lite, and the
terrible strain on his faculties, made him
prematurely old: he longed for rest, and
lived only two years after leaving the pres
idency. There was only one party in the
country, and there was no special reason
why he should hold the Office another term
Jefferson was sixty-slx at the close Of his
second term. His friends urged him to be
a candidate for re election, but there was a
powerful opposition, and he feared defeat:
the nation was on the brink of war, and he
was not made for military command; his
party could elect his alter ego in the person
of Madison. Moreover, he says himself
that he lacked the courage to disrc-
gard the precedent set by his il
weakness. The bell wether had leaped
the wall at particular place, and every
sheep must follow the illustrious example.
He was never SO we'll fitted for office as
when he laid it down, and for seventeen
years he raised onions and entertained
Ioafers and wrote letters and run in debt.
while the nation suffered for the want OF
his trained and thoroughly experienced
craftsmanship. 1 say it was a shame for
that man to have robbed the country of his
services at such a time tor mere whim.
onfE cd = hn Nntt
son nor Monroe had the energy to break an
established custom. John Quincy Adams,
who watched the workings of our govern
ment with remarkable care, expresses his
regret in his diary that the President is
considered ineligible after second term of
service and that the highest office can be
held on such a brief tenure. jackson could
have been reelected had he desired the
honor, but there was no reason for his re-
election in the condition of the country,
and he was seventy years old when his
second term closed, and inirm for his years.
He could not have served a third term had
desired it.
The argument from precedent is bosh.
The more it is cooked the thinner it seems.
Old Mr.. Washington leaves a little country
of some 100000 people scattered along the
seaboard, in order that he might relieve his
aches ald cultivate his acres; therefore
President Grant, who will be only fifty five
when his second term expires. who is in the
midst of his most useful years and at the
top of his capacity, must retire from the
service of 100000 people when the Re
publicans declare he is the one man in the
nation best fitted for the office he holds.
Washington retired on the rheumatism at
sixty five; therefore Grant, sound in body
and mind, must step down and out at fifty
five. And this, too, when more than ever
the nation needs an experienced and saga
cious head. l say it is stuff. II the Re-
publicans are sincere they are bound to re
Grant and re-elect him. If he is
bad man; if he lacks capacity; if he has failed
to fill his high office with credit and honor,
they might throw him overheard. But here
the Pennsylvania State Convention extols
him to the skies for his fidelity and success
full administration, and then, on the top of
q glorifying resolve, declares against
third term. Are these men idiotsl If Grant
has done we'll, as they enthusiastically de-
clare, for that very reason he should be re-
elected, that the country may have the
benefit of his experience. They must know
that the choice does not lie between Grant
and another Republican, but between
Grant and a Democrat. Are they such
towards as to be frightened out of their
wits by WashingtOn's nightcap!
l trust you will publish this letter in the
interest of free discussion and fair play.
VAN BUREN SELlZER.
New York, May 30.
The last drawing
TO