The interior journal. [volume] (Stanford, Ky.) 1872-1881, 1875-06-04

President Grant ha. written the following letter
70 General Harry White, President of the recent
Pennsylvania Republican State Convention
EXECUTIVE Msrsiox
WAsHINorON, d. G., May ~, ISIS. I
DEAR sIn; short time subsequent to the Pre.i.
dental election Of 1871 the press portion Of Il hos
tile 10 the Republican party and particularly ~ "a
the adminsiration, started the cry Of "Cr-arism'
aud third term," calling Justify for me 10 dehne m
position on the latter subject. believe II 10 he he
meath the dignity Of the Office which have beer
twice called upon 10 hll 70 answer such question
before the subject should he presented by competent
authority To make a nomination or by q body ol
such dignity and authority not 10 make q repfy
fair subject Of ridicue. In fact, have been sur.
prised that MANI sensible persons In the Republi
can party should permit their enemies to force upon
them and their party an issue which can not add
strength 10 the party no matter how met, but body
Of the dignity and party authority Of convention
10 make nominations for the state officers of the
Second state In the Union having considered thi.
question, deem Il not improper that should nov
In the first place, never sought the Office for A
second nor even for first nomination To the hrst
was called from life Position, created by Com
gress expressly for me for supposed services rendered
TO the republic The position vacated I liked II
would have. been most agreeable to me 10 have re-
tained u until such time as Congress might have
consented To my retirement with the rank and a
position Of the emoluments 10 much needed, 10 a
home where the balance of my days might lie spent
IN peace and the enjoyment ~ domestic quiet, re-
tired from the cares which have oppressed me so
constantly now for fourteen years. hut was made
to believe that the public good called me to make the
sacrifice.
Without scoking the Office for the second term,
the nomination was rendered to me by a unan-
imous vote Of the delegates Of all the States and
Territories selected by the Republicans Of each
10 represent their whole number for the purr.~e
Of making their nomination. I can not say
that ! was not pleased at this, and at the
overwhelming Endorsement which their aefion
received at the election following but II mus, be
membsred that all the Sacrifices except that Of COM
tort, had been made In accepting the first term"
Then, too, such fire Of personal abuse and sarder
had been kept up for four years notwithstanding
the consciousness of the performance Of my duties
10 the best Of my understanding, though, admit,
IN the light Of subsequent events, many times sub
ject 70 fair criticism, that an Endorsement from the
people, who alone govern republics, was gratihca-
ion that II Is only human 10 have appreciated and
enjoyed.
NOW FOR THE THIRD TERN"
I do not want II any more than I did the first
would not write utter a word TO change the will
II the people In expressing and having their choice
The question OF the number Of terms allowed tn any
enc executive can only come up fairly In the shape
Of proposition to amend the Consultation, share
In which all political parties participate, hxng
the length Of time the number of terms for which
any person shall be eligible for the Office Of Prcs-
ident. Until such amendment Is adopted the peo-
pie cannot be restricted in their choice by resolution
further than they restricted rs to age nation
Rlity etc. II may happen In the future history Of
the country that TO change an Executive because he
has been eight years In office will prove unfortunate
II not disastrous The idea tnat any could elect
himself President, or even renOminate himself, Is
prcpoicrous II is reflection upon the intelligence
aud patriotism of the people TO suppose such thing
possible. Any man eau destroy his chances for Of
hcc but no one can force election, or even nom-
nation.
To recapitulate, am not, nor have 7 ever been, a
candidate for q denomination. l would not accept
a nomination II II were rendered, unless II should
come under such Circumstances as to make IL an
imperative duty-circumstances not al all likely 10
occur
congratulate the convention over which you pre-