The Lake County star. [volume] (Chase, Mich.) 1873-current, 1875-06-10
Third Term.
President Grant has written the following letter to
General Harry White, President OF the recent Penn
sylvynia Republican State Convention:
EXECUTIVE MANSION,


President Grant has written the following letter to
General Harry White, President Of the recent Penn
sylvynia Republican State Convention:
WASHINGTON, ID. c., May 20, 1875. I
DEAR Sir: A short time subsequent TO the Presi-
dental election Of 1872 the press portion Of II hos
the ad%inisIstiOn started the cry Il "cnsr 81
and " third term," calling Justify for me to define
my position on the latter subject. believe II to be
twice called upon 10 Ill TO answer such question
before the subject should be presented by competent
authority to make q nomination or by body Of
fair subject Of ridcule. In fact, have been sur
prised that 30 many sensible persons In the Republic
can panty should permit their enemies to force upon
them and their party an issue which can not add
strength to the party no matter how met but body
OF the dignity and party authority OF convention
to make nominations for the State officers Of the
second State In the Union having considered this
question, Ideem l. not improper that should now
speak.
second nor even for first nomination. To the first
was called from life position created by Con-
gess expressly for me for supposed services rendered
TO the republic. The position vacated liked. 1t
would have been most agreeable TO me to have re-
tanned II until such time as Congress might have
consented TO my retirement with the rank and a
portion OF the emoluments 30 much needed, to
home where the balance of my days might be spent
In peace and the enjoyment OF domestic quiet. re-
tired from the cares which have oppressed me 80
to believe that the public good called me to make the
sacrifice.
Without seeking 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
purpose Of making their nomination. 1 can
not say that was not pleased at this, and at the
overwhelming Endorsement which their action
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
h.I L.a t,a.t
standing the conscousness Of the performance Of my
duties to the best Of my understanding, though,
admit In the light of subsequent events, many times
the people, who alone govern republics, was graft
ficaton that 1t is only human to have appreciated
and enjoyed.
NOW FOR THE "THIRD TERM"
do not want II any more than / did the first.
would not write utter word to change the will OF
the people in expressing and having their choice;
Of proposition to amend the Constitution, shape
In all parties nSnE
any person shall be eligible for the Office of Pres
ident Until such an amendment is adopted, the peo
pie cannot be restricted in their choice by resolution
further than they restricted as age, nation
atty, etc. 1t may happen In the future history OF
the country that to change an Executive because he
If not disastrous The idea that any could elect
himself President, or even renominate himself, Is
preposterous; II Is reflection upon the intelligence
anu patriOlsin vi the people 10 suppose SUCH hhg
possible Any man can destroy his chances for Of
ce but no one can force an election or even nomi-
nation.
To recapitulate, am not, nor have I ever been,
candidate for denomination. l would not accept
nomination If 1t were rendered, unless II should
come under such circumstances as to make II an
imperative duty-circumstances not at all likely to
occur.
/ congratulate the convention over which you pre-
sided for the harmony which prevailed, and for the
excellent ticket put in the field, which hope may
be triumphantly elected.
With great respect, your obed't servant,
(Signed] ". s. GRANT
To Gen. Harry White, President Pennsylvania Re-
publican State Convention