Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1875-05-31

Washlnsnn, May oo PRESIDENT Gfant mas
written the following letter to General Harry
White. Pre- sident Of the recent Pennsylvania Re
publican State Convention
EXECUTIVE MANSION.
Washington. D. c., May 20, 1865
Dear Sir A short time subsequent to the Pres
idential election of 1872. the Press-a portion of
it hostile to the republican party and particularly
ism, and the third term, calling Justify for me to
define my position on the latter subject. l beev-
ed it to be beneath the dignity of the Office which
have been twice called upon to fill to answer
such question before the subject should be pre-
scented BY competent authority to make nomina-
ton, or by body Of such dignity and authority
as not to make q reply q fair subject of rdicule.
In fact have been surprised that so many sensi
BILE 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 convention to make NOM
nations for the State officers Of the second State
in the Union, having considered the question.
deem it not improper that should now speak.
In the first place, never sought the Office for q
second nor even for first nomination. To the
first l was called from life position-one created
by Congress expressly for me, for supposed ser
vices rendered to the republic. The position va
Gated l lked-it would have been most agreeable
to me to have retained it until such time as Con-
gress might have consented to my retirement wi h
the rank and portion of the emoluments which
SO much needed, to home where the balance Of
my days might be spent in peace and the enjoy
ment of domestic quiet, relieved from the cares
which have oppressed me so constantly for four
teen years. But was made to believe that the
public good called me to make the sacrifice.
Without seeking the Office for the second tenn,
the unanimous votes of the delegates of all the
States and Territores selected 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
mus. be remeu bered that oil the sacrifices except
that of comfort, had been made in accepting the
FIRST term" Thea, too, such = fire of personal
abuse and SANDER had been kept up for four
years, Notwithstanding the conscientious per-
Torrance of my duties to the best Of my under
standing, though in the light of subsequent events
many times subject to fair criticism, than en-
dorsement from the people, who alone govern re-
publics 1t was qualification that it is only hui
man to have appreciated and enjoyed. Now for
the "third term" / do not want it any more
than did the first. would not write or utter
word to change the will Of the people in express
ing and having their choice. The question of the
number Of terms allowed to any one executive
ment to the constitution, shape in which all po-
Utica parties can participate, fixing the length of
time or number of terms for which any one per-
SON shall be eligible for the Office of President.
CAtll SUCH AL bueuumcut Is duOPtcu, Tic pcOplc
cannot be restricted in their choice by . resolu-
ton, further than they are now restricted ~ to
age, nationality, &C. 1t may happen in the future
history Of the country that to change executive
because he has been eight years will prove unfor-
tunate if not disastrous. The idea that any man
could elect himself President, or even to re-nom-
mate himself, is preposterous. 1t is . reflection
upon the int lligence and pair iotism of the peo
pie to sappose such . thing possible. Any man
can destroy hi. chances for the office, but no one
can force an election even q nomination. To
re capitulate: am not nor have ever been q
candidate for denomination. l would not accept
q nomination if it was rendered, unless it should
come under such circumstance as to make it an
imperative duty, q circumstance not likely to
arise. congratulate the convention over which
you presided for the harmony which prevailed and
for the excellent ticket put in the field, and which
l hope may be triumphantly elected.
With great respect, your obedient servant.
(Signed) U. S. GRANT.
To Gen. Harry White President Of the republi-
can State convention.