Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1875-06-02
The Third Term.

We commend TO the attention Of those oil
our readers who have been frightened at the
bugbear of third term for General Grant,
the following admirable letter, in which he
pretty conclusively puts to rest all fears on
that subject. 1t is a manly, straight forward
letter. which will repay perusal
EXECUTIVE MANsioN
WASHINGTON u. c., Nay 20 1870
Dear Sir A short time subsequent IN the Pres
idential election Of 1872 the press, portion Of it
hostile to the Republican party, and particularly
so to the administration started the cry Of " Car
sarsm and the third term calling Justify for
me 10 define my position on the latter subject |
believed it to be beneath the dignity Of the Office
which have been twice called upon TO in, TO an
swer such question before the subject should be
presented by competent authority to make a nom
nation, or by body Of such dignity and authority
as not to make a reply fair subject Of rdicule
In fact, have been surprised that so many sens-
bic persons in the Republican party should permit
their enemy to force upon them and their party
an issue which cannot add strength 10 the party,
no matter how met But a body Of the dignity
and party authority Of a convention 10 make nom
nations for the state officers Of the second state in
the Union having considered this question, deem
it not improper that should speak.
In the first place, never sought the Office for a
second nor even for a first nomination. To the
first was called from a life position, one created
by Congress expressly for me, for supposed ser
vices rendered 10 the republic The position
vacated liked. It would have been most agree
able to me to have retained il until such time as
Congress might have consented 10 my retirement
with the rank and portion Of the emoluments
which 50 much needed, to n home where the bal
ancc OF my days might be spent in peace and the
enjoyment Of domestic 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 rendered to me by a unani-
nous vote Of the delegates Of all the states and
territories, selected by the republicans Of each to
represent their whole number, for the purpose Of
making this 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 aud slanderhad been
kept up for four years notwithstanding the con
scen,ious performance Of my duties to the best Of
my understanding though | admit, in the light
Of subsequent events, many times subject to fair
criticism; that an endorsement from the people,
who alone govern republics, was qualification
that il is only human TO have appreciated and en-
joyed.
Now for the third term, do not want it any
more than | did the first would not write or ut
ter word To change the will of the people in eX-
pressing aud having their choice Thequestion OF
the number of terms allowed to any one executive
can only come up fairly in the shape Of proposi-
ton to amend the constitution, 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 amendment is adopted
the people cannot be restricted in their choice by
resolution further than they are now restricted as
to age, nativity, etc II may happen in the future
history Of the country that to change an executive
because he has been eight years in service will
prove unfortunate, II not disastrous The idea
that any man could elect himself president, or
even renominate himself, is preposterous. 1t is a
reelection upon the intelligence and patriotism of
the people to suppose such thing possible Any
man can destroy his chances for the office, but no
one can force an election, OF even n nomination.
To recapitulate am not nor have ever been,
a candidate for n denomination. would not ac-
cept a nomination II it were rendered, unless it
should come under such circumstances as to make
it an imperative duty, circumstances 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 hope may be triumphantly elected.
With great respect, your obedent servant
(Sgned,) L, S. GRANT
To General HARRY WHITE, President Pennsyl-
vania Republican State Convention.