The Republican journal., 1875-04-08
Grant and a Third Term.


subject of third term for the present in
cumbent Of the Presidency, we expressed
the belief that Gen Grant did not intend
to be again a candidate, and that his in
tluence would be given for the republican
who seemed to be most promising, with
view of perpetuating party power, Since
that time the aspect has materially chang
ed. There have been abundant opportu-
mites when the President could have de-
MED such aspirations, with very great
advantage to his party, but declined to do
So Just before the sweeping Democratic
victories Of last tail, he was implored to
say the few words which it was believed
would save the party, and declined to do
So He was asked again, before the re-
cent New Hampshire and Connecticut
elections, with the same result
The New York Graphic, which now per-
forms the function of Presidents organ in
New York city, vice the Republic, de-
ceased, mas an article under the above
'
pecially of those who consider the third
term question nothing but a ''bugbear." a
"humbug" and nonsense" The Graphic
does not look on the third-term scheme as
a thing which has nothing in it, but what
it STYLES third-term nonsense is the pop
ular opposition to the third term 1t does
not pretend to discredit the assertion that
strong efforts are being made in the d
rection Of retaining General Grant in the
presidency after the expiration of his pres
emit term, but seeks rather to rdicue the
conviction OF thoughtful and patriotic men,
that such q deviation from our political
habits and precedents may easily uproot
the very foundation Of our government.
The argument OF the Graphic is, that there
is no logic in this objections that a third
term is not only not worse. but even bet
ter than 4 second and that much that
might be said against the latter could not
apply to the former The lesson Of the
last tall elections is said TO be THAT the
people stood by the president instead OF
congress" the latter having opposed the
Presidents policy. The following passage
is particularly remarkable:
1T is easy TO believe from many indications
that there is 4 large body of intelligent citizens
who deprecate a change in the national govern
ment. and would much prefer the reelection OF
President Grant than the revolution i'll public
offices and national policy that would follow the
succession of another to the place. Perhaps the
number OF citizens who would prefer President
Grant to any new man, and especially to
democrat. is much larger than has been sup
posed. Therc is no question that he is the
strongest man in the republican party to-day.
This is admitted by such clear-sighted papers
rs the Springfield Republican. And suppose
that the majority of republicans, feeling that
the time for new departure has come, put
him i'll nomination? 1t is purely a question Of
national eXpediency, of party policy, and rs
such deserves consideration. But if it is found
de Sira0le or important to renOminato him. What
is there i'll the principles of our government or
the nature Of things to hinder lis being done2
Let Us have the reason of the matter instead of
idle defamation.
The above can hardly be regarded as a
leeler; it is more like a frank and open
announcement thai the President wants to
be acknowledged rs a candidate for re-
election, and that the custom-house ring
is already at work for him.
The proofs that no efforts are spared to
make the party machinery subseryent to
the Presidents aspirations are increasing
daily. What his rivals for the republican
nomination may expect is shown by the
treatment which Mr.. Blaine experienced
at the hands OF the Washington organ us
soon as his name was brought up in con-
nectiOn with the Presiden tial candidacy
The President himself does not lose any
opportunity To In,,nu his intentions under
stood. 1t is no longer his silence from
which differences are to be drawn; his
positive acts are even more conclusive.
The rewards protusely given to his faith
tul supporters; the removal of good otfi-
GERS for no other reason than that they are
not sufficiently reliable workers for his
personal interests; the final abandonment
Of the sham civil service reform: the per-
sonal lobbying OF the executive in the last
days of the congressional session-thcse
can have no other possible meaning.