The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1875-04-29
s.Th;rd Term I"


the "Third Term question, we have SIM
ply maintained that there was nothing in the
Constitution and laws of the country to in
hibit the acceptance of the Office OF President
for the third time, il it were the viii! Of the peo
pie that it should be so. We still contend that
there is nothing in the abstract question to ex-
cite the fears of the country or infianie the APP
prehcnsons Of the people as to change in
the character OF our government by reason Of
such departure from past usage. We have
believed from the first that it was not the de-
sire OF Gen. Grant to have again conferred up
on him the great responsibilities OF the Prcsi-
dency, after the expiration Of his present
term, aud had not the question been thrust
upon the country b. his enemies, or those who
clanored fora sensation, We are Of the opin-
ion that he would have long since informed his
friends that his wishes would be consulted if
his name were not mentioned in connection
with the Presidential candidacy for the cleo
ton in 1876. We believe now that ii lis per-
sonal and party friends had approached him
in proper spirit, he would have given them
the assurance OF his earnest desire to retire
from the cares of Office after his secoad term
had closed, and we are satisfied iii our own
mind, that if any Republican Legislature, or
State convention, would address the inquiry to
him in a manner consistent with his position
and in terms that wo. Id harmonic with the
respect due to the great services he has rem.
dered the country, his answer would be dis
tinct and unequivocal.
While this is our belief, we are BY no means
convinced that it would be the wisest thing for
the Republican party and the country that it
sho Id PROVE to be true General Grant to-
day has q stronger hold upon the hearts Of the
people of the United States than any man
since the days of General Jackson. His SYM
pathies are with the people, the masses, and
they know it. His feelings are in unison with
the popular p lsations of the nation, and he
has larger share of the unaffected, up-gusli-
ing confidence of the citizens OF this country
than any man now living. Assuming the re-
sponsibilities of the Presidency at time when
the nation was just emerging from the throes
of revolution-when anarchy and chaos threat
ened a whole section of the Unio.l-wlien
craftsmanship was demanded far more compre-
hemsive than in the inauguration of our system
of Government, in order to adjust the difficult
ties growing out of an entirely new condition
OF things comprehending a revolution in the
soc al, political and industrial relations Of the
country-When traditions and theories that had
grown with the growth OF one section of the
Union and become part OF it political
faith, had been uprooted, and the necessity
imposed Of accepting that construction of the
constitution which ansagonized the lifetime
education Of many of the political leaders OF
the South-coming into power when all these
anomalous relations OF the country were fresh,
and prciudices and passions illflamed. the mar
velous success that has attended the admins
tratioa CT President Grant, in restoring order,
and giving efficiency to the laws. will go DOM
in history as achievements worthy the most ex-
alted ard patriotic ambition.
The people remember these thngs-.!iat
Gen. Grant is as renowned in peace as he was
in war; and that throughout the trying events
and developments OF his administration, he has
always shown his sympathy for the masses,
comprelicnding the fact that they constitute
the country, and that laws and policies should
be so shaped as to secure the greatest good tc
the greatest number.
The ambition of politiciars-the frenzy and
animosty Of partizan antagonists, may seek tc
pervcrt The stern facts OF history, and by jeal-
GUS rivalries, and poisoned malice attempt to
detract from the great service the president
has rendered the country; bat there is no Ian
guage of abuse Or figure OF denunciation that
can drive the conviction from the popular con-
sciousness, that to-day General Grant stands
pre-emnent in the regard and affections of the
American people.
If he should be the nominee OF the Repub-
lican party in 1876, it will be from no effort Oh
desire on his part that such a result will be ef
fected. 1t will be from the conviction OH tbs
part of the people chat the necessities Of the
country will require Ills further service as tho
chief Executive Officer of the nation. One
thing is beyond question, if he is not the nom
ince of the Republican party, man Of like in
flexible devotion to the principles colnprehcn
ded in the constitution as it is, and the law:
enacted in pursuance Of ii, will have to be cho
sen. 1t is no time for temporizing politician;
American people. The ideas which met in
conflict in 1860, are to confront each other If
1885, and the question presented to the coun
try whether this is a government of nationa
authority powerful enough to enforce tlae lawi
and protect the rights OF citizenship through
out the length and breadth of the Unien, {
system of sovereign States, each claiming par
amount authority to the national head The
lines will be strictly drawn upon these theories
and the judgment OF the people recorded. VIZ
have no misgiyngs as to the result, and hence
the necessity of the choice Of a leader who full.
ly understands the important issue, and will
have the firmaess to carry out all That the YER
dict at the ballot box will imply.
The above article was prepared and in type
for last weeks issue, but was laid over in con
sequence Of the large amount of advertising
\ claiming our attention. Since then, we tind
the following special telegram fsens Washing
1 ton to the New York Graphic, coniirmatory Of
the yicws expressed as to the wishes OF the
President.
According to our conviction, however, from
present developments, and the signs Of tn.
times, the popularimpulse of the nation will
Enthusiastically indicate the nomination Of Gen
Grant for third term.