St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1875-06-04

beneath the dignity of the office which
| have been twice called upon to fill to
answer such n question before the sub
ject should be presented by competent
authority to make nomination. or by
a body of such dignity and authority
us not to make Il reply Il fair subject OF
ridicule in fact. have been surprised
that so many sensible persons in the
Republican party should permit their
euemies to force upon them and their
parts an issue which cannot add strength
to the party. no matter how met. but a
body of dignity and authority of Il con
venton to make nominations for state
officers of the second state i'll the Union
Having considered this question. deem
it not improper that | should now
speak.
In the first place. never sought fol
Il second or even for Il first nomination
to the Presidency. | was called from Il
life position: one created by Congress
expressly for me. for supposed services
rendered to the Republic. The position
vacated liked; it would have been
most agreeable to me to have retained
until such time us Congress might have
consented to my retirement with the
rank and portion of the emolument~
which so much needed. to home
where the balance of my days might he
spent III peace and domestic quiet; re-
lieVed from the cares which have OPP
pressed me So constantly now 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 term, the nomina-
ton was rendered to me by unan-
imous vote of the delegates of all the
states and territories selected bv the
representatives of each to represent
their whole number for the purpose of
making their nomination. cannot say
that | was not pleased at this. and the
overwhelming endorsement which their
action received at the election follow
ing. But it must he remembered that
all the sacrifices. except that of comfort,
had been made i'll the accepting of the
first term. Then. too. such fire of
personal abuse and Islander had been
kept up for four Years. Notwithstanding
the CONSCIENTIOUS performance of my
duties To the best OF my understanding.
though admit. i'll the light of Suhse-
quemt events, many times subject To
fair criticism. that au endorsement from
the people. who alone govern the re-
public, was Il qualification tor any man
to have appreciated and enjoyed. Now
for the third term. do not want it any
more than did the first: | would not
write OF utter Il word to change the will
of the people in cNprc~sin" and having
their choice. The question of the num-
her of ears allowed to any one ENtcu-
tive can only come up fairly in the
shape of Il proposition to amend the
Constitution Il shape in which all
political parties can participate. Dur
ing the length of the time OF terms ANY
one person can he eligible for the office
of President. until such amendment is
adopted, the people cannot he restricted
in their choice 10y resolutions rs they
are restricted. rs Ia age. nativity. etc.
1t may happen III the future history of
the country that To change an executive
because he has been eight years i'll office.
will prove unfortunate if not disastrous.
The idea that any man could elect him
self President or even reuominatc him
self l. prrpo>;elou>. Ii l. It reflection
upon the intelligence and patriotism of
the people I" suppose such Il thing pos
Slble. ANY man can DESTROY his chance
for the office, bat no one can force an
election or nomination. To Iccapitu-
late: | am not. nor have been Il c-tn-
dIdatr for Il denomination. | would not
accept Il denomination if it We're ten
dcrcd me, unless il cam" under such
circumstances ;I- To- make ii an imper;i-
tive duty circumstances not likely /"
arise
congratulate the convention nvcr
which lou presided tor the harmony
which prevailed and for the excellent
ticket put in the field. which | nope
may hc triumphantll elected.
With great respect. >ir.
Your ohcdicnt servant.
|. =. GRANT.
To General Harry White.
President Pennsylvania Republican
4