The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1875-12-22
rant and the Presfdency-A Lifetime
Office.

In the ordinary course of things, it may
be concluded that Mr.. Grant desires to con-
tinue in the presidential chair for another
four years, and the same motives and de-
sires that prompt him to seek it now: will
doubtless move him four years hence,
should he be elected, to seek to remain
there a fourth term. and so on, until death
shall overtske him. If he should thus live
and reign the ordinary period OF life, when
1t closes he could doubtless manage it easily
to place a son upon the throne that he
all that can be legitimately done to defeat
him this and every time. If, therefore, the
Democracy succeeds the third term and
lifetime project ends at once. But il the
Democracy fails, what then? Look at il as
We may it is step toward Imperialism.
This is no mere bugbear suggestion. The
American people see progress in this di-
rection step by step and yet they are not
alarmed. The dismissal of Henderson,
faithful officer in the employ of the gov
eminent, was an act. of supreme imperial
ism. He was doing his duty as he was en-
ployed to do it, was aiming to clear out OF
the way all hinderances. In this effort il
was necessary TO eriticss the acts of the
president. For this he was dismissed. But
who is the president? Only an officer with
distinct and definite duties. He Is just as
liable to go to the penitentiary for breach
of criminal law any one else. He could
aud would be hanged for treason under the
constitution as we'll as any other man
A !, sc4 l..
not be even criticised. Only on the pre-
sumption that lie himself is the govern
ment could he rightfully dismiss a
faithful officer for reproving his
acts. II the theory is correct that Mr.. Grant
can not be spoken against, then upon what
grounds can any government officer be
prosecuted. Do not these officials in
subordinate positions, in one sense, represent
the executive? Why touch Joyce, Melon
aid and Avery if Babcock and Mr.. Grant
are to remain unmolested. Upon the prin-
ciple that Mr.. Grant has acted in dismissipg
Mr.. Henderson, there could be no prosecu- |
ton of the president even If dozen tele- |
graphic dispatches should be discovered |
directly impeaching his honesty. For who |
would prosecute him? Not being en-
ployed to prosecute the government, |
and Grant being the government, the oc-
cupaLion OF the prosecutor would be gone
when one link of the chain that includes the
whisky ring is found attached to the door
bell OF the White House.
All this goes to show distinctly the i'm
perial tendencies of the present incumbent
of the executive chair. The third term pro-
ject is simply another step; 1t means
fourth term and fifth, a life Office tor Mr.. |
Grant, with successor in the family line |
There is no other Interpretation can be given |
to Ii. This matter should receive the |
consideration of the Republican |
party. Republicans may deem Mr.. Grant |
a necessity to the success of their party. But
what is success purchased at such cost
aud for whose profit? We have already |
seen that be has so hedged himself
about with influences that he is intrenched
IN his position. Bad men are his personal
favorites. Unwise nsen are his counselors.
Bristow, himself, universally esteemed as
honest and efficient, not without prospect
of becoming president himself If imperial
ism were at once peremptorily checked by
his party, has fallen greatly in
the estimation OF the American
people. If, when the order went
forth Diminishing Henderson, he had at once
placed his resignation in the hands that