The Somerset press. [volume] (Somerset, Ohio) 1873-1977, 1875-06-04
THIRD TERN.
President Speaks Out on the Ques-
tiOn-He Does Not Want Third
Any More than He Did a First
He is Not and Never Has
Been a Candidate.
WAsHISerox. Nav so. 1873.

DttH u
WAsHISGToN, May SO, 1879
President Grant has written the fol-
lowing letter to general Harry White, 1
President of the recent Pennsylvania
Republican State Convention:
Executive Mansion, Washington, D. |
c., May 20, 1S75.-Dear Sir-A short
time subsequent TO the Presidential /
election of 1872 the press, portion of
it hostile to the Republican party, and |
particularly SO to the administration,
started the cry of "Cesarism" and "the
third term" calling lustily for me to
define my position on NE lattersubject.
/ believed it to be beneath the dignity !
called upon to fill, to answer snch
question before the subject should be |
presented by competent authority TO
make a nomination, or by a body of
such dignity and authority as not to
make reply a fair subject of ridicule.
In. fact, have been surprised that so
many sensible persons in the Repubii-
can party shouid permit their enemies
to force upon them and their party an
issue which cannot add strength to the
party, no matter how met. But body
of the dignity and party authority Of
convention to make nominations for the
State officers of the second State in the
Union having considered this question,
deem it not improper that ! should
now speak. In the first place never
sought the Office for second, nor even
for frst nomination. To the first !
was called from life position, one Great
ed by Congress especially for me for
supposed services rendered to the Re
public. The position vacated 1 liked.
1t would have been most agreeable to
me to have retained it until such time
as Congress might have consented to
my retirement with the rank and por-
ton of the emolument which / so much
needed to home. when the balance of
my days might be spent in peace and
enjoyment of domestic quiet, relieved
from cares which have oppressed me so
constantly now for fourteen years. But
1 was made to believe that the public
good called me to make the sacrifice.
Without seeking the Office for the Sec
ond term, the nomination was rendered
to me by a unanimous vote of the dele
gates of all the States and Territories
selected by the Republicans Of each to
represent their whole number for the
purpose of making their nomination.
/ cannot say that was not pleased at
this and at the overwhelming endorse
ment which their action received at the
election following; but it must be re-
membered that all the sacrifices, except
that of comfort, had been made in ac-
cepting the "first term" Then, too,
such fire of personal abuse and sland-
er had been kept up for four years,
notwithstanding the conscientious per-
formance of my duties to the best Of my
understanding, though ] admit, in the
light of subsequent events, many times
subject to fair criticism. Then an en-
dorsement from the people, who alone
govern republics, was a qualification
that it is only human to have appreciat-
ed and enjoyed.
Now for the "Third Term" / do
not want it any more than l did the
first. ] would not write OF inter word
to change the will of the people in ex-
pressing or having their choice. The
question of the number of terms allow
ed to any one executive can only come
up fairly in the shape of proposition
to amend the Constitution, shape in
which all political parties can particip-
ate, fixing the length of time or the
number of terms for which any one per-
son shall be eligible to the Office of
President. Until such an amendme mt is
adopted the people cannot be restricted
in their choice by resolution further
than they are now restricted as to age,
nationality, &c. 1t may happen in the
future history of the country that to
change an Executive because he has
been eight years in Office, will prove un-
fortunate if not disastrous. The idea
that any man can elect himself Pres.
ident, or even to renominat himself, is
preposterous. 1t is reflection upon
the intelligence and patriotism of the
people to suppose such thing possible
Any man can destroy his chances fol
the Office, but no one can force an elec
ton, or even nomination. To recapitu
ate, / am not, nor have ever. been, s
candidate for a denomination. / woulC
not accept a nomination if it were ten
dered me, unless it should come under
such circumstances as to make it an i'm
perative duty, circumstances not likely
to arise. l congratulate the Conven
tion over which you presided for tn
harmony which prevailed, and for tn
excellent ticket put in the field, ant
which / hope may be triumphant
elected.
With great respect, your obedien
servant,
(Signed,) US. GRANT.
To Gen. Harry White, President Penn
sylvania Republican State Convention
The Reception OF the Third Teri
Letter nv the Public.