Ottumwa weekly courier. (Ottumwa, Wapello County, Iowa) 1872-1899, 1875-06-02
TINE THIRD TERM.

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fair subject or Eidicule. In fact have been
surprised that 10 many sensible personsin the
Republican party should permit their enemy
10 force upon them and their party an issue
which cannot add strength to tho party, no
matter how met. But body Of the dig
nifty and party authority Of . convention TO
make nominations for the state officers Of
the second state iu the union, having consid-
cred this question, deem IL not improper
that should now speak. In tbe;frs: place
never sought the Office for second. not
even for first, nomination. To the first
was called from Lie position-one created
BY congress expressly for me, for supposed
service rendered 10 the republic. The posi-
ton vacated liked. Il would have been
most agreeable " me to have retained it
until such time a. congress might have con.
sented TONY retirement, with the rank and
Q portion of the emolumen.s which ] 90
much needed, to home where the balance
Of my days might be spent in peace and the
enjoyment Of domestic quiet, relieved from
cares which have Oppressed ms 70 constant.
" now Tor fourteen 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 a unanimous
vote of he delegates of all the states and
territories, selected by the republi cans Of
each to represent their whole number, for
the purpose Of making their nomination.
cannot ray that was not pleased at this,
and ct the overwhelming indorsment which
their action received ct the election follow
ing. But II must be remembered that all
the sacrifices, except that Of comfort. had
been made in accepting the 6nt term.
Then, too, such FIRE Of personal abuse and
SANDER had been kept mp for four years,
Notwithstanding the conscientious perfor.
mances of my duties to the best of my nm.
derstandins- though I admit, 10 the light Of
subsequent events, many ::times subject 10
fair critlclsm-thst an Endorsement from the
people who alone govern republics. was .
eradication that 1t 10 only human {, have
appreciated and enjoyed. Now, for the
third tsrm, do not want II any moro than
I did the first. ! would not write or utter
word TO change the will OF the people In
expressing and having their choice. The
question Of the number OF terms allowed to
any one executive can only come up fairly
In the shape of proposition to amend the
constitution, - shape in which I'll political
parties can participate. -6xtpg ths length
oftime or the number of terms for which
any one person shall be
eligible for the Office of president.
Until such On amendment 10 adopted, the
people cannot be restricted In their choice
By resolution, further than they are now re-
etsictsd - 70 age, nationality, etc. Il may
happen tn the future history Of the country
that to change IN executive because b has
besn eight years In Office, will prove I'm.
fortunate II mot DISASTROUS. The IDEA that
any man could elect himself president, or
even nominate himself, b psspcstsrous. Il
y re6acslon upon The intelligence and
patriotism Of The people 10 suppose such
thing possible. Any man can destroy his
chances Tor the Office, but no one can loFcs
and election or even nomination. To r.
capitalists, ! am NOT, nor have ever beeu, .
candidate for denomination. l would
not accept nomination il Il were tender.
ID, unless It should come under such cir.
cumstsnces ~ to make il an imperative
duty circumstance not likely to arise. l
congratulate the convention over which
you presided for the harmony which pre-
vailed. and for the excellent ticket put In
the field, and which ! hope may be trium-
phantly elected.
With great respect, your obedient ser
want. U. 8. GRAFT.
To Gen. Harry White, Prssldsnt Penn.
sylvanis Republican State Convention.
81