The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1875-06-05

lug leIlcl w Neu. marry '" hiIc, icSiooh'
of the recent Pennsylvania Republican State
Convention:
EXECUTIVE MANSION
WAsHINGToN, D. c.,
May 90, 1875.
Dear SRA short time subsequent to
the Presidential election of 1872, the press,
a portion of it hostile to the Republican
party and particularly so to the Admins
tration, started the cry of "Cesarism :" and
"The Third Term" calling Justly for me
to define my position on the latter subject
l believed it to be beneath the dignity of
the office which have been twice called to
fill, to answer such a question before the
subject should be presented by competent
authority to make a nomination, or by
body of such dignity and authority as not
to make reply fair subject of ridicule.
In fact l have been surprised that SO many
sensible persons in the Republican party
should permit their enemy to force upon
them and their party an issue which can
not add strength to the party, no matter
how met. But a body of the dignity and
nominations for the State officers of the
second State in the Union having consid-
cred the question, deem it not improper
that should now speak.
In the first place, l never sought the office
for second nor even for first nomination.
To the first l was called from life posi-
ton, one created by Congress expressly for
me, for supposed services rendered to the
Republic. The position vacated l liked.
1t would have been most agreeable to me
to have retained it until such time as Con-
gress might have consented to my retire
ment, with the rank and portion of the
emoluments which SO much needed, to
home where the balance of my days might
be spent in peace and the enjoyment Of do
nestle quiet, relieved from the cares which
have oppressed me so constantly now for
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 nomination was
rendered to me by unanimous vote of the
delegates of all the States and Territories,
selected by the Republicans of each to rep
resent their whole number for the purpose
of making their nomination. l cannot say
that | was not pleased at this and at the
overwhelming endorsement which their &C
ton received at the election following
But it must be remembered that all the sac
riices, except that of comfort, had been
made in accepting the first term Then,
too, such fire of personal abuse and SIAN
der had been kept up for four years, not
outstanding the conscientious performance
of my duties to the best of my understand
ing-though | admit, in the light Of subse,
quent events, many times subject to fair
criticism-that an endorsement from the
people, who alone govern republics, was
qualification that it is only human to have
appreciated and enjoyed
Now for the "Third Term l do not
thap I ~
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 Exec
utive, can only come up fairly in the shape
of proposition to amend the Constitution
"a shape in which all political parties can
participate, fixing the length of time, or
the number of terms for which any one
person shall be eligible for the Office of
President. Until such an amendment is
adopted, the people cannot be restricted in
their choice by resolution further than they
are now restricted as to age, nativity, &c.
1t may happen in the future history of the
country, that to change an Executive be-
cause he has been eight years in office, will
prove unfortunate, if not disastrous. The
idea that any man could elect himself Pres
ident, or even to nominate himself, is pre-
poSterouS. IL Is a refectlOn upon the IN
telligence and patriotism of the people to
suppose such thing possible. Any man
can destroy his chances for the office, but
no one can force an election or nomina-
ton.
To recapitulate: 1 am not, nor have
been, candidate for denomination.
would not accept nomination, unless it
should come under such circumstances as
to make it an imperative duty-circum-
stances not likely to arise. l congratulate
the convention over which you presided for
the harmony which prevailed, and for the
excellent ticket put in the field, and which
l hope may be triumphantly elected.
With great respect,
your obedient servant,
(Signed) L. S. GRANT.
To Gen. Harry White, President Penn
sylvania Republican State Convention.