Herald and tribune. [volume] (Jonesborough, Tenn.) 1869-current, 1875-06-10
THE THIRD TERM QUSETION.
Letter From President Grant.
EXECUTIVE MANSION, !
Washington May %. lS7h

to the Presidential election Of 1872, the
press, portion of it hostile to the Re,
publican party, and particularly so to the
Administration, started the cry of Caesar.
ism and the third term, calling Justify
for me to define my position on the latter
subject. | believed it to be beneath the
dignity Of the Office which | have been
twice called upon to fll to answer such
question before the subject should be pre-.
Sented by competent authority to make
nomination, or by body of such dignity
and authority as not to make a reply
fair subject Of ridicule. In fact, have
been surprised that 50 many sensible per>
sons in the Republican party shonld per.
NIT their enmity to force upon
them and their party an issue which can
not 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 consid-
cred this question, | deem it not improper
that should now speak.
In tie first place, never sought the
Office for second nor even for a first
nomination. To the first, | was called
from life position, one created by Con-
gress expressly for me, for supposed SER
vices rendered to the Republic. The
position vacated, | liked. 1t would have
been most agreeable to me to have re,
tained it uhtil such time as Congress
might have consented to my retirement,
with the rank and portion of the emol-
uments which so much needed, to
home where the balance of my days might
be spent in peace and the enjoyment Of
domestic quiet, retired 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 asking the Office for the second
time, the nomination was tended to
me by unanimous vote of the delegates
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 Endorsement which their
action received at the election following,
but it must be remembered that all the
sacrifices except that Of comfort has been
made in accepting the first term. Then, =
too, such fire of personal abuse ani
SANDER had been kept up for four years,
Notwithstanding the conscientious perfor-.
nance of my duties to the best of nv
understanding-though l admit, it tho
light of subsequent events, many times
subject to fair criticism-that an indorse>
ment from the people, who alone govern
republics. was qualification that it is
only human to appreciate and enjoy.
Now, for the third term. do not want
ltony more then / did the FIRST. Iwould
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 Con.
stltutlon-a shape in which all political
parties can partlcipate-fxing 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 amend
mont is adopted, the people can not 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 execu>
tive because he has been eight years in
will prove unfortunate, if not disastrous.
The idea that any man could elect him.
self President, or even renominate him.
self, is preposterous. 1t is a reflection
npon the intelligence and patriotism Of
the people to suppose such thing posi-
bic. Any man can destroy his chances
for the office, but no man can force an
election or even a nomination.
To recapitulate: I am not, nor have
| ever been, candidate for renomiDa>
ton. would not accept nomination,
II it were rendered, unless it should come
under such circumstances as to make it
an imperative duty, circumstances not
likely to arise. ..ag
congratulate the convention over
which you presided for the harmony
which prevailed, and for the excellent
ticket put in the field, and which hope
muY be triumphantly elected. With
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