Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1875-06-10
The Thfrd-Term Question--Letter
from President Grant.
WASHINGTON. NAV 80.

WASHINGTON, May 81.
President Grant has written the follow
ing letter to Gen. Harry White, President
of the recent Pennsylvania Republican
State Convention:
EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON, D. c.,
May %, 1875. {
DEAR SIR: A short time subsequent to the
Presidential election of 1872, the press, por-
ton of it hostile to the Republican party, and
particularly so to the Administration, started
the cry of " Cesarism" and the I" Third term, {"
calling Justify for me to define my position on
the latter subject. / believed it to be Der cath
the dignity of the Office which [ have been
ton 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 fair subject of ridicule.
In fact, 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 cannot
add strength to the party, no matter how
met But body of TIE dignity and party
authority of a convention to make nomina-
tions 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 first nomination.
To the first was called from life position,
one created by Congress expressly for me for
supposed services rendered to the Republic.
The position vacated liked. It 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 portion of the emoluments, which so
much needed, to home where the bal
ance of my days might he spent in
peace and the enjoyment of domestic
quiet, relieved from cares which have
oppressed me so constantly now for fourteen
years, but was made to believe that the pub
lie 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 delegation of all the
States and Territories selected by the Repub-
licans of each to represent their whole num-
Der for the purpose of making their nomina-
| ton. [ cannot say that [ was not pleased
at this and at the overwhelming in
dorsement which their action received
be remembered that all the sacrifices
except that of comfort had been made
in accepting the first term" Then, too,
such a fire OF personal abuse and SANDER had
been kept UP for four years, Notwithstanding
the conscientious performance of my duties
to the best of my understanding, though |
admit, in the light of subsequent events,
many times subject to fair criticism, that an
Endorsement from the people, who alone gov
ern republics, was qualification that it is
only human to have appreciated and enjoyed.
Now, for the third term" do not want it
any more than die 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 a proposition to amend the
Constitutions shape in which all political
parties can participate-detining 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
ment is adopted the people cannot be
restricted in their choice by resolution
further than they are now restricted, as to
age nationality, etc. 1t may happen in the
future history of the country that to change
an Executive because he nas been eight years
in office will prove unfortunate if not diSas-
trous.
The idea that any man could elect himself
President or even renominate himself is pre-
posterous. 1t is reflection upon the intelli-
gence and patriotism of the people to sup
pose such a thing possible. Any man can
destroy his chances for the office, but no one
can force an election or even nomination.
To recapitulate, | am not, nor have L ever
been, a candidate for a denomination. | would
not accept a nomination if it were rendered
unless it should come under such circum-
stances as to make it an imperative duty-cir-
cumstances not likely to arise. l congratu-
late the convention over which you presided
for the harmony which prevailed and for the
excellent ticket put in the field, and which |
hope may be triumphantly elected.
With great respect, your Obedient servant,
L. S. GRANT