The Weston Democrat. [volume] (Weston, W. Va.) 1875-current, 1875-06-14
THE THIRD TERM.
President Grant writes n Letter on the
SnbIect, $50

President Grant Writes n Letter on tn
snbIset
The following is tho letter Of Presi
dent Grant to the Pennsylvania Repub
liean Convention relative to the tliiri
term question:
EXECUTIVE MANSION, l
WASHINGTON, ID. O., May 20, 1875. (
Dear Sir. A short time subsequent
to tho Presidential elcctionSf 1877, the
press, n portion OF it hostile to the Re
publican party, and particularly 80 &c
the Administration, started the cry oil
"CDsArism and "the third term,
calling Justify for mo to define my posi-
ton on the latter subject. / believed il
to bO beneath tho dignity OF the Office
which / have been twice called upon 10
gil to answer such a question before the
subject should be presented by compo-
tent authority to make nomination, or
by body OF such dignity and authority
as not to mako a reply fair subject Of
ridicule. In fact i hAvc been surprised
that 10 many sensible persons in the
Republican party should permit their
enemy to force upon them and their
party an issue which cannOtadd strength
to tho party, no matter how met. But
body Of the dignity and party authority
OF q convention 10 make nominations
for the Stato officers OF the second
State in the Union having considered
this question, / deem 1t not improper
that should speak.
In the first plnce, I never sought the
office for second nor even for first
nomination. To the first ! WIS called
from life position, one created by Con.
grcss expressly for me for supposed ser,
vices rendered TO the republic, The pc.
sition vacated ! liked. 1t would have
been most agreeable to mo to have re!
tanned II until such time rs Congress
might have consented TO my refinement
with tho rank and o portion Of tho
emoluments which / so much needed, to
q home where tho balance Of my days
might be spent In peace and thGepioy.
mont Of domestic quiet, relieved from
the cares which have oppressed mo 80
constantly now for fourteen years. . But
I was made to believe that the public
good called me to make the sacrifice.
Without seeking tho Office for the
second term, the nomination was ten.
dercd to me lly unanimous vote Of the
delegates Of al the States and 1erritOrieA
selected by tho Republicans OF each to
represent their whole number, for the
purpose Of making their nomination. j
cannot say That was not pleased at this
and at tho overwhelming Endorsement
which their action received Of the
ton following. But 1t must be remcn.
bered tint all tho sacrifices oxcept that
of comfort had been made in accepting
tho first term.
Then, too, such o fire OF personal abuse
md SANDER had been kept up for four
years, Notwithstanding tho conscientious
performance Of my duties to tho best Of
my understanding, though l admit, in
the light OF subsequent events, many
times subject to fair criticism, ttnt M
Endorsement from tho people, who alone
govern republics, was 0 qualification that
1t is only human to have appreciated and
enjoyed. 4
Now for the third term. I do not
want it any more than l did the first. /
would not write or uttcra word to change
the will OF the people in expressing and
having their choice. The question Of
tile number Of terms allowed to any one
Executive can only come up fairly IN. the
shape Of proposition 10 amend the
Constitution shape in which NIL poll
teal parties can participate, fixing the
length Of time or tho number Of terms
for which any one person shall DO eligible
for the office Of President. Until such
m amendment is adopted the people
cannot DO restricted in their choice by
resolution further than they are now re.
strictod rs TO age, nativity, etc. .,,, -,
II may happen in tho future history OF
the country that to change Nh Executive
because he. has been eight years iii,OilicSt
will prove unfortunate il not disastrous.
The idea that any man could elect him.
self President, or even ronomi-
nate himself, il preposterous. 1t is
reflection upon the intelligence and pa.
triotian 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 even u nomina-
ton. .s~ N +..,eg sa'
To rocapitulate, / am not. nor have I
ever been, candidate for denomination.
l would not accept nomination II 1t
were tenderel unless IL should come tltl.