The Jasper weekly courier. [volume] (Jasper, Ind.) 1858-1922, 1875-06-11
THE THIRD TERM.
Pre- sident Grant Fully Expresses His
Views ON This subject.

Pre- stdent Grant fuiiy Expresses HIS
Views ON This subject.
WASHINGTON, ID. c., May N.-Pesident
Grant has written the following letter 10
General Harry White, President of the re-
cent Pennsylvania Republican state Con-
yention:
EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON.
May 10Th, ls15.-DEAR SIR: A short time
subsequent 10 the Presidential election Of
1872. the press. a portion of IL hostile 10
the Republican party. aud particularly so
To the Administration, started the cry OF
Casarism and Third-term. calling on me
To define my position on the latter subject.
believed IL TO be beneath the dignity of
the office which have been twice called
upon 10 fill 10 answer such a question be-
tore the subject should be presented by
competent authority TO make "A nOmina-
ton. or by body of such dignity and au-
thority AS not TO make reply fair sub
ject of ridiculc. In fact have been sur
prlsed that so many sensible persons In
the Republican party should permit their
enemy To force upon them ans their party
an issue which cannot add strength 10 the
party. no matter how met. But "A body OF
the dignity and party authority of a con-
ventioD to make nominations for the
State officers OF the second State in the
Union having considered this question.
deem it not improper that | should now
speak.
Ia the .rst place. | never sought the
office for a second, nor even first. nOmi-
nation. To the first | was called from a
lite position-one created by Congress eN-
pressly for me. for supposed services rem
dered 10 the republic. The position va
Gated liked. Ii mus. have been most
agreeable 10 me 10 have consented To my
retirement, with the rank and portion OF
the emoluments which so much needed
10 home where the balance of my
DAYS might be spent in peace and the
enjoyment of domestic quiet, retired from
cares which have oppressed me so con
stantly for fourteen years. But | was
made 10 believe that the public good called
on me 10 make the sacrifice. Without
seeking the office for the second term. the
nomination was rendered me by an unan
nous vote of the delegates Of all the states
and Territories. selected by the Republic
cans of each TO represent their whole mum
Der for the purpose of making a nomlna
ton. | cannot say that | was not pleased
M this and at the overwhelming indorse
mcnt which this action received at III,
election following, but IL must be remem
bered that all the sacrifices except that OF
comfort. had been made in accepting the
first term. Then. too. such "A fire OF per
sonal abuse and SANDER had been KEEP
up for four years. Notwithstanding IN,
conscientious performance of my dutie:
TO the best of my understanding (thougt
| admit. in the light OF subsequent events
many times subject 10 fair criticism), that
an Endorsement from the people, who
alone govern republics, was a qualification
that il l. only human to have appreciated
and enjoyed.
Now, for the third term. dc
not want il any more than | did IN,
first. | would not write or utter word
TO change the will of the people in ex
pressing and in having their choice.
The question OF the number of terms
allowed 10 any one Executive can only
come up fairly in the shape of PROPOSE
ton 10 amend the Constitution.
shape i'm which all political parties
can participate. fixing the length
and number Of terms for which any on,
person shall be eligible for the Office o
President. Until such an amendment !,
adopted, the people cannot be restricted
in their choice BY resolution, further than
they are now restricted as 10 age, nativi
ty. etc. Ii may happen in the future his
tory Of the country. that 10 change an
Executive because he has been eight year
in Office will prove unfortunate, if not dis
asirOus.
The idea that any man could elect him
self President, or nominate himself, Is pre-
posterous. 1t is a reflection upon the in
diligence and patriotism of the people t.
suppose such thing possible. Any man
can destroy bis chances for the office, bu
no man en- force an election, or even
nomination.
To recapitulate, am not. nor have
ever been. a candidate for denomination
would not accept nomination If IL wa
rendered, unless ii should come undel
such circumstances as to make II an i'm
peraiive duty, circumstances not likely L
arise.
congratulate the convention ovcl
which you presided for the harmony which
prevailed. and for the excellent ticket pu
in the field. and which | hope may b.
triumphanily elected.
With great respect. your obediert servant,
TSignedl Y. :. GRANT.
To Gen. Harry White, President Pennsylvania
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