The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1875-06-05

" ""ts'rf - ~ SAY ~ 1910.
Dear 81, A short tiaie sab,eausn, Il The
Pfesidcn||al election If 1874. he press, 4
portion o. il hostile to the Republican party
and particularly so to the Administration,
started the cry Of 'sCasarism aud .'rhe
Third Term, calling Justify for me TO define
my position on the latter subject believed
i % be beneath the dignity Of the Office which
1 have been twice called 70 fill 70 answer such
question before the subject should Be pfe-
senied BY competent authority to make a nom
nation, OF BY body Of such dignity and
authority as not % make reply fair sub
ject Of ridicale. Ii fact, I have been surprised
that 50 many sensible persons Ia the Repnb-
lean 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 the dignity and
party authority OF a convention TO make nom
nations for the State officers Of the second
State IN the Union having considered the
question, deem itnot improper that 1 should
now speak.
In the first place, never sought the Office
tor second nor even for FIRST nomination.
To the first was called from a life position,
one created by Congress expressly for me, for
supposed services rendered 10 the Republic.
The position vacated l liked. Il would have
been most agreeable to me to have retainedit
until such time as Congress might have con.
sented to my retirement, with the rank and n
portion Of the em0lumenls which so much
needed, to home where the balance Of my
days might be spent in piece and the enjoy
ment OF domestic 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 uaarffina Wsfhr,s.t Al 4.
the "second term the nomination was ten.
dered TO me by unanimous vote OF the dele.
gates Of all the States and Territories, selected
BY the Republicans Of each to represent their
whole lumber for the purpose Of making their
nomination. | cannot say that l was not
pleased at this and at the overwhelming en-
dorsement which their action received al the
election following. But il must be renem-
bered that all the sacrifices, except that of
comfort, had been made in accepting the
FIRST term Then, too, such FIRE Of per.
sonal abuse and Islander had been kept up for
four years, Notwithstanding the conscientious
performance Of my duties TO the best Of nv
understanding though admit, the light Of
subsequent events, many times subject to fair
criticism-that an endorsement from the peo-
pie, who alone govern republics, was graft.
iication that Il is only human TO have appre-
ciated and enjoyed.
Nov Tor the Third Term,' do not want
i any more than did at first. | would not
write or utter word 10 change the will of the
people in expressing and having their choice.
The question Of the number Of terms allowed
70 any one Executive, can only come up fairly
IN the shape Of a proposition to amend the
Constitution--a shape III 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. II
may happen in the future history of the
country, that TO change an Executive because
he has been eight years in Office, will prove
unfortunate, il not disastrous. The idea that
any man could elect himself President, or
even to nominate himself, is preposterous. II
is reflection upon the intelligence and pa
triotism 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 nomination.
To recapitnlate I'll am not, nor have ever
been, candidate for denomination. I
would not accept nomination IL il were
rendered, unless II should come under such
circumstances as to make il an imperative
duty circumstances not likely to arise. /
congratulate the convention over which YOU
presided for the harmony which prevailed, and
Tor The excellent ticket put in the field, and
which hope may be triumphantly elected.
With great respect, your obedient servant,
tSignedl U. s. GRANT. 4
To Gen. Harry White, Pres. Rep. State Con.