Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1875-06-05
g.NT4VV III II VI Il F1IV-NT
WASnINGTON. d. c., May %. Is

WASHINGTON, ID. c., May 20, 1875.
DEAR SIR: short time subsequent to the
Presidential election of 1872 the press, a portion
of it hostile to the Republican party and partcu-
larly so TO the Administration, started a cry of
4C1sarism" and the third term, calling Justify for
Ine to define my position an the latter subject.
believed it to be beneath the dignity of the Office
which have been twice called upon to fill to an.
swer such question before the subject should
be presented by competent authority to make
nomination, or by u body of such dignity and
authority as not to make a reply fair subject of
uidicule; in fact, have been surprised that so
many sensible persons in the Republican party
should permit their nemes TO force upon them
and their party an issue which cannot add
strength to the party, no matter how met, but
a body of the dignity and authority of con-
vention to make nominations for State officers of
the second State in the Union having considered
this question, deem it not improper that should
now speak
WHY HE KEPT sILENT--HE WAS NOT oFFICI.
ALLY APPROACHED.
In the first place, never sought Office for sec
ond or even for q first nomination to the Presi-
dency. l was CO lied from a life position; one
created by Congl 'ess expressly for me- for sup.
posed services rtndered to the Republic The
position vacated liked; it would have been most
time as Congress might have consented to my re.
tirement with the rank and portion of the emol.
uments which SO rauch needed, to a home where
| the balance of my days might be sps ut in peace
| and domestic gu let, relieved from the cares
which have opprea sed me so constantly now for
| fourteen years. But was made to believe that
| the public good called me TO make the sacrifice
| Without seeking the office for the second term
the nomination was rendered to me by unani.
mons vote of the delegates of all the States and
Territories selectt d by the Representatives Of
each to represent b heir whole number for the pur
| pose Of making tn, IN nomination. ] cannot say
that was NOT pleas ed at this, and the overwhelm
! ing endorsement wi lich their action received a
| the election following But il must be remem
bered that all the sacrifice, except that of com
fort, had heen made in the accepting of the frs
| term. Then, too, So Oh fire of personal abus,
and Islander had been kept up for four years, not
withstanding the conscientious performance o
my duties to the best of my understanding
though admit, in the light OF subsequent events
many times subject to fair criticism, that an en-
dorssment from the people, who alone govern til,
republic, was gratifit alton for any man to hav
appreciated end enjc yed. Now for the thirt
term, l do not want il any more than did tn
first; would rot write or utter word to chang
the will of the lseople in expressing and havin
their choice. The question of the number G
years allowed 40 any one Executive can onl
come up fairly ln the shape of proposition t
amend the Conatittaio n; shape in which all pc
litical parties can part cipate. During the lengt
of the time or tesins1nv one person can be egbl
for the office OF HTes6de IT, until such amendmer
is adopted, the + sople cannot be restricted
their choice by resolutions as they are restricted
as to age, nativity, etc. 1t may happen in til
future history of the country that to change a
Executive because he has been eight years
Office viii prove unfortunate if not diHastrou
The idea that any nanGould elect himself Pres
: dent or even renominate himself is preposterou
1t is a reflection npen the intelligence and pair
otism Of the peoplete supp ose such thing poSs
BILE. ANY man can destroy ids chance for Office
but no one can force an election or nomination
10 recapituate: am not, nor have / besn,
candidate for denomination. would not aectl
a denomination if it were rendered me, unlJs
it came under such circumstances IS to make
IAN imperative duty--circumstances not likely {,
arise.
congratulate the convention over which yo,
, presided for the harmony which prevailed an
for the excellent ticket put In the field, which
: hope may be triumphantly elected
With great respect sir,
Yonr obcdient servant,
U. 5. GRANT.
, To General Harry white,
President Pennsylvania Republican state Con