The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1875-06-03
Grant Defines his Position.

The following letter from President
Grant will be read with considerable in
terest inasmuch as he has at last broken
the sphynx-like silence which he has SO
long held, and at last condescended to
free his mind:
EXECUTIVE NAssroS Va <UISGTor. D c, Nsy2 %
Is7s.-DEAR SIN. A short time Subsequent 10 the
Presidential election Of isT2 the pressa portion Of
fl hostile 20 the Republican party and particularly
30 TO the AdrsiEietratoE- started the CRY Of les
sgis and the Third Term. calling Justify FOR me
define NJ portion the latter subject. believe
Il to be beneath the dignity OF the Office which
have been twice called upOn 70 MI, 10 answer such
a question before the subject shoaid be presented
by competent authority 10 make nornirstlon, or
by BODY Of such dignity and authority az not 10
make a reply fair subject Of ridicule. In tact l
have been surprised that many sensible persons
IN the Republican party should permit their enemy
~ force upon them and their party al issue Whlc
cannot add strength 10 the par:y, matter how met
Bat body Of the di-nify and party authority OF
convention TO make nominations for the state
officers Of the second State in the Union having
considered ihi- question deem IL no' IMPROPER
/ that ! should now speak.
In the first placs, / never sought the Office for
second nor even for fret nomination. To the hTst
| was called nom life position one created bS
Congress expressly for me for supposed serNice5
rendered - the Republic. The position vacated !
liked II would have been most agreeable 10 me 20
have retained IT until such time Congress might
have consented 10 nv retirement with the rank anc
a portion OF the srnoluments which / much
needed TO a home where the balance OF my days
might be spent In peace and the enjoyment oil
domestic quiet. relieved froTn cares WHICH nave o-
pressed me so constantly now for fourteen years:
Bat ! was made to believe that the pubtic GOOD
called me TO make the sacrifice. Without seeking
the office for the second term, the nomination
was rendered 70 me BY unanimous vote Oh ths
delegates Of all the States and Territories selected
BY the Republicans Of each 10 represent there whole
number for the purpose OF una King their nomination.
| i-sFH | N
me oVerw helniug Endorsement which their action
received At the EVICTION following But It must be
remembered that all thu sacrifices except mar OF
comfort had been made in accepting the 'brst
term" Then, too. such fire Of personal abuse
and SANDER had been kept mp for fonr years not
withsianding the conscientious performance %
Gutics 10 the best Of my uuderstsndiuc-thoegh
admit. in the LIGHT Of subsequent events, many
times subject to fair criticism.
Then, au indorsemeut from the people who alone
govern republics. qualification that IL is only
human to have appreciated and enjoyed.
Now. for the third term. do not want Y any
more than / did the fret | would nos write or
word change the will Of the people IN eS-
pressing aud having their choice. Ire question OF
the number OF terms allowed to ansfne Executive
can only come up fairly in the shape OF PROPOSE
ton to amend the ConFtiCufiOn.-a shape IN which
al political parties can participaie.-lNlng me
length Of time Or the number of terms TOR which
any person shall he eligible for the ofiice OF
President. Until such an amendment l. adopted
the people cannot be restricted IN their choice by
resolution further than they are h"w restricted a.
10 age. nationality. etc Il NAV happen IN the IN
ture history OF the country that TO Change an TX
ecutiye because he has been eight years in Office
will prove unfortunate IT not di-asrous- The idea
that any man could elect himself PrcsidcBt.Or even
nominate himself il prepOsternus. tits reflection
upon the intelligence and patriotism uf the people
TO suppose such thing possible. Any man can
DESTROY his chances for the office. but
force an election even nomination Torecapitu-
late: / am not nor have 1 ever been candidate Tor
a denomination. wOuld not accept nomination
If it were rendered. unless il should come under
such circumstances as to make il an imperative
dUty--Circumstanccs notlikcly to arise. Icqngrat-
ulaip The Convention over which you presided Tor
the harmony which prevailed, and for the excellent
ticket put in the field. ard which | hope may be
Iriumuhsntly elected. With great respect. yuar
oIeIfcnf servant L. <. GRANT.
To GE~. HAaEY WHITE. President Pennsylvania
Republican state Convention.