New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1875-05-31
EXECUTIVE MANSION,
WASHINGTON, ID. C., May 80, 1875

EXECUTIVE MANSION,
WASHINGTON, ID. C., May 30, 1S75.)
DEAR SIP: short time subsequent to the Presi-
Dental election of 1872 the press, portion Of it
hostile TO the Republican party, and particularly so
to the Administration. started the cry of Cesar
ism" and the Third Term calling Justify for me to
define nv position on the latter subject. believed
il 10 he beneath the dignity of the Office which l
have been twice called upon TO fill to answer
such question before the subject should
be presented by competent authority to make
n nomination, by body of such dignity
and authority az not to make reply fair subject
Of rdcule In fact have been surprised that somany
sensible persons the Republican party should per
nit their enemy 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 convention To make nominal
tons for the State officers of the second State in the
Union having considered this question, deem II not
improper that / should speak.
In the first place, never sought the Office for
second nor even for first nomination. 10 the irst
was called from life position, one created by
Congress expressly for for supposed services rem
dered to the Republic. The position vacated liked
II would haze been most agreeable to me tn nave
retained il until such time as Congress might nave
consented tn my retirement. with the rank and por-
tion of the emolnments which 40 much needed. 10
home where the balance Of my DAYS might be spent
in peace and the enjoyment of domestic quiet, re-
lieved from the cares which have oppressed me 80
constantly 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 unanimous vote of the delegates of all the
States and Territories selected by the Republicans
of each to represent their whole number for the
Of l
say that was not pleased at this, and at the over
whelming Endorsement which their action received
ut the election following But it must be remembered
that all the sacrifices except that of comfort had
been made in accepting the first term. Then, too,
such fire of personal abuse and SANDER had been
kept up for four years Notwithstanding the consci-
entious performance of my duics to the best OF my
understanding though admit, in the light of sub
sequeut events many times subject 10 fair criticism
that an Endorsement from the people, who alone
govern republics, was qualification that it IL only
human 10 have appreciated and eBioyes
Now. for the Third Term. do not want il any more
than did the first Iwoud not write or utter word
to change the will of the people III expressing and
having their choice. The question of the number of
terms allowed TO any one Executive can only come
up fairly in the shape Of proposition to amend the
Constitution. shape in 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 now restricted as to
age nativity, sc. Ii may happen i'll tie future his
tory Of the country that la change an Executive
because he has been eight years in office will prove
unfortunate if not disastrous. The idea that any
man could elect himself President, or even renomi-
nate himself is preposterous. II is reflection upon
the intelligence and patriotism of the people to sup
pose such thing possible. Any man can destroy
lis chances for the Office, but no one can force an
election or even a nomination.
To recapituate, am not, nor have lever been,
candidate for a denomination. | would not accept
n nomination if il were rendered. unless il should
come under such circumstances a. 10 make II an inn
peratye duty, circumstances not likely TO arise.
congratulate the Convention over which you pre-
sided for the harmony which prevailed and for the
excellent ticket put in the field, aud which | hope
may be trinmphantly elected. With great respect,
Your Obodent servant, |. ;. GRANT.
To Gen. Harry White, President Pennsy lyania Re
publican State Convention.