The Republican journal., 1875-06-03
The Third Term. Ulysses Speaks.

Among the resolutions passed at the
Pennsylvania Republican State Conven-
ton, last week, was the following
Resolved, That we declare and affirm our unquaa.l-
fled adherence the unwritten law OF the republic
which wisely, and under the sanction OF the most
venerable of examples, limits the Presidential ser
vice of any citizen to two terms, and We the Repub
cans of Pennsylvania Interrogation Of this law are
unalterIby opposed to the election to the Presidency
Of any person for third term.
On Saturday the following was sent to
the Associated Press.
EXECUTIVE MANSION,
WASHINGTON, ID. c., May %.
DEAR SIR: A short time subsequent to the Pres
dentiai election of 1872 the press, or portion of it
hostile to the Republican party and particularly SO
to the admnstra tiOn started the cry OF "Cesarism
and the third term" calling Justify for me to dehne
my position. On the latter subject believed 1t to
be beneath the dignity of the office which have
been twice called upon ill, TO answer such queS
ton before the subject should be presented by com
petent authority 70 make nomination. OF by body
OF such digaity ana authority as not 10 make reply
a fair subject Of rdicule. In fact have been sur
prised that SO many sensible persons in the Repub-
lican 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 nominations for the State offices
of the second State in the Union having considered
this question, deem it not improper that should
now speak In the first place. never sought the
office for a second nor even for first nomination.
To the first was called from a life position, one
created by Congress expressly for me Tor supposed
services rendered the Republic. The position va
Gated | liked it would have been most agreeable
TO me TO have retained it until such time as
Congress might have consented to my retirement
with the rank and portion of the emoluments,
which so much needed 10 a home where the bai-
ance of my days might be spent in peace ana the
enjoyment OF domestic quiet, relieved from me cares
which have oppressed me so constantly tol fourteen
years. But | was made to believe that tit publc
ed mi n "a
Without seeking the oticc Tor the second term,
the nomination rendered me by the unanimous
votes of the delegates of all the States and Terrific
selected by the Republicans OF each to represent
their whole number for the purpose OF making their
nomination. 1 cannot say that was not pleased at
this and at the overwhelming endorsement which
their action received At the election following, but
it must be remembered that all the sacrifices except
that of comfort had been made in accepting the
first term - them too, such fire OF personal abuse
and Islander had been kept up for four years, not
outstanding the conscientious performance OF my
duties 10 the best OF my Observation-Disclosures l
admit in the light of subsequent events many times
subject TO fair critciSmthat an endorsement from
the people who alone govern Republics was Il graf
ihcaton that 1t is only human TO have appreciated
and enjoyed.
Now for the third term" l do not want it, any
more than the first | would not write or utter Il
or having their choice The question OF the number
OF terms allowed TO any one Executive can only
come fairly in the shape OF proposition to amend
the Constitution; shape in which all political par
ties can participate in fixing the length of time on
number OF terms for which any person shall bt
eligible for the Office Of President. Until such an
amendment is adopted the people cannot be restrict
ed in their choice by resolution further than they
| are restricted as to age, nationality etc. II
may happen in the future history of the country thai
| to change Executive because he has been eight
years in office will prove unfortunate, if not disas
| trous. The idea thar any man could elect himself
| President, even renominate himself is preposter
1t j. reflection upon the intelligence and pa
triotism OF the people to suppose such thing pos
| sible. ANY destroy his chances for the
| office, but can force an election or even
| domination.
| 10 recapituate: | am not, nor have ever been &
| candidate for denomination would not accept
| nomination if it were rendered unless it SHOULD
| come under such circumstances a. to make it AZ
imperative duty circumstance not likely to arise
l congratulate the convention over which you pre-
sided for the harmony which prevailed and for tn,
| excellent ticket put in the field, which hope may
| be trunphantly elected.
With great respect,
our obedent servant
I. 5. GRANT.
! To Gen. Harry White, President of the Pennsy |
| wanna Republican State Convention.