Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1875-06-03
Letter from Gen. Grant TO the Pre.iJs.u, of
the Pennsylvania Republican Conven-
EXECUTIVE MANSION. }
W ASIIINGTON, ID. G Nav 20 {

~ - MAY zI- }
DEAR SiR:-A short time subsequent TO
the Presidential election Of 1872 the press,
or portion OF it hostile to the Republican
party. and particularly so 10 the admins
tration. started the cry OF CH>arism" and
the third term" calling Justify for me to
define any position. On the latter subject
believed Ii to be beneath the dignity of
the Office which have been twice called
upon 10 fill, to answer such a question be-
fore the subject should be pres, nted by
competent authority to make a nomination.
or by body OF such dignity aud authority
a not TO make reply fair subject of rid
icuic. Ia fact | have been surprised that
so many sensible persons in the Repubi-
can party should Kermit lhrir enemy 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 a 81 party li-
thority for the State offices OF the second
State in the Union havin. considered flsi>
question. deem il not improper that
should now speak. la the first place | new
er sought the office for second nor even
for Il first nomination. TO the first was
called from a lie position one created bv
Congress expressly for me for supposed
services rendered To the Republic. The
l'NAht'h az va iAhih u Nbbiu lANt
been most agreeable Ia me 10 have retained
Il until such time a Congress, might have
consented TO my retirement with the rank
and a portion OF the emoumcuts which |
81 much needed, to home where the bal
auce of my days Nigh: be spent in peace
and the enjoyment Of domestic quiet. re-
lleved from the cares which have oppTc>s-
ed 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 me by
the unanimous votes OF the delegates oi all
the States and Territories selected by the
Republicans OF each 10 represent their
whole number for the purpose ot making
their nomination. | cannot say that wa>
not pleased al this and AT the overNhelm-
ing endorsement which their action receiy-
ed at the election following; but it must
be remembered that all the sac. ificcs cN-
cept that of comfort had been made in ac-
cepting the first term: then. too. such
fire of personal abuse and SANDER had been
sept mp for -four wears. notwithstanding
the conscientious performance of nv du-
tIe, Ia the best OF INV understanding
though | admit ~ the light oi subsequent
events many times subject 10 fair criticism
that an endorsement fnm the people
who alone govern Republics, Wa a graft
iication that it i only human To have al-
preciated aud enjoyed.
Now Tor the third term" do not want
il. any more than the first. | would not
write or utter a word to change the will of
the people In expressing or having their
choice; The question OF the number of
terms allowed to any one executive can
only come fairly in the shape of a propo-
>ition to amend the Constitution; a shape
in which all political parties can partici-
pate in fixing the length OF time or num-
Der Of terms for which any one person
shall be eligible for the office OF President
Ii til such an amendment i adopted the
people cannot be restricted in their choice
by a resolution, further than they are now
restricted as 10 age, nationality, etc. Il
may happen in the future history OF the
country that TO change an Executive be-
cause he has been eight years in office will
prove unfortunate, il not disastrous The
ldea that any man could elect himself
president or even renomlnate himself i
preposterous. Ii j. reflection upon the
intelligence and patriotism of the people
10 suppose such 4 thing possible. ANY
man can destroy his chances for tho office,
but no one can force an election or even "A
nomination.
To recapitulate Il am not. nor have |
ever been candidate for denominations |
would not accept a nomination If it were
rendered, unless II should come under
such circumstances as to make il an i'm
perative duty, a circumstance not likely To
arise
CONGRATULATE the convention over which
you presided for the harmony wnlcm pre-
vailed and for the excellent ticket put into
the field, which hope may be Triumphant |
Iy elected.
With great respect,
Your obedieut servant.
L. ). GRAM.
Republican State Coasen-
ion