Bozeman avant courier. [volume] (Bozeman, Mont.) 1872-1882, 1875-06-04
TELEGRAPHIC NEWS
Letter From President Grant
on the Sd Term Question.

W dSuIHS sOU, AAny Ov'
| President Grant has written the follow
ling letter to General Harry White, Presi
dent Of the recent Pennsylvania Republic
can State Convention:
Washington, May Goth, 1875.
DEAR Sm:-A short time subsequent to
the Presidential election of 1872, the press,
Ia porsjoa Of it hostile 70 the REPUBLICAN
party, particularly 60 to the Administers.
lion. started the cry ef 'Ceasarisn and
Third Term!" caliRg Justify for me 10 de-
fine nv position on She latter subject !
believed it ben4klh the dignity Of the
office which have been twice called 10
I'm, to answer the question before the sub
iect should be presented by competent
au tho. ity TO make the nomination, or by Il
body of such dignity and authority as not
TO make reply fair subject Of ridicule.
In fact, have been surprised that SO
many sensible persons in the Republican
party should permit their enemy to force
upon them and the party an issue which
cannot add strength to the party, no mat
ter how met by body of the dignity and
party authority of q convention to make
nominations for State officers. The sec-
0nd State in the Union having considered
The question. deem it not improper tia!
should speak,
In the first place. I never sought the
Office for second or even the first nomi-
nation. To the first I was called from a
life position, one created by Congress ex-
pressly for me 70. supposed service rem
dercd to the Republic. The position va
Gated liked. 1t would have been most agree
able to me To have retained 1t until such
time as Congress might have consented to|
my retirement, with the rank and por
ton of the cmoluments so much needed.
to home where the balance of my days
might he spent IN peace and the enjoy
ment of domestic quiet, relieved from cares
which had oppressed me for fourteen
years. But l was made 10 believe that the
pu, lie good called upon me sacrafice
Without seeking the Office for second
term the nomination was rendered Inc by
The unanimous delegates of all the States
and Territories. selected by the Republi-
cans of each to represent their whole num-
Der for the purpose of making nOmlna.
ton. cannot say that was not pleased
at this, and the overwhelming endorse
ment their action received at the election
following. But it must be remembered
that all sacrifices except that of comfort
had been made in accepting the first term.
Then, too, such fire OF personal abuse
md SANDER, which had been kept up for
four years, Notwithstanding the conscious
to the best of my under
although admit, in the light OF
subsequent events, many times subject TO!
air criticism than an endorsement from
hose who alone govern the Republic. was
|. qualification that is only human 10 have
appreciated and enjoyed.
Now, tor the third term. do not want
t any more than did the first. I would
Tot write or utter q word TO change the
will of the people in expressing and hay
ng their choice.
The question OF the number of terms
flowed one Executive, can only come up
airly in the shape of proposition to
mend the Constitution shape in which
III political parties can participate, fixing
lie length of time or number Of terms for
which one person cha be eligible for the
flee OF President. Until such amend
nent is adopted the people cannot be re
tricted in their choice by resolution, fur
her than now restricted as to age, nation
!lty, etc.
1t may happen in the future history of
he country. that TO change the Executive
ecause he has been eight years in office
hat it will prove unfortunate, il not dis
strous. The idea that any man coult!
lect himself President, or even nominate
imself, is preposterous. It is reflection
n the intelligence and patriotism of the
eople to suppose such thing possible.
Any man can destroy his chances for Office, {
mt no one can force an election or nOmi-
Iation. am not nor have l ever been
for denomination, would no,
ccept nomination were it rendered un
css it came under such circumstances as
0 make it an imperative duty-circum-
tances not likely to arise.
Congratulate the convention over which
'Ou presided for the harmony which pre-
'ailed, and for the excellent ticket put in
he field. which ! hope may be triumph
Intly elected.
With great respect,
Your Ob't serv't,
U s. GRANT.