The Rutland daily globe. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1873-1877, 1876-01-07
CHE 9utland daily Glnhr.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 7, 1876.
Third Term

hdit0r Of Rutland Glo6e Will you al
low me to enquire through TIE GLOBE, if
there can be found in the writings of presi-
dent or citizen Washington, any suggestion
or declaration that the interests or welfare
of the United States would have suffered
harm if he, Washington should have &C
cepted "A third term" In other words did
Washington oppose a third term in his
office?
1t has been asserted over and over, that
President Washington would not set such
a precedent, because he thought il would
be dangerous to the liberties of his country
and to this end he made an example to be
followed by his successors, by declining
''third term ~ What is the fact have
read somewhat upon this subject and find
that General Washington accepted the Of
flee Of president ut a sacrifice of his own
inclinations and wishes, and in Difference
| and regard for the then public opinion, and
hoped to retire from this Office at the end
Of the first term, and even went go far as
to prepare a farewell address to the people
of the United States, but on reflection TAX
ing into consideration the then perplexed
and critical posture of the officers of the
United States with foreign nations, and by
the unanimous advice of persons entitled to
his confidence. he waived his wishes in this
respect and accepted second term.
In September 1896, President Washing
ton reasoned with the people in his fare
well address, and ably urged his right, and
their duty to let him be excused from serv-
ing a third term, and in substance he re-
cites and rejoices, that the United States
were in such condition and situation as not
to require him to serve another term, and
entreats them to let MIN return to private
life according to his long most cherished
wish and ardent desire and while he assures
them he left, and held the office of pres
dent at ga uniform sacrifice of inclination"
and in Difference topublic opinion, and then
adds among other things as a farther rea-
son "the increasing weight of years admon-
ishes me more and more, that the shade of
retirement is as necessary for me as it will
be welcome"
Who could resist such entreaty coming
from man sixty-fve years of age who had
already spent forty-fve years of his life in
the service of his country
Then that his motives might not be i'm
pugned he adds that he has the 'consola-
ton to believe that while choice and pru-
dence invite me to quit the political scene,
patriotism does not forbid it Is there any
thing here lurking of apprehended danger
to the state from the third term scare, or
Cpsarlsm If so, where
Gen Washington accepted second term
as general in chief OF the armies of his
country, and ! have no doubt would, had
he lived, have accepted u third term as gen.
eral or president had he thought patriotism
and the good of his country required it ;
but having already served his country
greater aud longer than any man then liv-
| ing in it. He thought in view of the then
favorable circumstances he ought to be in
dulged in little rest from public cares, to
prepare himself for his final change, as he
was strongly impressed that he must soon
die.
! | am not in favor of second or third
tenn per Sc but am N favor Of amy num-
Der of terms if the incumbent rs the "best
man. tor the office as successor ~ | want
no change unless am satisfied that am to
be benefited thereby.
Would not rotation in office, or parties,
as a rallying cry better serve the Cgsarites
than the ''anti-third catch phrase term ?"
In this there would be much frankness and
little hypocrisy and assimilation.
NJ. II. c.
CaSletOn, VT, Jan &, 1876.