The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1876-02-18
GRANT AND 7HN Third TERN.
A Defence of the President Against the
Charge of Seeking a Reelection.
HIS PATRIOTISM AND PARTY POLICY FORBID IT.
Democratic Charges Trumped Up in OppOSi-
tOn to His Letter Of Denial.


select the NEW YORK HERALD as the medium Of
this communication occupies the position Of
independent journal, and because II is generous
enough to allow both sides any important question
to be heard through its columns when views are pre-
sented in dispassionate and respectful language Ny
object not present argument in favor OF the
election OF General Grant for third term. My pur
pose to defend General Grant and his friends against
the unfair unjust and unfounded charge persstenty
made-tha they have been engaged in concerted and
systematic effort to force his nomination for another
election. In thus trying to vindcate the cause OF
truth shall matter OF course, have to refer to
the honestly entertained opinions, reflections and po-
stion of that portion the republican party who have
advocated the re- election of General Grant cannot
defend them against the charge of factious and serve
partsanship without referring to the reasons and in
auences that prevailed in fixing their views.
BEEN CHARGED AGAINST GRANT
For more than year past the charge has been per-
sisted in-sometimes by covert insnuaton, some
times by open reckless assertion that President
Grant had set his heart third term, and that he
perverting his official power and shaping his adj
ministraton OF the government with to the at
tainment OF that object General Grant finally wrote
letter Pennsylvania committee defining his posi-
ton on that question, and it was reasonably hoped ON
the appearance of that candid and patriotic letter. he
But no, the torrent of ISLANDERS and misrcp
resentation has continued to flow General Grant
sees, and the calm and observant outside
world secs, that he do nothing
and say nothing to satisfy those who do
not intend to be satisfied 1t is plain to all that
the quarrel which his have with him like
the quarrel of the wolf with the lamb the charge OF
muddying the water by the latter while drinking at
point lower down the running stream.
II ever there was a letter written that should have
stopped the mouth of complaint and abuse that letter
of General Grants was such one. The letter
characteristic of the 1t wssshort plain. pointed,
unaffected The sting OF the letter his rcviers
sisted honest truthful ness its freedom from pala-
yer and platitude For months the welkin had been
ringing with the chimes of thousand democratic bells
that General Grant a candidate for third term;
that he directing his administration OF the govern
ment to secure a reelection; that his continued
silence was proof Of the fact that If he
ddate he ought to come out openly and say Well,
he did out he did write letter. and In that let
ter he said clearly and distinctly that he was not
candidate-that he not candidate either at his
first election-that he would have preferred
the position of Commander-in-Chi OF the
army when first elected; that no would have
preferred the repose OF retirement TO pr-
vate life when last elected What could he have
said what ought he to have saidf But because
he went to say that nothing could induce him to
cept denomination, unless under some Of I'M
perious necessity-not likely to arise-the howl OF
alarm, terror and dismay has continued to
sound in redoubed chorus from a legion
OF democratic throats Would It have been In
good taste, would 1t have shown gratitude 70
past honors conferred, would 1t have exhibited
proper respect for the wishes OF the people, would it
institutions for General Grant to have said persmptory
and Internationally that under possible state of
circumstances would he agree to serve the people
again Would not that have shown that he selnshly
preferred his private and comfort to com
pliance with the popular will and to the advancement
of the public good The example OF Washington is
constantly referred TO. Did Washington say that
under possible state OF circumstances would he
sent to servo the people of his country any onger9
NO SPECIAL PoSDSEss FOR OFFICIAL TRAPPfsGs.
Never in the annals OF party warfare any charge
made with less Of truth TO sustain 1t than this charge,
perssteny urged by his enemies, that General Grant
had his heart upon third term and that he
laying his plans to It, Not single act word
OF his be pointed out to corroborate such =
ment No matter what may be said or thought of
President Grants policy in regard to public affairs,
OF his department and bearing toward the world at
large, he is thelast against whom tho intimaton
can be thrown out that he has any speciai
fondness for the trappngs and paraphernala of high
and distinguished station Never our history has
any holding the Presidential office shown less dis
position to put princey airs to presu upon his
lofty position. No onc's head less turned by
his elevated situation. He the same plain natural
unaffected he has ever been No one even the
most reckless charge him with the electoneering
arts and Establishments which usually denote the pur
poses and objects OF those ambitious OF place No one
can charge him with the awnings gatherings which
are the evidences Of desire to conciate where per-
sona and selfish aggrandizcment is the end aimed at
SO far from IT, the calm composure Of manner
the same self possessed dignity marks his bearing to
the high and the low alike President Grants seec-
tons for Cabinet and other high appointments gives
the lie to the charge that he seeking even desires
a denomination Does he select prominent politicians
with reference to what party strength they bring
to his support SO far from he has set an example
on worthy of imitation by all his SUCCESSORS
He seems 10 make it point to choose men not in the
role of politicians while he takes care as far as he
can get correct information, that they are men who
possess ability and integrity. The assertion may DO
safely made that President Grant shows less purpose
TO avail himself OF electionecring appliances In bis
appointments to Office than any President in modern
times. Does this look like he was maneuvring for a
third term2
ORIGIN OF THE IDEA
Let Il be recollected that It President Grants
enemies who FIRST originated the idea Of his renomina
ton for third term. Let them know that IL this re-
suit which they affect regard as a great calamity to
the country to take place they would have no
one to blame but themselves The probability is IL
this subject had not been agitaed by General Grants
enemies he would have quietly served out his second
term and then sought the repose Of private life with
n,trIf
his mind II he had been allowed to retire in peace
and could have had tho respect paid him. as Chief
Magistrate OF the nation OF silence even his friends
would hardly have thought of calling on him Tor still
further SACRIFICES of time and comfort in the public
service But It frequently happens In this world that
men who, when under excitement or bitter feelings
chnrrn others with Intentions nernr entertained