Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1876-01-07
G8eDrrmont 4Benit.
BRATTLEBORO
FRIDAY EVENING, JAN. I, 1876.


Third-tcrnism
The third-torm project, which has been
generally secuted by the Republicans as a
mere bug bear, appears, after all, TO have
some basis, and TO be daily developing
strength throughout the country. The
course taken by President Grant in the
matter indicates that the idea is by no
means dlstastcrul TO him, though it is prob
able that certain personal "friends" and
advisers, who's affection overbalances their
reason, are at the bottom of the movement
We are not am ong those who take delight
in decrying the character aud administra-
tive ability OF President Grant. A man of
little pretense as a statesman, it is true
devoid Of all previous experience as po-
litcal leader, legislator or civil ruler,-he
has yet manifested sagacity, capacity
for comprehending laws and principles in
their practical bearings and mutual rela-
tioushps, elear-sightedness in detecting
the tendencies of the public mind, and a
willingness 10 obey the popular will and
follow, rather than lead, the policy Of the
nation, which are the characteristics of a
wise and successful ruler; and we firmly
believe that the time will come when the
administration of President Grant will be
looked upon as one of the most glorious in
our national history.
With these views, we cannot say that we
are much frightened at the idea of entrust-
ing the relns of government to his keeping
for four years longer. We have no fear
that at the end of another term he will put
the national will at defiance and proclaim
himself emperor or dictator. We do not
suppose that the nation would be any the
worse off, in business prosperity or social
freedom, at the end of third term than it
is at present, or than it would be should
another be chosen to take his place.
We object TO the third term project,
however, for two reasons first, because
rs a party measure it is impracticable 1;
second, because of the precedent it would
establish if successful.
1. The scheme is plainly impracticable
in the present state Of public sentiment.
Although third-termsm has of late devel-
oped unexpected strength in certain quar-
tiers, and either Grants good fortune or
superior shrewdness has caused his name
to be prominently identified with certain
important measures now occupying the
pu bile mind, still the probability of his
being -Te-nominated by the Republican
n ational Convention, or of being re-elect-
ed If nominated, is too small to deserve serl-
Gus consideration. There are plenty of
men whose qualifications for the Presiden-
cy are popularity regarded as equal, and in
many respects superior, TO Grants, whose
abilities and services have won a more
than national recognition, and whose NOM
ination would much better unite the diff
fe rent elements Of the party than would
that of General Grant. 1t is very evident
that to-day, General Grant, if made the
nominee of the Republican party, could
not carry more than one or two of the New
England States, and as TO the great States
of New York, Ohio, Indiana, Wisconsin
and Missouri, whose united votes, save
under the most extraordinary circumstan-
ces, would be absolutely decisive of the
result,-it is folly 10 suppose that any
amount of administrative "infiuence" or
party "rallying" could suffice 10 win them
for Grant.
2. If President Grant is given third
term, why not give him a fourth? II
Grant, why not some subsequent occupant
of the white house? All Presidents are
not alike in their regard for the popular
feelings, or the public veal; all ages are
not alike in their tendencies and oppUrtu-
mites. History is full of instances where
ambitious leaders, temporarily entrusted
with power, have abused that power, and
with strong hands have bound the nation
which conflded in them, in iron chains OF
despotism. We may smile at the idea of a
powerful and free people like ourselves
tamely submitting 10 an usurping ruler,
but we know not what complications and
difficulties may arise in the future, nor
where the "centralizing' tendencies of the
PIE sent age may cease. Let us profit by
the lesson OF history in this respect and,
unless impelled by the most urgent con-
siderations of safety, refuse to transgress
that time-honored rule, hitherto held in
violate, which allows to our chief execu-
tive but single reelection.