The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1880-06-04
a Third Term.

show.
A Third Term.
WHAT GRANT ONCE SAID ABOUT 1T.
CHICAGO, June 1.-The Tribune pub
fishes the following letter written by Gen
eral Grant to General Harry White on the
subject OF third term:
"Eyecutire Mansion. Washington, May
25, lS75.-Dear Sir: \ short time subse-
ouent to the presidential election OF 1872
the press-a portion OF it hostile to the Re-
publican party, and particularly 50 to the
Administration-starte the cry OF Caesar
ism and the third term calling Justify for
me TO define my position on the latter
subject. | believe il 10 be beneath The
dignity OF the Office which have been twice
called upon to till to answer such ques-
ton before the subject should be presented
by competent authority TO make nomina-
ton, or by body Of such dignity and au-
tbnrity as not to make q reply Il fair subject
OF ridicule. In fact, l have been surprised
that so many sensible persons In the Repub-
lican party should permit their enemy to
force upon them and the party an issue
which cannot add strength to the party, no
matter how met. But body OF the dignity
aud party authority OF a convention TO make
nominations for the State officers OF the
second State in the Union having con-
sidered this question, deem 1t rot unpro-
per that should now speak.
4" In the first place, l never sought The
office for a second nor even for first nomi-
nation. To the first was called from life
position, one created by Congress expressly
for me for supposed services rendered to
The Republic. Tie position vacated liked.
Ii would have been most agreeable TO me to
have retained IL until such time as Congress
might have consented to my retirement,
with the rank and portion OF the emou-
ments which so much needed, TO a home
where the balance OF my days might be
spent in peace and the enjoyment OF domes-
tic quiet, relieved from the cares which
have oppressed me constantly now for four
teen years.
"But was made to believe that the pub
lie good called me to make the sacrifice.
Without seeking the office for the second
term the nomination was rendered TO me
by a unanimous vote OF the delegates OF all
the States and Terrtorie, selected by the
Republicans OF each TO represent their
whole numbers, for the purpose OF making
this nomination. l cannot say that | was
not pleased at this and at the overwhelming
endorsement which their action received ut
the election following.
"But II must be remembered that all the
sacrifice except that OF comfort had been
made in accepting the first term Then,
too, such a fire OF personal abuse and slam
der had been kept up for four years, not
my conscientious performance
OF my duties 10 the best OF my understand.
ing, though l ADMIT, in the light OF subse-
quent events, many times subject to fair |
ose do f,a,
pie, who alone govern republics, was a
qualification that 1t is only human 10 have
appreciated and enjoyed.
NOW for the third term | do not |
want it any more than l did the first. l |
would not write or utter a word To change |
the will Of the people in having their choice. |
"The question OF the number Of terms |
allowed TO any one Executive can only |
come up fairly in the shape OF Il PROPOSE
ton TO amend the Constitution shape in |
which all political parties can participate
liking the length Of time or the number Of |
terms for which any one person shall be
eligible for the Office of President. Until |
such an amendment is adopted the people |
cannot be restricted In their choice by reso-
Iu.ions further than they are now restrict.
ed-as 10 age, nativity, etc. II may happen
change an Executive because he has been
eight years in Office will prove unfortunate
II not disastrous. The idea that any man
could elect himself President, or even re-
nominate himself, is preposterous. Ii Is a
upon the intelligence ana patriot
Ism OF the people to suppose such thing
possible. Any man can destroy his chances
Tor the office, but no one can force IN cleo
lion or even denomination.
"To recaptuate am not nor have
been candidate for denomination.
would not accept nomination IL II were
unless II should come under such
as to make II an imperative
duty, circumstances not likely to arise.
81 congratulate the Convention over
which you presided for the harmony which
prevailed, and for the excellent ticket put
n the teld, and which hope may be til.
lmrhantly elected. ANN
with great respect, your obedlent SER
rant, II, 9. GRANT.
General Harry White, President Pennsyl-
vania Republican State Convention" :.
-, BACK -seats for virgimlaus.
CHICAGO. June 2.--Little banners, shield.
shaped. with Alabama, Arizona, aud so on
printed on them, indicate the situation OF
Zach delegation. The AS sit Ia the front
benches, and The rest OF the alphabet follow
erla,im. The consequence Is that Texas,
Vest fVjrgipip, aud thu other low
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