Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1880-03-13
COMMUNICATED.

Mr.. Editor-There has been no time
in the history of our country when there
was so much need of calling the atten-
ton of the people to the danger that is
,heatening the continuance of the form
of government delivered to the guard
ianship of the American people by the
founders of our liberties,as there isnow.
The danger is all the more to be dread
ed because many may be induced to ia
vor a third term for General Grant,
without being fully aware of what is the
certain result. The danger is to be
found in the prospect of "a departure
from the rule laid down by Washing
ton, in refusing to entertain the IDEA OF
a third election to the Office of Presi-
dent; precedent followed by several of
those succeeding him, who might have
been third time elected had they been
willing to prove unfaithful to the aims
of the American Revolution-the estab
ishment of free Government. Let
your readers, Mr.. Editor, read the letter
written by Washington refusing to en-
terrain the idea of ga strong govern
ment.'
Let them reflect that as there was
desire on the part ofthe military then
for that "strong government" so 100 1t
exists now. And as the military then
expressed it near the end of their letter
10 Washington, "strong arguments
might be produced for admitting the Ii
tie of King" SO would the three hun
dred thousand office-seekers think; aud
so would our military third term Presi-
dent think.
Here is Washington's letter.
TO COL. LEWIS NICOLA.
NEwBURG, May %, 1872.
Sir. With n mixture Of great surprise
and establishment, | have read with atten-
ton the sentiments you have submitted
TO nv perusal. Be assured Sir, no occur
renee in the course of the war has given
me more painful sensations than your IN
formation of there being such ideas exist
iny i'm the army, as you have expressed,
and | must view with adherence and
reprehend with severity. For the pres
ent the communication of them will rest
in nv bosom, unless some further agita-
ton of the matter shall make a disclosure
necessary.
| am much ut loss to conceive what part
of my conduct could have given encoul'-
agement to an address, which to me seems
biz with the greatest mischief that can
bcfall my country. fl am not deceived
in the knowledge of myself, you could
not have fonnd Il person to whom your
schemes are more disageea5le. AT the
same time, in justice to my own feelings,
| must add, that no man possesses more
sincere wish to see ample justice done to
the army than | do; and, as far us my
power and influence, in constit utional
way extend, they shall be employed to
the utmost of my abilities to effect 1t,
should there be any occasion. Let me
conjure you, then, if you have any regard
for your country, concern for yourself or
posterity, or respect for me, TO Danish
these thoughts from your mind land never
communicate, as from yourself or any
one else, sentiment of the like nature. 1
am, sir, your most obedient servant,
GEORGE WASHINGTON.
Let your readers ponder it, and, see
to it, that they put "such ideas" as " ere
expressed by the army then, and are en-
tertaired by the army officers and office
seekers now, to res: forever, by abso-
lutely setting their faces against third
, term. Yours truly, ID. u. L.