The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1880-03-09

tAlneu ny Tue Dtat element OIL the country
4 And II this was true in Jeferson's time
Tit was then considered expedient Of
necessary to limit the Presidential Office Il
two terms, lest the office nominally fol
years, 10 fact, become an Office for life
what shall be Gaia In these days when th(
political machinery has become SO compli
Gated and subtle that the true sentiment
and will OF the people is often overcome
II mot lost sight Of altogether
Whatever may have been the views oil
General Grant upon the subject Of third
term, however, In 1875, 1t Is reasonably
certain that in 1880 he stands readyto &C.
cept the nomination third time II given
the opportunity, and Senator Howe tells
us that he hopes that the Republicans will
not put lighted candles in their hats after
the manner OF miners and descend into
subterranean depths to quarry out q Presi-
dent, when the foremost man OF his age
stands upon the mountain.top." ready
and anxious, we suppose, to be called
down. Ut
This is a fine smile, and Is evidently the
outpouring Of the heart OF o man that has
been left behind.
Without attempting to reduce the alti-
tude OF the man on the mountain top by
the one, hundredth part Of barley corn,
we submit that 1t is a rather severe refec-
ton upon the other distinguished gentle
men who are supposed TO be quite willing
to accept the nomination, 10 insinuate
thatii we fail 10 nominate Gen. Grant there
Is chance that we shall be Obliged to
quarry out President from some subter-
ranean cave by the dim light OF tallow-
candle.
II Gen. Grant indeed stands upon The
mountain top. the valley below Is thick
with the political graves OF his compan-
ions and appointees who fell during his
Administration. The names OF Belknap,
and Babcock, and Shepherd, and many
others OF like fragrant memory can easily
be read upon the tombstones that dot the
way. And what shall be said OF the party
itself, that stood united and strong, well
intrenched high up the slope, when the
man on the mountain top first took COM
mand? We saw it gradually pushed from
its position. One Republican seat after
another vacated in the House aud Senate
and filled by the opposition, until at the
close OF the second term the party was
reduced to helpless minority OF the
House and a bare majority in the Senate.
The result OF the last Presidential con-
test admonishes us that II We are to sue
coed in this We must nominate man who
can command the active and enthusiastic
support OF the entire party.
The campaign will be fought out mainly
upon the merits OF the respective cam
didates, the past history OF the political
parties, and the probable future course OF |
the National Administration. ~
We shall not be able to force our OPP
ponents to an issue upon any clearly |
defined measure, financial or political, and |
the campaign must, TO a great extent, be q
personal one. Under these circumstances,
1t would seem to be the part Of wisdom to
select standard,bearer whose record is
clear, and WHO'S not personally objection
able to any considerable portion OF the
party. President Grants Administration,
during his second term especially, was not
popular with large portion OF the more
intelligent members OF the. party, who
neither held nor desired Office, and
whether their opinions as to the conduct
Of the President were erroneous or other
wise, they were, and still are, honestly
and tits now too late TO cor.
rect them, II erroneous. With General
Grant as our candidate, the campaign
must be fought on the defensive, and will
be one OF apologies and denials.
AS there is no valid reason why this
high honor should again be conferred
upon him In preference to others who have
borne the heat and burden OF the day, and
IS 1t Is reasonably certain that he cannot
or secure the hearty support Of
The entire party II nominated, prudence
would seem to dictate that we recognize
The "unwritten law OF the Republic" as to a
third term lease, and leave the foremost
man ofhisage" standing upon themountain
Top with our blessing. Nominate either
Blaine, Sherman or Washburne, and, hav-
ing nominated, elect him by such an over.
whelming majority as to leave no ground
Tor doubt as to the result.
ANr1.TH1RD TRRM.