The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1892-05-26
(Confdential.)
NEW YORK, May 2. 1880.

tOouuucHliaij
NEW YORK, May 2. 1880.
MY DEAR Mr. CoSKLISG:
am i'll receipt of yonr last letter. and have very
CONSIDERABLY weighed the matter In all ts bearings.
The tribute you pay to my services to the country
appreciate, but at the time fear you over
estimate nay services aud under estimate the in-
diligence OF our conntry.
There have been cxigences that warranted A
second term, but do not believe that the best in
tcrcsts of the c0untry's good ever demanded n
third term, or ever viii. / had my doubts even rs
TO the sdvisabity OF second term and you know
that have so expressed myself TO you in our con-
hdcDtial talk
This is big country, full of brainy and ambi-
tion5 men, who can serve the country eminentiy
well as its President, and sincerely question the
policy OF thwarting their noble ambition. In q
Republic cosmopolitan like ours q mans fame ia
too frequently dependent upon the status of public
sentiment. Fame in this country ebbs and flows.
To-day you are the peer, to- morrow you may be
ment.
This is another reason why the noble ambition
to be President should not be restricted to one
man. feel that my country has amply repaid me
for all my services by the honors il has bestowed
upon me, and / feel that to be n candidate or ac-
cePt the nomination. for third term would be
ingratitude, and would eventually affect me with
the people who have loved me and whom love.
am stu of opinion that should speak to the
country that should break the silence in a letter
declining enphatically to accept the nomination
for third torn. ] appreciate your efforts your
friendship snd loyalty but feel that your jealous
ness for me is not of heart, bat of mind
highly sensitive nature, and knowing your an
upsthy TO the Maine statesman, have always
refrained from speaking of him to you; but now
feel thai L should speak that matter, and
pisinly.
This arrangement between you two. unless
checked, must prove mutual disadvantage. 1t
viii hurt Mr. Conkling ii will hur: Mr.. Blaine. 1t
will be a stum sling-bieck in the way of the NJ
billions of both. L believe that, could the differ
cnccS existing be aniicsbly adjusted. the nonna-
ton this yenr would 90 10 one. leaving the honor
four years hence more than probability for the
other
It is not only necessary for the good of each that
amicabe adjustment be reached, but for the good
Of the party and more for the good OF the country
| fear that the presentation of my nsme at the
Convention would not only assist in the defeat of
Mr.. Blaine, bat seriously affect your future, be-
sides warping my career. Even should be nomi-
netcd, 1t could only come after spirited contest
in which much bitterness would be injected. And
then 1 doubt if could be elected, as l seriously
doubt whether any man can ever again be elected
for q second term, unless, perchancc, there
should arise extraordinary emergency,
which now appears i'm probable, even in the dim
future.
am aware that this matter has gone on to an
extent where an announcement from me refusing
TO accept would be looked upon by some cow
ardce, but would it not be far better to be consid-
cred a coward than a usurper? / also appreciate
your position. As you say, THE final and su-
pren,e effort of your life for supremacy" Yet, in
the face OF all, still believe that my should
not be presented, and further, believe that your
anxiety about the effect announcement from
would have your future 10 an error.
I trust you will consider gr2vely and carefully
my wishes. am generous enough to snffer my
self rather than to have my friends suffer, if
convinced that any act of mine would cause them
to suffer.
Awaiting your reply before acting. I remain,
sincerely your friend, L. :. GRANT.