Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-05-21
GRANT A PEACEMAKER.
HE TRIED TO INDUCE CONKLING TO
MAKE UP WITH BLAINE

An Earnest Letter Opposing the Third
Term Project-He Hints at the Presi-
dental Ambition of Both Rivals Being
satisfied-The Ficl1lenrss of Fame.
COLUMBUS, O., May 20.-The Columbus
Dispatch to-day makes public copy of a
letter written by U. S. Grant to Roscoe
Conkling regarding his effort to have the
General nominated as a candidate for
President for the third fine. The following
is the letter:
NEW YORK, May, 1880.
My Dear Mr.. Conkling:
am in receipt of your last letter, and
have very considerably weighed the matter
in all its bearings. The tribute you pay to
my services to the country 1 appreciate. but
at the same time fear you overestimate my
services and underestimate the indulgence
of our country There have been exigencfes
that warranted second term, but l don't
believe that the best interests or the coun-
trys good ever demanded a third term or
ever will.
had my doubts even as to the advisable
ity of second term, and you know that
have so expressed myself to you in our con-
1dential talks. This is big country, full of
brainy and ambitious men who can serve
the country eminently we'll as its President,
and 1 sincerely question the policy OF
public, cosmopolitan like ours, a mans fame
is too frequently dependent upon the status
of public sentiment. Fame in this country
GIBBS and flows. To-day you are the peer: to-
morrow you may be submerged beneath the
wave Of adverse sentiment. This Is another
reason why the noble ambition to be Prest-
dent should not be restricted to one man
1 feel that our country has amply repaid
me for all my services by the honers 1t has
bestowed upon me, and I feel that to be a
candidate or accept the nomination for q
eventually affect me with the people who
have loved me and whom love.
I am still of the opinion that should
break silence in letter declining emphati-
cally to accept O nomination for third term.
Appreciate your efforts, your friendship and
loyalty, but fear that your zeal for me is
ing that with all your nobleness you have u
highly sensitive nature, and knowing your
antipathy to the Maine statesman, have al
ways refrained from speaking of him to you;
but feel that should speak on that mat
ter, and plainly.
This arrangement between you two, un-
less checked, must prove mutual disad-
vantage. 1t will hurt Mr.. Conkltng. 1t will
hurt Mr.. Blaine. 1t will be stumbling
block in the way of the ambitions of both. I
believe that could the differences existing
year would go to one, leaving the honor four
years hence, more than probability, for
the other. 1t is not only necessary for the
good of each that an amicable adjustment
be reached, but for the good of the party,
and more, for the good of the country.
l fear that the presentation of my name at
the convention would not only assist in the
defeat of Mr.. Blaine, but seriously affect
your future, besides warping my career.
Even should 1 be nominated, it could only
come after spirited contest, in which much |
bitterness would be injected; and then 1 |
doubt If / could be elected, as seriously |
doubt whether any man can ever again be |
elected even for a second term, unless per- |
chance there should arise some eXtraordf- |
nary emergency, which now appears i'm |
probable, even in the dim future.
1 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 as cowardice; but would it not be |
far better to be considered coward than q |
usurper7 1 also appreciate your position, |
as you say, "the final and supreme effort of |
your life for supremacy" yet In the face of |
all, 1 still believe that my name should not ,
be presented. And, further, believe that
your anxiety about the effect an announce |
ment from me would have on your future, |
is an error.
I trust you will consider gravely and care |
fully my wishes. am generous enough to |
suffer myself rather than to have my friends |
suffer, if am convinced that any act of |
mine would cause them to suffer. Awaiting |
your reply before acting, remain
Sincerely your friend. |
U. S. GRANT.