The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1895-12-04
Would Cleveland Accept?
Mr.. Benedict says That he
Does Not Think He Would.

New YORK. Nov. 27.-When seen
to. day relative to statement published
in morning newspaper in this city
stating that President Grover Cieve-
laid would neve: consent &c stand far
third tetm, Mr.. E. G Bsuec.lo', tie
Broad street banker. wto vas auihar'fS
for the .tatcmeut. said that in part he
statement vas true. hrt 10 certain
places il was made too strong.
Il am oct positive ;hat be wou'd
not cooseut 10 run fnr Z third :erm
am positive of no.hiug save death ahd
taxes.
..To Sc; the matter forever right, |
will write what I have to say"
Mr.. Benedict then penoed the 'oi-
lowing and handed it to a reporter:
.All that have said OF can say 10
reference to President Cleveland s
views as to Z third term is inferen'ia'.
II infer from what he bas repeatedly
said that he is impatient TO be rid of
all official cares and unwilling to have
them prolonged under any cl'cum-
stances"
Continuing, Mr.. Benedict said /: CIT
is no secret to anybody who knows Mr.
Cleveland we'll as to his views on this
subject. He has been counting the
months until be can be free Of the
trammels of public affairs. He feels
and he told me so-in fact, be has told
many of his friends so-that he was a
great fool to accept the Presidency a
second time. He said !: L have bad
enough OF victory and defeat, and that
is all nan can have in this world.
"He has been like this ever since he
entered upon bis second term
Here Mr. Benedict cinchcd his 6s'a
aud shook them over his temples. re
laxing his fingers to tell off the months,
in pantomime Of the President-of the
months he had yet to serve.
Mr.. Benedict then said He sswas
foolish, he knows it. in accepting a
second term. for be often complained
that bis health was shattered until be
vas hardly able to stand it longer
"Of course everybody who Knows
him, knows this, 80 it is 30 secret. [
once said to him !: L am spelling your
chances for third term | am telling
people you will not accept.
HE did not seem much interested.
and said (: Go ahead.
MANY of my friends have come to
me, macy of them Republicans of
standing, and they said: He must ruo,
the country demands it; be must give
us chance to vote for him.
Il have Invariably replied f.: 4 don't
think you will ever have a chance to
vote for him agaio, and tell you now,
sir. I dou't think President Cleveland
can be prevailed upon TO accept the
domination fourth time .
Have you ever questioned tha Pes
ident directly upon the third term qnes-
ton ?" was asked.
"No," answered Mr.. Benedic hut
you don't always have to ask qu .>'ions
to get an answer, acts, words and >en-
timents on collateral matters will some
times answer
Mr.. Benedict then. in coD6d'nce,
told the reporter certain actions of the
President bearing on the third term
question which would tend to show that
MIR Cleveland will not stand fourth
time for the Presidency.
DO you agree with some of Mr..
Ceveland's friends that Mr.. Cleve.
lands duty is plain, that he should ac-
cept the nomination next year y
"No. sir. I do not," answered Mr..
Benedict. "Aud l think that the
claim made in certain qrarters that be
be offered the term because the Demo
cratic party has nc better man is an in
suit to him "
Mr.. Benedict said in conclusion ::
"As to being positive that Mr. Ceve-
laud would not accept fourth nomlna-
ton, am not do not think he will
do So