The Washington times., 1903-05-12
A Doubtful Withdrawal.
Mr. CIeveland's Latest Letter Not an
Absolute Immolation.

ADSOINLS 1IA1uOidliOH
There are destinations and declina-
tons. Some are unmistakable; some
are dubious. The heart may many
times say yes while the lips say no.
Refusals to the ear may not be re-
fusals to the hope.
We are disposed to think that the
Hon. Grover Cleveland has not al
together taken himself out of the
next Presidential canvass-or, at
Least, out of the canvass for the Demo
cratic nomination-by the letter he
has just written 10 an inquiring
Georgia editor This Southern we'll
wisher bIuntly asked Mr., Cleveland
on May 4 whether he was now con
sidering or would consider making
the race for the Presidency next year
on the Democratic ticket" In an
answer dated at Princeton, May 6,
the eX-President says:
4th instant, and for the editorial clipping from
your paper which accompanied it. cannot
fail to be gratifed by the kindly expressions
which frequently come to me in these days from
all parts OF our country, and l desire to thank
YOU for your loyal support in the past and for
your exceedingly friendly expressions at this
time. In answer to the questions with which
you conclude your letter, / can say no more
than 10 assure you that at time since
the close OF my last Administration have l
been DESTROYS Of carrying the Democratic banner
for the fourth time in Presidential contest
Yours, very truly,
GROVER CLEVELAND.
This is a startlingIy discreet and
polite response to the Georgia
editors candid inquiry. Can it be
taken as closing ''the door of hope"
on those enthusiasts who see IN Mr.
Cleveland's denomination next year
the only chance of Democratic re
generation or Democratic victory? Is
there word IN the Sage Of Prince
toms answer betraying a reluctance
on his part to violate the anti-third
term precept of Washington and of
Jefferson? Does Mr.. Cleveland
ascribe his Discrimination ITO carry
the Democratic banner for a fourth
time" to delieacy of scruple or sense
of duty?
The founder Of the party which
Mr. Cleveland has led in three Presi-
Dental contests was far more ex-
picit and more courageous IN thrust
ing aside the temptations of third
term candidacy. Thomas jefferson,
the idol of the Democracy of his day,
was importuned in 1907 and 1908 by
the Legislatures of six States-Ver-
mont, Georgia, New York, Pennsyl-
Yania, New Jersey, and North Caro-
hna-to stand for a third election 10
the Presidency. But in 1908 he wrote
this unequivccal refusal:
That I should lay down my charge at a
proper period is as much a duty as to have
borne il faithfully. II some termination TO the
service of the Chief Magistrate be not fixed by
the Constitution or supplied by practice his
Office, nominally for years, Will In fact become
for life. and history shows how easily that de-
generates into an inheritance Believing that
representative government, responsible at short
periods of election, is that which produces the
greatest sum Of happiness to mankind, l feel it
duty TO do no act which viii essentially i'm
pair that principle, and / should unwillingly
be the first person, who, disregarding the
sound precedent set by an iuustrious prede-
cessor, should furnish the first example Of pro-
longation beyond the second term Of Office.
Jefferson's followers respected his
declarations and wishes and nomi-
mated Madison for the succession
They knew the Sage of Monticello's
declination was final. Can 50 much
be said Of Mr. Cleveland's ingenious
letter to the editor Of the "Athens
Banner?"
We do not think that Mr.. Cleve-
land Will have to be sandbagged into
submission to the mandate Of his
party, if that party decides TO disre-
gard the sound precedent" set by
Washington and commended by JEFF
ferson.