New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-01-31
H W4SHINGTON LETTER.
He DOdges the Question Of Third
Presidential Term.

George washingtons views on the subject OF
third Presidential have just been revealed in
a collection Of hitherto unpublished letters in the
Columbia University library This lent the
university some time ago and has recently been
formally presented TO Columbia. 1t not until
the presentation made that the collection
was carefully examined and WashingtOn's letter
discovered. After discussing a request Of Hamil-
toms for the return Of the watch Of a British off,
Ger killed in battle and referring in a compli-
mentary way to some papers that Hamilton had
published Washington makes this reply in
quiry Of Hamiltons about his views accepting
the Presidency for third time:
On the delicate subject with which you conclude
your letter say nothing, because the event al
luded to may never happen; and because in case
defer forming ones ultimate and irrevocable de-
cision, long a data might be offered for
one to act with the greatest wisdom and proprety.
! would not wish TO conceal my prevailing senti-
my good sir. to be persuaded that am not guilty
OF d,s afecta9n when M tel , you II is my great and
on my own farm. Were it ever Indispensable a
you and some others who are acquainted with nv
heart would acquit the world and posterity might
probably accuse me of Inconsistency and ambition.
Still hope I shall always possess hrmness and
virtue enough TO maintain Cwhat consider the
honest man.
Along with this letter Of Washington the uni
versty has also placed exhibition a number OF
letters OF various Presidents OF the United States
The following from Willard Fillmore 10 a publish
Chief Executive not blessed with much ready
money:
Aurora, November 49, 1924
Dear Sir: Yours Of the LIST ult. came TO hand
the 18th. but the books did arrive until yes
terday.
l send you my note as per request for $46 66, eX-
cept that they for three instead Of two years,
as l shall calculate 10 be ready TO meet the pay
ments at that time. and II convenient would be
willing TO pay in two in three years. but wish 10
reserve the privilege TO myself so as 10 be by no
means embarrassed
The remaining part which was TO be paid down,
$l6 p. is ready; deducting from that years in
terest as proposed in your letter OF September IS
last, it makes SIS %, which know Of safe op
portunity to send until member Of Assembly
shall 60 next month"; by whom az l have OPP
portunity 10 send II soOner), shall forward IT.: 1
am, yours respectfully VI. FILLMORE.
Messrs. William Gold & Co.
Discussing European hostility 70 the United
States James Madison wrote in one letter:
-. I should have been more in haste to acknowl-
edge your favor but that wished TO give you the
result Of the mission of Mr.. Rose | am able 10 do
II at full length and IA a spirited form. From this
ard other indications appearing from day 10 day,
you will be able to estimate our relations
great power. With the others. also stand 81
the ground which might be clear and solid
than IS | hate the conduct of the mighty rivals
for power I'm Europe. leaving but littla repose to
those who wish not to participate in their niquties
their destinies. hope. nevertheless that shall
keep out of the snares which laid for US. and
teach them all by example that here policy
among nations lies where IL does among individuals
in involable adherence to honest maxims.