The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-04-28

Pttsburg, April 27.-That Gen. L, s. Grant had no further political ambition. but was dragooned into allowing the use of his name for a third term by party leaders, and that the Chicago convention of 1880 clearly established the attitude of the American people toward the traditions lVice President sherman, principal speak Ter here tonight at the. annual Grant day banquet of the Americus Republican club.
 Grant Was Lured Into Blunder
 The Vice President asserted that Gen. eral Grant was lured into the grievous blunder of his life. Grants opponents never charged he ever tried to add to the power of the executive. and Congress and the judiciary suffered no assault from him, the Vice President declared, yet even for him the precept and example of Washington could not be set aside
 Besides the Vice President other speak CTS were Senator Charles Curtis of Kan- sas whose topic was The American Re- lpubic;" Congressman F. M. Nye of Min nesota. who spoke on "The Republican Leaders" and Congressman E. D. Crum- lpacker of Indiana, who addressed his re- marks to "The Republican Party.
 Before the speakers were called. j.. Denny O'Neil. president of the Americus club, paid a tribute to Gen. Frederick Dent Grant and Maj. Archibald Butt. who were honorary members of the club. and a toast was drunk standing.
 Sherman's Speech
 Vice President Sherman spoke in part as follows:
 "Grant lived in and adorned an heroic lera of our country. He acted upon an laugust stage in a conflict of unsur- lpassed significance to mankind. He rose to the requirements of every and varied tests and shed brilliance on events and results The foes whom he conquered have become his glowing eulogists. The decades have silenced his bitterest critics.
 "The Chicago convention of 1880 set forth clearly how strongly the Amer ican people cling to the wise traditions of the fa+frers. General Grant was con- tent with the popular favor accorded Ih,m and had no further political ai1l- button. Certain pstty leaders however, dragooned him into allowing the use or his name as a candidate for third presidential term Seemingly he was liured into the grievous blunder of his life The minority of 306 on the con- : sl1cntion roll by no means included all lihe admirers of the warrior-statesman. The safeguard against permanence ta executive authority was deemed vital, overrode personal regard and esteem and forbade compliance with individual desire Devotion to the republican principle prevailed and the famous hero went to defeat in the home of his friends.
 Did Not Assault Constitution "The opponents of third term for Grant never charged that he strained I or tried to add to the power of the executive. Congress and the Judiciary sueffered no assault from him. Ills loyalty to .the constitution and the laws was absolute;l too absolute ever to be questioned He did not deem himself he sole reliance of the republic. The spirit of a Caesar or Cromwell was not within him. No greed for despotism led him astray. He raised no irreverent hand against the altar of the national sanctuary, its constitution and It's courts He aroused no mad confusion or chaos. Inordinate desire for power did not smother in him the high attri- bntes of consistency, constancy and fairness He was an architect of con- cord not discord He was quiet and con tent not boisterous and discordant. Yet. } even for him, the precept and example Of Washington could not be spurned by the American people.
 "Among illustrious Americans whose lives are ended. three shine out in the Armament of history like the brightest stars of heaven. The schoolboy, and the sage, the laborer and the prince of finance, with accord. name Washing ton, Lincoln and Grant. The union is safe and will endure so long as the cit lizens follow in their footsteps and take
 Inspiration from their characters and teachings.
 Washington Saw Danger
 Shall we for a moment or two give thought to what all this sigAifes in the affairs of today? The danger of any appfoach to permanence in executive authority was emphasized by Washing ton and Jefferson repeated the warning. : By longtime custom and by almost universal opinions of the thoughtful of , the past, wisdom limits presidential service to eight years. Save only with } President Hayes. who forbade consid eration of his name for second term. ltke republican party has rendered to is Presidents a renonination The wis dom of this act has been demonstrated with Loncoln. Grant and Mckinley President Taft has not fallen behind , any predecessor In fidelity efficiency constancy and force. He has done nc Juggling has practiced no deception has sought no personal advantage He has enforced the laws, has respected constitutional government, has been the adovcate of stability. His administra- tion has been conspicuous for honesty, economy and real progress. The paral- lei of his case with I.oncoln and Grant is striking and prophetic. And as tho harmonious acclaim of the people h 1864 and 1872 sounded above discordant ,snarling of discontent and disappoint- ell ambition so in 1912 the discernin. :, American electorate will again call into power 10 guard and guide the : Iiation's destinies for another four years, William Howard Taft"