Congressional duties and lecturing have interfered with his correspondence—Gratified by the good opinion of men of a high class—Regrets narrow-minded partisanship that defeated his reëlection—Hopes for a reform movement in 1876.
Suggests conference of independents—Charles Francis Adams, Sr., as Presidential candidate—Qualifications, “absolute independence of party dictation and entire absence of ulterior ambitions.”
Immediate return to United States not expedient—Inflation element fatal to Democratic party—Republican leaders will change their Southern policy rather than risk defeat—Independents to reserve their influence for Presidential campaign of 1876—Funds needed to organize the reform movement for the next year.
Campaign of 1876 to be kept free from spoils politicians—Blaine injuring his own cause—Adams to be kept in background—Schurz desires conference with Bowles.
Obstacles to nomination of true reformer—Hopes of coöperating with friends of reform in the Union League—Republican party disgraced by corruption in the public service—Regeneration through defeat.
Prominent New Englanders mentioned as desired at the conference—Considers Blaine “one of the most dangerous enemies of genuine reform”—The West favoring the reform movement.
Urges Hayes, in his letter of acceptance, to state “in language bold and ringing,” his position on the financial question, civil rights, local self-government and civil service reform.
The language of Hayes's letter of acceptance cannot be too strong in favor of a specie-payment policy, purification of Government and non-partisan civil service.
Welcomes Schurz's suggestions—Wishes to remain uncommitted until time for issuing letter of acceptance—Consults Schurz about the expediency of limiting himself to one term.
Letter of acceptance has had good effect—Grant unsympathetic with Hayes—Impropriety of Secretary Chandler's being Chairman of Republican National Committee.
Heavy odds against Hayes in Presidential campaign—Hayes urged to reaffirm the promises of his letter of acceptance—“Grant is doing his very worst”—Schurz ready to work for Hayes—Schurz accused of writing Hayes's letter of acceptance.
Usually gives little attention to the prospects in a canvass—Impression prevalent in Ohio that a “Democratic victory would bring the Rebellion into power”—Thanks Schurz for Ottendorfer letter.
Urges Hayes to protest against levying assessments on Government clerks for campaign funds—Having “no ax to grind,” Schurz feels freer to make suggestions—Plans for activities in the campaign.
Efforts to suppress political assessments—No hostility to naturalized foreigners as officeholders—Objects to sectarian interference in politics or in the schools—Never belonged to Know-Nothing party.
Had faith in Hayes but no confidence in Tilden—Ballot-boxes tampered with—Probable appointment of a joint Committee to devise a plan for deciding as to contested votes.
Rumor that Hayes does not favor a special method of settling the electoral dispute—Influence of action of Louisiana returning-board—Theory that it will suffice to assume ourselves right and then go ahead—Power of President of the Senate—Importance of both merits and appearances—Hayes should be advised of public opinion.
Comments on Hayes's thoughts about National aid to education and internal improvements in the South and a Constitutional amendment providing for a single six-year Presidential term—Advises that inaugural address be short, terse and pointed.
Suggests inviting prominent ex-Confederate into his Cabinet—Why he opposes Don Cameron and favors Bristow for a Cabinet position—Elements of strength that Hayes should seek.
Does not seek but would accept Cabinet position, yet would be satisfied if Hayes carried out the policy promised in his letter of acceptance—Schurz's studies and tastes suggest the Department of State or the Treasury, but he is willing to serve wherever he can be really useful.
Hayes's supposed plans and ideas as to Cabinet—Opportunities that the Department of the Interior would offer Schurz—Bristow urged for vacancy on the Supreme Bench.
Information received that the late Presidential aspirants will urge “their confidential agents and tools for Cabinet places”—Governor Jewell's reappointment as Postmaster-General advocated.
Schurz comments on the Congressional Committee's circular soliciting campaign contributions from a Government official—“Your official standing or prospects in this Department” wholly independent of compliance with the request.
Schurz's attitude toward Boston critics of his treatment of Indian affairs—His plans explained—The Ponca case—Suggestions as to making sympathy with Indians useful.
Lacks time to write article against Grant's nomination for a third term—All citizens averse to voting for Grant should declare themselves before the meeting of the National Convention.
Advises Mrs. Jackson that Indian tribes cannot sue the Government—Money being collected for that purpose in the interest of the Poncas might well be used instead to help educate Indian children.
Able lawyers ready to undertake the case of the Poncas and ample funds easily raised—Money could not be diverted to another purpose—Has there ever been any bill before Congress to secure to the Indians their lands in severalty and to give legal protection for their rights and property?
Satisfactory interview with Indian delegation—Hopes to secure legislation giving Indians title in severalty to their land—Asks further information as to Indians on Pacific coast.
The Secretary's objection is that because an Indian tribe cannot maintain action in a United States court, to collect money for such a purpose can benefit only lawyers, not the Indians—Again suggests that consent be obtained to use for Indian schools the money collected—Several bills to give Indians needed rights and protection are before Congress.
An unfounded and unwarranted newspaper attack—Extermination of Utes in retaliation, prevented by Schurz—Particulars of agreement with Utes and Secretary's attitude toward them.
Emphasizes need of harmonious coöperation of all delegates to the National Convention opposed to Grant's nomination—Schurz considers Blaine's nomination impossible.
Charges against Garfield soon to be refuted—Conkling should have been put down when he offered resolution binding all delegates to support the nominee whoever he might be—Praises results of Convention—Hopes Lodge will be nominated for Congress.