I was recommended. To-day I have been more fortunate. I made the acquaintance of two Representatives and one Senator and was well received. It may be several days before I penetrate into the higher spheres. However, I have learned much from the little I have seen and much that does not please me. Looking at things as an unprejudiced and disinterested spectator, this confusion of schemes, interests, fears, personal considerations, ambitious plans and claims, manœuvres, mutual deceptions etc.—one is involuntarily tempted not to venture further into the turmoil. However, within this sphere there are great duties, noble tasks, momentous decisions, that rise like columns from the dust in which the vermin crawl. You learn here what good political institutions mean. The country is being badly governed at this moment, but, however it may be governed, incapable as the men at the helm may be, things go well, nevertheless.
TO MRS. SCHURZ
Washington, Thursday, March 23, 1854.
Within the last few days I have met a number of Members of Congress and other extremely interesting political and unpolitical persons. I shall probably see the President before the end of the week and am somewhat curious. From all I hear about the conditions at the White House—and that is not a little—the President presents the sorry spectacle of an individual who has been placed at the helm of a great republic without possessing the necessary strength of character nor the equally necessary clearness of mind. He has the unfortunate trait of wishing to please everybody and consequently he has displeased all. He agrees with every one who speaks to him and so says something different to each one. There has never been a President in the White House who has to such a degree disappointed
