You tell me in your letter that the Republican party must be saved. I am convinced that it can be done only by making it the party of reforms and by suppressing the bad influences governing it. And that requires the utmost decision of action. We must convince the people that we mean business. At any rate, I do mean business, and am “going to fight it out on this line.” Let me know what you think of it.
THE NEED OF REFORM AND A NEW PARTY[1]
Fellow-Citizens:—When the kind invitation which called me here was published in the papers, some over-zealous partisans, who had long been doubting my orthodoxy, threw up their hands in holy horror, exclaiming: “You see now how far he is gone: some of the most prominent rebels in Tennessee are among those who invite him, and yet he accepts their invitation.” I plead guilty to the charge, and more than that. While I am happy to meet the steadfast Union men, who, in the hour of peril, faithfully supported the National cause, I am equally happy to stretch out my hand to all men who, having stood against us during the civil war, are now ready to work for the “restoration of universal peace, harmony, friendship and true brotherhood.” And had I lost a brother in the great conflict, and were to meet here the man who took his life, my hand and heart would be open to him, did he show himself ready to work with me for that great end. And thus I thank you, Unionists and Confederates, Republicans and Democrats, native and adopted citizens, white and black, fellow-citizens, all, I thank you, from my whole heart, for the friendly welcome you have given me. And my gratitude for this high honor I can show in no better form than by laying before you, in what I am going
- ↑ Speech at Nashville, Tenn., Sept. 20, 1871.
