Page:Speeches, correspondence and political papers of Carl Schurz, Volume 3.djvu/371

This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
1876]
Carl Schurz
345

begins. Doubtful cases of great importance may and probably will henceforth occur more frequently than formerly, but even then they are not likely to occur more than once or twice during the average official life of a judge of the Supreme Bench. The exercise of great power in connection with that duty will, therefore, be of rare occurrence; so rare, indeed, as not seriously to affect the character of the tribunal while the possibility of packing the Supreme Court for special occasions may be prevented by suitable provisions in the Constitutional amendment.

We commend this proposition, which is by no means new and has already been discussed in the public press, to the attention of those who may exercise an influence in favor of its accomplishment. The end we have in view appeals to the patriotic feelings of every good citizen. It is the preservation of peace and of the moral authority of our National Government. That both are in jeopardy, nobody will question. To avert this danger now and also in the future the plan here discussed appears to us a good one. But its speedy execution depends upon the prompt coöperation of the two political parties, each of which would prove by its acceptance of this proposition that it has confidence in the rightfulness of its cause or that it esteems the public welfare above all else.

Carl Schurz,
John B. Henderson and others.




Columbus, O., Dec. 6, 1876.

Private.
I have read your article on the mode you suggest for determining contested Presidential elections. Its general tone and purpose strike me favorably. What is wanted is an article which shall practically embody the views you maintain. The