I repeat, it seems to be time now to go forward. A few weeks hence the practical preparations for the elections of delegates to the National Convention will commence, and now we can inaugurate a healthy movement not only to prevent Grant's nomination but that of any candidate whose record is not clean. Determined action now will be apt to save us a great deal of trouble. What has been said and done so far may remain without effect unless followed up with more decided demonstrations. Is the organization of the “scratchers” in any manner active? They should not hesitate now to step forward and make known their minds.
I write to you with entire frankness, knowing that you fully appreciate the greatness of the issue. I hope you will communicate with me, of course, in entire confidence. I find that we are stronger in numbers as well as influence than we thought some time ago. We can afford to “stand up and be counted.”
TO HENRY CABOT LODGE
Washington, Jan. 3, 1880.
I am afraid I cannot “postpone to a certain day.” The fact is the article I intended to write was to be about the Grant business and calculated to produce an effect upon the movements preparatory to the Republican National Convention. In order to do that, it would have to appear now, or at least within two or three weeks. Even if I could find time, this or next month, to write it, which is quite impossible, it would not come out in time to do any good. But I have scarcely ever been more absorbed by current business than I am now, so that I can scarcely think of anything else.
Now, as to the Grant business, one thing seems to me
