I have wholly abstained from any participation or association with any of the local politicians, and among the few New Yorkers who are personally desirous of my political advancement and are my friends, Cleveland finds favor and no opposition. The banded “unions” which have been so fostered into political action of late, and the issues they seek to create between capital and labor, are dangerous to the welfare of all classes. I fully agree with you that at such a time Blaine is not a weak candidate before the masses of the people, and certain elements heretofore acting commonly with the Democratic party will be very apt to transfer their votes to a leader so likely to produce public confusion, which is the harvest-time of public plunderers.
My dear General, I am not [to] be a candidate by my own presentation, but should other causes make me one I shall be glad and grateful for your counsel and aid. The work ahead of us to regenerate and reform measures and methods of government, to raise its tone and level of administration will demand our best energies and united effort. I write offhand, but I hope transparently and satisfactorily and will be glad if you will write me again. Your words will always have the regard and respect which I [you] know I bear to you.
TO J. W. HOAG
Dear Sir: Your kind letter of the 25th inst. has reached me. We have not circulated any “documents” yet, giving elaborate reasons for our opposition to Blaine, but only a short protest for signature, which has already received a large number of names, all of Republicans who refuse to vote for the candidates nominated at Chicago. I enclose the heading of it, and I shall be glad to have your signature too, which I hope you will give upon a candid consideration of the case.
As you say you know that I was right in 1872, you will
