ernor Hill does it, will prevent that; it will rather tend to discredit those resorting to it with the conservative element. The Democrats will, therefore, in order to fill the gap caused by the labor defection, have to draw upon the sincere friends of reform among the Republicans and the Independents. And that can be done only by a strong reform policy.
I think you did a good thing in appointing Straus. He is an excellent man and will, I trust, do good service. You will have noticed that the appointment was received with uniform favor by the press. Last Sunday I had a call from John Sherman and his brother the General. Do you think John is making much headway as an aspirant to the nomination?
Do you ever visit New York, and when you do, will you ever be able to find half an hour to cheer this sufferer with your kind countenance? You will probably find me at home for a good while yet.
FROM EX-PRESIDENT HAYES
My dear General: This hot morning I give a few minutes to the duty and pleasure of telling you how much I am delighted with your Henry Clay. Wm. Henry Smith had written me that it was the best of the series and very excellent. Critical notices all point the same way. I knew you were not likely to be unjust. But owing to your aversion to Hero Worship I feared you would not see as others do the wonderful combination of attractive qualities possessed by Clay. He was by nature sound and an adherent of the best. This with his prodigious magnetism, grace and eloquence made him a unique character. You have satisfied the demand of his admirers, and still kept faith with historical accuracy and justice. It is well done, exceedingly.
Now a word more personal, almost impertinent. You
