The Writings of Carl Schurz/From Ex-President Hayes, July 9th, 1887
FROM EX-PRESIDENT HAYES
My dear General: I am specially rejoiced that you have begun the autobiography. Anything you write is quite sure to be of interest and value. But this sketch—don't make it too short—will be, I am sure, of the greatest interest.
You ask for the exact point of the mystery in your own case as many think of it. To me there is no mystery—nothing requiring explanation. But you know the strength of the tie which binds the average Englishman, Scotchman, Irishman or American to his party. To break it is almost a crime. Now you were a Republican prior to 1872. Then you left the Republican party and joined the Democrats. In 1876 you left the Democrats and joined again the Republicans. You remained with the R's through 1880, and in 1884 left them and went again to the Democrats. I am stating this not as I see it, but as the average party man sees it, and speaks of it. Two views are taken of this. The less intelligent conclude that your changes are due to selfish and unworthy motives. To them there is no mystery in your conduct. You are no “enigma” to them. They see clearly why your political conduct is what it is. I have often denied to such the correctness of their accusations against you. But the other and better informed class are confident that in what you have done you are perfectly sincere and honest. But “How strange it is,” they say. They can't understand it. It is a mystery. You are an “enigma.” With such, the common explanation is, “Well he is a German”—or “He is a Free Trader.” “He is a good man—an honest man—a man of extraordinary talents, but not a practical man in his political conduct.” Does this make clear to you what I meant?
With all friendship and good wishes,
Sincerely,