The Writings of Carl Schurz/From Henry Ward Beecher, July 29th, 1884

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Speeches, correspondence and political papers of Carl Schurz
Carl Schurz and others, edited by Frederic Bancroft

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New York City: G. P. Putnam's Sons, page 222

3475547Speeches, correspondence and political papers of Carl Schurz — From Henry Ward Beecher, July 29thCarl Schurz and others

FROM HENRY WARD BEECHER

Brooklyn, N. Y., July 29, 1884.

I have received such statements respecting Cleveland from several eminent clergymen of Buffalo, that I am paralyzed. Pray, put off your speech, of which Metcalf tells me, until we are sure of our ground. It would be very disastrous to you, and to the cause, if AFTER your speech (which will of course be very able) it should come out, as Rev. Dr. Ball of Buffalo assures me, that Cleveland's debaucheries “continue to this hour.”

I am informed by Rev. Dr. Mitchell, formerly of Brooklyn (now of 1st Presbyterian Church, Buffalo—the most influential Church there) that the whole body of ministers in B. are of one mind, and counseled the publication in the Telegraph newspaper.

The Independents, of all men, being the advocates of moral reformation in politics cannot uphold a grossly dissipated man—and they ought not to wait to be driven from their position, but retreat in good order, before being charged, from an untenable ground. It may be possible to compel C. to refuse the nomination. Bayard, Thurman, Carlisle,—any clean man will be better than a spavined man for a race. Cleveland, if debauched, and held to by the Independents, will elect Blaine, by such a majority as will tread the Independent movement hopelessly under foot.