The Writings of Carl Schurz/From P. B. Plumb, May 25th, 1884
FROM P. B. PLUMB
Senate Chamber, Washington, May 25, 1884.
Private.
I duly received yours of 12th. I agree with you about New
York being doubtful—but if we can nominate a candidate who can carry Indiana, California, Nevada etc., we can get
along without it. While I do not believe in precisely the kind
of administrative reform you do, still I have no doubt that
any Republican who may be elected will carry out the existing
law, in obedience to his oath and to public sentiment.
If Blaine is objectionable why would not Mr. Tilden, for
instance, be equally objectionable? And to this complexion
it will come at last according to present indications. I concur
with you to the extent of saying that it is not wise to nominate
either Blaine or Arthur—and yet I regard Blaine's
nomination as very likely to happen. Who is to make
headway against him? The only really strong man is Mr.
Sherman (John), who is not yet really in the canvass. How
would he do? The General is talked of—objections being
that his wife's religion would offend many Presbyterians
and Methodists. Gresham is a good man, but little known.
Hawley is better, but from the East and from a small State.
I confess the more I think of it the more the muddle grows.
David Davis would be my solution, but he can't be
nominated.