The Writings of Carl Schurz/From Rutherford B. Hayes, June 27th, 1876

by Carl Schurz and others

 

FROM RUTHERFORD B. HAYES

Columbus, June 27, 1876. 

Confidential.
I am very glad to get your letters of the 21st and 23d. I will give your suggestions my best consideration. I do not expect to write my acceptance for ten days or two weeks. In the meantime I wish to give you with entire frankness how the matter lies in my mind now, hoping to hear from you again before I write for the public. I wish to remain entirely uncommitted until the time for issuing the letter.

I now think as you do—probably precisely as you do, on the civil service reform part of our platform. I want to make that the issue of the canvass—to be perfectly explicit, decided and square, but brief in regard to it. I will therefore be glad to have your views in form, or to be referred to the document (speech or letter) which gives the best statement of the true thing.

I do not expect to say anything on the specie resumption plank. I am so pronounced and well known on that question that I feel like saying that the man who wants other interpretation of our platform than the fact of my candidacy, is pretty likely to vote against me even if he has to support Governor Allen or General Carey.

I now feel like saying something as to the South not essentially different from your suggestions, but am not decided about it. I don't like the phrase by reason of its Democratic associations, which you use—“local self-government,” in that connection. It seems to me to smack of the bowie knife and revolver. “Local self-government” has nullified the 15th amendment in several States, and is in a fair way to nullify the 14th and 13th. But I do favor a policy based on the observance of all parts of the Constitution—the new as well as the old, and therefore I suppose you and I are substantially agreed on the topic.

One other suggestion let me now submit to you. I really think that a President could do more good in one term if untrammelled by the belief that he was fixing things for his election to a second term, than with the best intentions could be done in two terms with his power embarrassed by that suspicion or temptation during his first four years. Our platform says nothing on that subject. I am averse to adding topics, but could I not properly avow my own view and purpose on this head?

And now you will excuse me for writing so hurriedly and inconsiderately. I returned late last night from my home in Fremont. I am thronged with callers, and in the midst of a shower of letters and dispatches. Whether you can support me or not you will treat this as confidential, and, I hope, let me hear from you further.