The Writings of Carl Schurz/From Thomas F. Bayard, February 28th, 1889

by Carl Schurz and others

 

FROM THOMAS F. BAYARD

Department of State,
Washington, Feb. 28, 1889.

Personal.
It gratified me to receive your valued criticism of the part I bore in the attempt to arrange in 1887 a fit government for the Samoan Islands, with the British and German agents. I cannot help asking you to read a despatch of mine in January, 1888—which goes by this mail—for Prince Bismarck's eye. I think it states the Samoan case and the Polynesian question generally, truly and succinctly.

To your inquiry, whether the German Government has asked for Klein s prosecution and that [whether] I had sent the correspondence to the Senate, I reply that nothing of the kind has taken place. Now that I have succeeded in attracting Prince Bismarck's attention to the real condition of Samoa, I find his views and disposition very much as I expected them to be—moderate and conciliatory. As I wrote you, the shopkeepers at Samoa got hold of official power and abused it, and the scene is so distant that mischief was done before the facts were known.

Entre nous, I have been crippled a good deal by poor Pendleton's^[1] invalid condition, and but for that, I believe the Berlin Conference in re Samoa would have been now progressing or even probably the matter settled. As it is, Harrison (Blaine! alas!) must appoint the American envoys—but I do not see how they can fail to follow the lines of the protocols as stated by me.

I will see that you receive the full text of the Sackville incident which is delayed in the printing office. I inclose, however, a copy of my last note on the subject which states the reason for my action and the attitude of the United States on the important question.

When you have received the entire case (and it is not long) I will be greatly obliged to you for your candid judgment. I am sure that no two men better agree than you and I in the dogma, that, frame society as you will, personal honor and good faith will be the secure corner-stone of human intercourse. With this postulate how can a defense be made or [there be] any hesitation to condemn Sackville in his conduct? I agree that American politics has foul spots and shameful features, but so has every political theater, but honest and honorable men have nothing to do with such evil features.

Good-by. I have written more than I intended, but I seldom have the chance to write to you.

Ever, dear Schurz, yours sincerely.

1. George H. Pendleton, U. S. Minister to Germany.