The Writings of Carl Schurz/To George F. Edmunds, January 16th, 1882
TO GEORGE F. EDMUNDS
| The Evening Post, | |
| New York, Jan. 16, 1882. |
A resolution has been introduced in the Senate and passed, calling upon the Interior Department for copies of a ruling made by me as Secretary of the Interior in 1879 with respect to the Northern Pacific railroad land grant, and of other papers connected with the case. I suppose these papers will go to the Judiciary Committee of the Senate for examination as to whether the ruling was in accordance with law. Some newspapers have availed themselves of the introduction of that resolution to charge me with performing that official act under the influence of improper motives. While the Senate may not feel inclined to take cognizance of mere irresponsible newspaper talk, yet it seems to me that when either by any act of the Senate or in the debates of that body injurious reflections are cast upon the official conduct and character of one who has been six years a Senator and four years a member of the Cabinet, he may be considered entitled to a full and fair inquiry into all the facts in question. Whether the resolution introduced by Senator Teller was intended to convey any such reflection, I do not know. But it has been so interpreted and I am advised that several Members of Congress so understand it.
Under these circumstances I would ask you to move in the Senate that either the Judiciary Committee, or one especially appointed for the purpose, be instructed to investigate thoroughly and publicly my official action in the case referred to. The facts are easily obtainable, and the investigation I desire is that those who attack my conduct be given the best possible opportunity to make good their charges and insinuations, and that the truth may have a chance to become known by the voice of unassailable authority.[1]