The Writings of Carl Schurz/To Henry Cabot Lodge, January 3d, 1880
TO HENRY CABOT LODGE
Washington, Jan. 3, 1880.
I am afraid I cannot “postpone to a certain day.” The fact is the article I intended to write was to be about the Grant business and calculated to produce an effect upon the movements preparatory to the Republican National Convention. In order to do that, it would have to appear now, or at least within two or three weeks. Even if I could find time, this or next month, to write it, which is quite impossible, it would not come out in time to do any good. But I have scarcely ever been more absorbed by current business than I am now, so that I can scarcely think of anything else.
Now, as to the Grant business, one thing seems to me necessary to kill it with unfailing certainty: it is that those who do not mean to support him under any circumstances—and there are legions of them—should make it known, boldly and loudly, before the election of delegates to the National Convention takes place. Much is done in that direction already, but more should be done. Cannot you and your friends set the “Young Republicans” of Massachusetts going? Now is the time for them to do something decisive. It does not look at present as if the South would nominate Grant. If the opposition, which really exists, shows itself in season and with sufficient strength and determination, his name will never appear in the convention. I agree with you perfectly in what you say with regard to Sherman.