The Writings of Carl Schurz/To Jacob D. Cox, April 4th, 1871
TO JACOB D. COX
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I was delighted when I read of the association you have formed. It is just the thing to be done under existing circumstances. That the platform you adopted, and which agrees in substance with our liberal Missouri platform, has the approval of a majority in the Republican party, I do not doubt a moment. If we only succeed in rallying those who think alike, the Republican organization will in truth be the new party of the future. Similar associations ought to be organized all over the country, and I hope we shall see them soon crop out here and there.
The great incubus pressing upon the party, the Administration with its train of officers and office-mongers, is now in a fair way of being shaken off. Unless I greatly mistake the signs of the times, the superstition that Grant is the necessary man, is rapidly giving way. The spell is broken, and we have only to push through the breach.
As for San Domingo, I am confident that no treaty of annexation can pass this body. The President may try to press the treaty for the lease of the Bay of Samaná, a comparatively innocent thing. We shall resist that also and I think we can defeat it too.
The President, as I understand, is as stubborn as ever, and seems determined to risk his all upon that one card. He seems to have a genius for suicide.
I suppose you have already thought of spreading your organization all over your State. Perhaps you might take care of Indiana too.
My speech on Summer's resolutions will be out in pamphlet form in a day or two. I shall send you as many copies as you may desire.
I shall be happy to hear from you again.