The Writings of Carl Schurz/To Thomas F. Bayard, March 7th, 1888

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Speeches, correspondence and political papers of Carl Schurz
Carl Schurz and others, edited by Frederic Bancroft

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New York City: G. P. Putnam's Sons, pages 493–494

3504899Speeches, correspondence and political papers of Carl Schurz — To Thomas F. Bayard, March 7thCarl Schurz and others

TO THOMAS F. BAYARD

New York, March 7, 1888.

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You would like to go with me to Europe? And how glad I should be if you did! The only charm of high office consists in the opportunities it furnishes for doing some service, but its honors are not an equivalent for its burdens. I for my part thoroughly appreciate the privileges of private station, and have learned to look at public life and its struggles in a contemplative and judicial mood. I do not know whether I could feel the gaudium certaminis as I did in times gone by—although, when I read of a speech like that delivered in the Senate by Ingalls a few days ago, I do wish I were on the floor of the Senate once more, if only for twenty-four hours.

The copy of the fisheries treaty which you speak of as having been mailed to me, has not yet arrived. But I have read the treaty in the newspapers. However an unscrupulous party spirit may cry it down, I have no doubt the good sense of the American people will do you justice. They will understand that the settlement of international differences is brought about by mutual accommodation, and that a treaty can be dictated only after a successful war, or by a strong Power to one much weaker, with a threat of war. The “small politician” does, indeed, abound in these days. But he will not be able to control public opinion with regard to international topics.

You are very kind in offering me the hospitality of your house during my prospective Washington visit and I appreciate it highly. But I know better than to quarter myself upon a Cabinet Minister, especially a Secretary of State, who is overburdened with social duties. Moreover I have already promised Henry Adams to be his guest. But I shall report myself to you as soon as I get there and spend as much time with you as you can afford to lose—at least I shall want to do so.

The death of the Kaiser, which is reported this afternoon, may be followed by curious complications. He was a great restraining power in Europe. Your Ministers at Berlin, Petersburg and Vienna will have to keep their eyes and ears open.