The Writings of Carl Schurz/Volume 3

by Carl Schurz and others

CONTENTS OF VOLUME III

1874.
	PAGE
To Charles Francis Adams, Jr., March 4th	1
Comments on his recent speech and his opponents—Hard-money league should be on large scale and ostensibly a Western movement.
Eulogy on Charles Sumner, April 29th	2
To James S. Rollins, August 4th	72
Attitude toward reëlection as Senator—Farmers movement—Hopes Rollins will some time represent Missouri.
Speech: The Issues of 1874, Especially in Missouri, September 24th	74
To Samuel Bowles, November 27th	113
Contemplates writing a political history of the United States—Wants a good publisher—Thinks of removing to Boston.
From Samuel Bowles, December 3d	115
Political history much needed—Publishers suggested—Western vs. eastern Massachusetts as a place in which to live while writing history.
1875.
Speech: Military Interference in Louisiana, January 11th	115
To James S. Rollins, April 2d	152
Congressional duties and lecturing have interfered with his correspondence—Gratified by the good opinion of men of a high class—Regrets narrow-minded partisanship that defeated his reëlection—Hopes for a reform movement in 1876.
To Henry Armitt Brown, April 16th	153
Desires meeting of prominent independents—Congratulates Brown on recent oration.
To G. Washington Warren, May 20th	154
Comments on centennial celebration of Battle of Bunker Hill.
To W. M. Grosvenor, July 16th	155
Suggests conference of independents—Charles Francis Adams, Sr., as Presidential candidate—Qualifications, “absolute independence of party dictation and entire absence of ulterior ambitions.”
From Charles Francis Adams, Jr., July 16th	156
Nomination of William Allen—Can be defeated by German vote—Schurz must shape Presidential issues of 1876.
To Charles Francis Adams, Jr., July 22d	157
Immediate return to United States not expedient—Inflation element fatal to Democratic party—Republican leaders will change their Southern policy rather than risk defeat—Independents to reserve their influence for Presidential campaign of 1876—Funds needed to organize the reform movement for the next year.
To Charles Francis Adams, Jr., August 18th	160
Persuaded to return to the United States in September, but wishes plans to be kept secret.
Speech: Honest Money, September 27th	161
From Charles Francis Adams, Jr., October 13th	215
Rejoices over the defeat of “old Bill” Allen.
To Charles Francis Adams, Jr., October 15th	216
Ohio inflationists defeated—Independent voters getting ready for next year.
From Alphonso Taft, October 16th	216
Thanks and congratulates Schurz on the victory in Ohio.
From A. T. Wickoff, October 26th	217
Thanks Schurz for valuable services in Ohio, and desires to reimburse him for his expenses.
To A. T. Wickoff, November 2d	217
Declines to accept reimbursement.
1876.
To Samuel Bowles, January 4th	217
Organizing for Presidential campaign work—Blaine, Bristow and Charles Francis Adams, Sr., candidates for nomination.
To Samuel Bowles, January 16th	219
Campaign of 1876 to be kept free from spoils politicians—Blaine injuring his own cause—Adams to be kept in background—Schurz desires conference with Bowles.
To Benjamin H. Bristow, February 15th	220
Advises Bristow not to resign from the Secretaryship of of the Treasury.
From Benjamin H. Bristow, February 18th	221
Grateful for Schurz's counsel—Difficulty of performing his official duties.
To B. B. Cahoon, March 3d	222
Corruption in the Republican party—Presidential candidate must be man of unimpeachable principles—Adams and Bristow, Schurz's choice.
To Samuel Bowles, March 7th	224
Political aspect changed by Belknap affair—Schurz satisfied with Bristow in first or second place.
To Samuel Bowles, March 27th	224
Conference at Cincinnati—Invitation signed by prominent independents.
To Thomas F. Bayard, March 30th	225
Gratefully acknowledges letter of condolence—Wishes Bayard an unbroken family circle.
To Benjamin H. Bristow, March 31st	226
Obstacles to nomination of true reformer—Hopes of coöperating with friends of reform in the Union League—Republican party disgraced by corruption in the public service—Regeneration through defeat.
To Francis A. Walker, April 6th	228
Circular call of the Fifth Avenue Hotel conference.
To F. W. Bird, April 13th	229
Acknowledges letter of condolence.
To L. A. Sherman, April 15th	230
Nomination of Bristow favored by Michigan Republicans—Reasons for calling the Fifth Avenue Hotel conference—Many Republicans in the reform movement.
To Francis A. Walker, April 17th	232
Prominent New Englanders mentioned as desired at the conference—Considers Blaine “one of the most dangerous enemies of genuine reform”—The West favoring the reform movement.
To a Republican, April 22d	233
Answers objections to Fifth Avenue conference.
To L. A. Sherman, May 3d	239
Bristow movement growing in Michigan—Why Blaine would not be a desirable candidate.
Address to the People, May 16th	240
To Rutherford B. Hayes, June 21st	248
Urges Hayes, in his letter of acceptance, to state “in language bold and ringing,” his position on the financial question, civil rights, local self-government and civil service reform.
To Rutherford B. Hayes, June 23d	252
The language of Hayes's letter of acceptance cannot be too strong in favor of a specie-payment policy, purification of Government and non-partisan civil service.
From Rutherford B. Hayes, June 27th	253
Welcomes Schurz's suggestions—Wishes to remain uncommitted until time for issuing letter of acceptance—Consults Schurz about the expediency of limiting himself to one term.
To Rutherford B. Hayes, July 5th	255
Paragraphs suggested for letter of acceptance—Schurz desires personal interview with Hayes.
To Charles Francis Adams, Jr., July 9th	258
Considers Hayes a more satisfactory Presidential candidate than Tilden—National Civil Service Reform League to be organized.
To Rutherford B. Hayes, July 14th	260
Letter of acceptance has had good effect—Grant unsympathetic with Hayes—Impropriety of Secretary Chandler's being Chairman of Republican National Committee.
To Oswald Ottendorfer, July 22d	261
Defends himself against newspaper criticism—Justifies the calling of the Fifth Avenue Hotel conference—Gives reasons for preferring Hayes to Tilden.
To Rutherford B. Hayes, August 7th	280
Heavy odds against Hayes in Presidential campaign—Hayes urged to reaffirm the promises of his letter of acceptance—“Grant is doing his very worst”—Schurz ready to work for Hayes—Schurz accused of writing Hayes's letter of acceptance.
From Rutherford B. Hayes, August 9th	284
Usually gives little attention to the prospects in a canvass—Impression prevalent in Ohio that a “Democratic victory would bring the Rebellion into power”—Thanks Schurz for Ottendorfer letter.
To Rutherford B. Hayes, August 14th	285
Urges Hayes to protest against levying assessments on Government clerks for campaign funds—Having “no ax to grind,” Schurz feels freer to make suggestions—Plans for activities in the campaign.
From Rutherford B. Hayes, August 25th	289
Urges Schurz to take optimistic view—Hayes fears to be explicit because his mail has been tampered with.
To Rutherford B. Hayes, August 27th	289
Hayes's letter of acceptance to be the text of a campaign speech—Schurz would like Hayes's opinion.
From Rutherford B. Hayes, August 30th	290
An early meeting impossible—Urges cheerfulness.
Speech: Hayes versus Tilden, August 31st	290
From Rutherford B. Hayes, September 15th	338
Efforts to suppress political assessments—No hostility to naturalized foreigners as officeholders—Objects to sectarian interference in politics or in the schools—Never belonged to Know-Nothing party.
From Rutherford B. Hayes, November 3d	339
If defeated, will find “many things to console” him—Satisfied with his letter of acceptance—Grateful to Schurz for his work in the campaign.
To T. W. Ferry, December 3d	339
Stating the need of a Constitutional amendment for deciding contested Presidential elections.
From Rutherford B. Hayes, December 6th	345
Commends letter to Ferry—Wants suggestion put in concrete form—Republicans “justly and legally entitled to the Presidency.”
To Henry Cabot Lodge, December 13th	346
Had faith in Hayes but no confidence in Tilden—Ballot-boxes tampered with—Probable appointment of a joint Committee to devise a plan for deciding as to contested votes.
To Charles Francis Adams, Jr., December 21st	348
Asks for more definite information concerning plan for deciding contested votes—Schurz promises aid.
To B. B. Cahoon, December 23d	350
Urging Congress to settle upon some “tribunal standing above party interest and ambition” to decide contested elections.
To Jacob D. Cox, December 28th	351
Cox urged to advise Hayes to express himself publicly in favor of contested-election tribunal outside of party influence.
1877.
To Rutherford B. Hayes, January 1st	354
Election frauds have demonstrated the necessity of abolishing the spoils system and reforming the civil service.
From Rutherford B. Hayes, January 4th	355
Looks for nothing of value from Southern conservative tendencies in Congress—Present House ruled by Tilden's caucus.
To Rutherford B. Hayes, January 12th	355
Rumor that Hayes does not favor a special method of settling the electoral dispute—Influence of action of Louisiana returning-board—Theory that it will suffice to assume ourselves right and then go ahead—Power of President of the Senate—Importance of both merits and appearances—Hayes should be advised of public opinion.
From Rutherford B. Hayes, January 17th	361
Will abide by result but thinks it proper to write an inaugural and select a Cabinet.
To Charles Francis Adams, Jr., January 21st	362
Bill reported by Conference Committee is a “makeshift, to be sure, but a good one.”
To Rutherford B. Hayes, January 21st	363
What the passage of the Conference bill would mean to Hayes—Why Schurz favors it, and what its failure would entail.
To Rutherford B. Hayes, January 25th	366
Advises Hayes to write his inaugural on the same lines as his letter of acceptance, only in stronger terms—Various suggestions.
From Rutherford B. Hayes, January 29th	376
Approves Schurz's suggestions for inaugural, with certain additions.
To Rutherford B. Hayes, January 30th	376
Suggestions about Cabinet appointments: fundamental principles and suitable men.
To Jacob D. Cox, January 30th	383
Has advised Hayes as to his inaugural and his Cabinet and urges Cox to do the same.
To Rutherford B. Hayes, February 2d	384
Comments on Hayes's thoughts about National aid to education and internal improvements in the South and a Constitutional amendment providing for a single six-year Presidential term—Advises that inaugural address be short, terse and pointed.
From Rutherford B. Hayes, February 4th	387
Anxious to promote welfare of the South.
From Murat Halstead, February 16th	388
Halstead's impressions as to Hayes's ideas about his Cabinet—Halstead desires to see Schurz in it.
To Rutherford B. Hayes, February 17th	389
Suggests inviting prominent ex-Confederate into his Cabinet—Why he opposes Don Cameron and favors Bristow for a Cabinet position—Elements of strength that Hayes should seek.
To Murat Halstead, February 19th	397
Does not seek but would accept Cabinet position, yet would be satisfied if Hayes carried out the policy promised in his letter of acceptance—Schurz's studies and tastes suggest the Department of State or the Treasury, but he is willing to serve wherever he can be really useful.
To Rutherford B. Hayes, February 20th	399
Conditions in and advice about Louisiana.
To Jacob D. Cox, February 20th	401
Disquieting Cabinet rumors—Cox urged to use his influence with Hayes for a wise selection.
From Murat Halstead, February 20th	402
Hayes's supposed plans and ideas as to Cabinet—Opportunities that the Department of the Interior would offer Schurz—Bristow urged for vacancy on the Supreme Bench.
From Rutherford B. Hayes, February 25th	403
In event of being President, desires to invite Schurz to place in Cabinet, preferably Interior Department.
To Rutherford B. Hayes, February 26th	403
Sincere appreciation of Cabinet honor offered him—Communicates scheme of Chandler's to have himself returned to the Senate.
From Rutherford B. Hayes, February 27th	405
Gratified that Schurz would accept the Secretaryship of the Interior—Desires to leave several Cabinet positions unfilled for the present.
To Rutherford B. Hayes, March 1st	406
Information received that the late Presidential aspirants will urge “their confidential agents and tools for Cabinet places”—Governor Jewell's reappointment as Postmaster-General advocated.
From Samuel Bowles, March 6th	408
Jubilant congratulations on Schurz's appointment as Secretary of the Interior.
From Frederick Billings, March 7th	408
Congratulates Schurz but “much more the country.”
From Benjamin H. Bristow, March 8th	409
Congratulations on Cabinet appointment—Spoils politicians will fight fiercely to retain official patronage—Popular heart won by high courage.
To Charles Francis Adams, Jr., March 19th	409
Principles of Fifth Avenue conference to be carried out—Glad to receive suggestions.
To W. M. Grosvenor, March 29th	410
Business methods reduce printing bill to less than one-tenth—Suggestions desired—“Interior Department no joke.”
From Benjamin H. Bristow, April 14th	410
Recounts at length his efforts for reform when in Grant's Cabinet—Praises President's inaugural and Southern policy.
To Thomas Wentworth Higginson, June 16th	413
Dismissals in Interior Department for cause only.
From Samuel Bowles, July 3d	413
Opposition of politicians to Hayes—Regret that Lodge is not assistant secretary to Schurz.
To Samuel Bowles, July 4th, 5th	414
Apologizes for unanswered letters—Desires Bowles to write unreservedly.
To Charles Francis Adams, Jr., July 4th	415
Unimpeachable legality of the Hayes Administration—Commendable reform measures should be supported.
To Benjamin H. Bristow, July 19th	416
Regrets inability to visit Louisville, Ky.—Departmental work very engrossing.
To Samuel Bowles, September 30th	416
Attacks of New York Tribune may be owing to Union Pacific investigation.
To Benjamin H. Bristow, October 29th	417
Assures Bristow of the President's regard for him—Desires Bristow's criticisms and suggestions.
1878.
From Benjamin H. Bristow, February 6th	418
Schurz's good work in the cause of reform winning recognition—Bristow urges him not to resign.
To Benjamin H. Bristow, February 8th	419
Schurz trying to do his duty with no thought of resigning.
To Benjamin H. Bristow, March 16th	419
President's veto has crushed the inflation and repudiation movement.
To—[unknown], June 12th	420
Schurz comments on the Congressional Committee's circular soliciting campaign contributions from a Government official—“Your official standing or prospects in this Department” wholly independent of compliance with the request.
From James Freeman Clarke, July 1st	421
Rather pleased that the New York Tribune and Gail Hamilton attack him as well as Schurz—Blaine both like and unlike Achilles.
From Benjamin H. Bristow, September 24th	422
Pleased that Schurz is to speak on the currency question.
Speech: The Currency Question, September 28th	422
From Hugh McCulloch, October 2d	480
Thanks Schurz for his speech on the money question.
From Horace White, October 8th	480
Schurz's Cincinnati speech the first attack on the silver bill.
1879.
To Edward Atkinson, November 28th	481
Schurz's attitude toward Boston critics of his treatment of Indian affairs—His plans explained—The Ponca case—Suggestions as to making sympathy with Indians useful.
To E. L. Godkin, December 7th	490
Detailed reply to criticism about the treatment of pension claims.
To George William Curtis, December 29th	494
Suggestions for preventing Grant's nomination for a third term.
1880.
To Henry Cabot Lodge, January 3d	495
Lacks time to write article against Grant's nomination for a third term—All citizens averse to voting for Grant should declare themselves before the meeting of the National Convention.
To Mrs. Helen Jackson, January 17th	496
Advises Mrs. Jackson that Indian tribes cannot sue the Government—Money being collected for that purpose in the interest of the Poncas might well be used instead to help educate Indian children.
From Mrs. Helen Jackson, January 22d	499
Able lawyers ready to undertake the case of the Poncas and ample funds easily raised—Money could not be diverted to another purpose—Has there ever been any bill before Congress to secure to the Indians their lands in severalty and to give legal protection for their rights and property?
To Miss Emma Allison, January 24th	501
Satisfactory interview with Indian delegation—Hopes to secure legislation giving Indians title in severalty to their land—Asks further information as to Indians on Pacific coast.
To Mrs. Helen Jackson, January 26th	501
The Secretary's objection is that because an Indian tribe cannot maintain action in a United States court, to collect money for such a purpose can benefit only lawyers, not the Indians—Again suggests that consent be obtained to use for Indian schools the money collected—Several bills to give Indians needed rights and protection are before Congress.
To E. Dunbar Lockwood, April 1st	503
An unfounded and unwarranted newspaper attack—Extermination of Utes in retaliation, prevented by Schurz—Particulars of agreement with Utes and Secretary's attitude toward them.
To Henry Cabot Lodge, May 23d	506
Emphasizes need of harmonious coöperation of all delegates to the National Convention opposed to Grant's nomination—Schurz considers Blaine's nomination impossible.
To Thomas F. Bayard, June 15th	507
Offers condolence on death of Bayard's father.
To Henry Cabot Lodge, June 22d	507
Charges against Garfield soon to be refuted—Conkling should have been put down when he offered resolution binding all delegates to support the nominee whoever he might be—Praises results of Convention—Hopes Lodge will be nominated for Congress.
From Thomas F. Bayard, June 28th	508
Acknowledges letter of condolence—Return to Washington.

SPEECHES, CORRESPONDENCE
AND POLITICAL PAPERS OF

CARL SCHURZ

SELECTED AND EDITED BY

FREDERIC BANCROFT

ON BEHALF OF
THE CARL SCHURZ MEMORIAL COMMITTEE

Volume I.

October 20, 1852-November 26, 1870

G. P. PUTNAM'S SONS
NEW YORK⁠LONDON
The Knickerbocker Press
1913

Copyright, 1913

by

SCHURZ MEMORIAL COMMITTEE

The Knickerbocker Press, New York