Page:Speeches, correspondence and political papers of Carl Schurz, Volume 1.djvu/202

168 Government abroad. Colfax talked to me about this matter and he, spontaneously, struck the same track.

Give Doolittle my regards and tell him that I agree exactly with the views he expressed in his letter to the Milwaukee celebration meeting. I should like to spend a few days at Washington this winter, but I shall hardly be able to do so. My time is all taken up by a variety of engagements. . . . 



&emsp; Yesterday I wrote a letter to Lincoln explaining my views about present political conditions and intimating that I should never submit to a compromise, and should leave the party the moment it abandoned its principles. I must confess that I have complete confidence in Lincoln's honesty as well as in his courage; but it might be possible for the present Congress to tie his hands with resolutions of a compromise. I wish I were a member of the Senate, if for only three days; I would sing them a new song. It seems probable that the general confusion in Washington will prevent the passing of compromise resolutions; but perhaps the party standards will be lowered, and Lincoln may be compelled to submit.

I have been reflecting on the question for two days, and I shall not yield. I am still hoping for the best. I am in very active correspondence with Washington and am prodding our men to the best of my ability. 



&emsp; I have just read the papers of to-day and must write you