Page:Speeches, correspondence and political papers of Carl Schurz, Volume 1.djvu/409

Rh vivid, vigorous portraiture of the condition of things in the rebel States. Of course, this will not preclude a presentment also of the ideas involved.

Meeting Sir Fred. Bruce at dinner Sat. evening, I found he had been prodigiously impressed by the power of [Thaddeus] Stevens's speech. He evidently put it before [Henry J.] Raymond's.

Until the Committee gives us the facts Congress will occupy itself with the ideas. This discussion will go on for months. I do not see how it can be stopped; nor do I think it desirable to stop it. At last the evidence, as reported, will show the necessity of interference by Congress. Now, to my mind the single point to be reached is the assertion of jurisdiction by Congress.

One person will reach this point by one road and another by another road. Provided it is reached, it is not of much importance how this is accomplished. Therefore, I hope that all will speak and ventilate their theories; for, though differing, I feel sure that a large majority will concur in asserting Congressional jurisdiction; and this is the main thing.

Meanwhile, the President and Seward press their policy. Alas! alas! unhappy country. Good-bye. 



&emsp; We had our household goods sent from the East by rail. Two large boxes had just arrived at the station when a fire broke out and destroyed not only the buildings but all the goods there. Among these were our boxes. They contained our most valued possessions and their loss is irreparable. You may know how M. [Mrs. Schurz]