Page:Speeches, correspondence and political papers of Carl Schurz, Volume 3.djvu/179

Rh best in its policy and character, but which can make out the other the worst?

I still have some hope that something may be done to avert such a lamentable condition of affairs, and surely the memories which the centennial year calls up should inspire the American people with higher and nobler impulses of patriotism.

I shall be in St. Louis from the 16th of this month to the 21st, and then I shall go to Europe for a few months, to return to Missouri late in the fall. Will you not be in St. Louis about the time mentioned? I should be very glad indeed to see you and have a good quiet talk with you. 



&emsp; I have just arrived here and found your kind letter of the 10th. I hasten to say a few words in reply. The purpose is to assemble a number of men whose standing in the country is such that their utterances will find attention and respect. It is not important that there should be a great many, but that those present should be, in the truest sense of the term, respectable and respected. The genus “politician,” in the common acceptation of the term, should therefore be excluded.

I trust you will not fail to come yourself; and if you can bring half a dozen men with you, such as you would like to see your name associated with, it will fully answer the purpose. Of course, the more the better, but quality is of far greater consequence than quantity.

I have visited several States since I saw you, and my experience has been such as to raise my hope that we may