Page:Speeches, correspondence and political papers of Carl Schurz, Volume 3.djvu/256

230 friendship your letter expresses. Remember me kindly to Mrs. Bird and your children and believe me





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Thanks for your kind letter. Let me say that I remember you very well and am sincerely glad to hear from you. I am also happy to learn that the movement in favor of a strong reform candidate like Mr. Bristow is growing in favor with the Republicans of Michigan. Be assured that all I desire is, not to embarrass, but to strengthen it. By the time this reaches you, you will have seen in the papers the full text of an invitation to a Conference to be held in the City of New York, signed by five citizens, of whom I am one. The terms of that invitation must have convinced you that due regard is paid to the friends of genuine reform inside of the Republican party. With regard to this movement I desire to bring to your notice a few points:

1. It is not confined to the Liberals of 1872. There are a good many men of influence connected with it who so far have been counted as Republicans in good standing.

2. It is not intended to assume any attitude hostile to the Republican party, provided that party nominates men of known character and ability as thorough reformers; and it is thought that a strong but at the same time inoffensive expression of the sentiments of the independent element will very materially strengthen the friends of reform inside of the party, and make the machine