Page:Speeches, correspondence and political papers of Carl Schurz, Volume 3.djvu/439

Rh third, because it will strengthen the party [in the] North. I do not fail to perceive the disposition of certain would-be leaders in the North with a few insignificant and worthless carpet-baggers from the South to raise the standard of revolt; but steady and quiet courage in carrying out the Southern policy will restrain, if it does not entirely suppress, their efforts. When the thing is done there will be nothing to fight about—so long as it is open they will mistake every cautious delay for infirmity of purpose and gather some strength which other wise they would not have. Nothing wins the approval of our people as quickly as genuine pluck in doing promptly what one believes to be right.

But I fear this first infliction may cause you to regret your invitation to me to write you freely, and now that I have written so long a letter, have half a mind to destroy it but since it is written perhaps it is just as well to leave the work of destruction to you. 



&emsp; . . . There is no truth in the stories told about my dismissing women clerks on account of their sex. I had to dismiss some of them because there was no work for them in the line of duty in which they were employed. That could not be avoided. Efficient women clerks are as safe in this Department as elsewhere as long as there is work for them and the appropriations hold out. 



&emsp; You may like to read what I say of Father Adams's last. It looks as if there was to be a sharp cleavage. The politicians on both sides are uniting to break down Hayes. Will he