Page:Speeches, correspondence and political papers of Carl Schurz, Volume 3.djvu/522

496 necessary to kill it with unfailing certainty: it is that those who do not mean to support him under any circumstances—and there are legions of them—should make it known, boldly and loudly, before the election of delegates to the National Convention takes place. Much is done in that direction already, but more should be done. Cannot you and your friends set the “Young Republicans” of Massachusetts going? Now is the time for them to do something decisive. It does not look at present as if the South would nominate Grant. If the opposition, which really exists, shows itself in season and with sufficient strength and determination, his name will never appear in the convention. I agree with you perfectly in what you say with regard to Sherman. 



&emsp; I should certainly have answered your letter of the 9th instant more promptly had I not been somewhat over burdened with official business during the past week. I hope you will kindly pardon the involuntary delay.

As I understand the matter, money is being collected for the purpose of engaging counsel to appear for the Poncas in the courts of the United States, partly to represent them in the case of an appeal from Judge Dundy's habeas corpus decision, and partly to procure a decision for the recovery of their old reservation on the Missouri river. I believe that the collection of money for these purposes is useless. An appeal from Judge Dundy's habeas corpus decision can proceed only from the Govern-