Page:Speeches, correspondence and political papers of Carl Schurz, Volume 4.djvu/246

212 counted upon to have moral spirit enough to defeat him. This is the only remedy that will be effective. I therefore consider the defeat of Mr. Blaine a moral necessity, and I deem it my sacred duty as a citizen of this Republic, who has its honor and its future at heart, to help [in] defeating him to the best of my ability. If, as you say, I was right in 1872, I feel profoundly that I am ten times more right now.

May I hope that you will sign your name to the enclosed protest? 



&emsp; My dear General: I intended to call on you personally in New York, but I had only a few hours there, and those hours were occupied in my private business.

In Augusta, I saw Mr. Blaine and had a conversation with him in which he expressed regret—much regret—that you were indisposed to support him. Indeed your rumored opposition gives him more concern than that of any and all others.

It is now quite certain that not Governor Cleveland but that old political trickster, Tilden, will be nominated at Chicago. I know you cannot support him; and in case of his nomination I hope to see you and all our German friends arrayed against his methods and in condemnation of his political courses.

You know I am no stickler for regular nominations. I have not said and shall not say one word against that independence in politics that condemns bad conduct or bad methods in political action; but I do believe that if Blaine be elected, he will give us a good Administration. He can afford to rise above the shackles of party and he will do it. If he has been a Prince Hal in days gone by, when responsibility comes, he will be a Henry V. The Falstaffs that have followed him rather that thrift might come from fawning, will not be recog-