Page:Speeches, correspondence and political papers of Carl Schurz, Volume 4.djvu/330

296 &emsp; I am very much disquieted by a rumor which has found its way to me. It is that you did not consider yourself rich enough to bear the expenses of the office of Secretary of State and would therefore hesitate to accept the offer which, I am sure, will come, if it has not come already. I fervently hope this is not so—that is to say, I hope you are rich enough, or, if you unfortunately are not, this deplorable circumstance will not stand in the way of your entering the Cabinet. In such a case, why should you not be Secretary of the Treasury? The Treasury is really the most influential office in the Government, while the position is far less expensive; and I know of no man in America available for that position, who at the head of that Department would so universally and unconditionally command the confidence of the country, and especially of the legitimate business interests, as you would. In that position you would just as much be the leading man in the Cabinet as in the Secretaryship of State. And possibly you might do still more good there.

At any rate, I trust there is nothing to make you hesitate in accepting Mr. Cleveland's invitation to become a member of his Administration. You are absolutely needed there, and I have the best reason for saying that you will be the first man to be called upon as the new President's confidential adviser in getting up his official family, and that he will rely more on you than on anybody else. I need not tell you how profoundly anxious I am that our victory should bear the best possible fruit for the country, and that, to this end, the Administration should get started right. In fact, the first start may be decisive of its character and ultimate success.

When will you be in New York again? I should be glad to talk with you about a great many things.