Page:Speeches, correspondence and political papers of Carl Schurz, Volume 4.djvu/516

482 every vicissitude and combination of political parties, I have invariably been in agreement with you. This of course is of little account to you; but to me it gives an interest and a confidence in your political character and judgment, which I can now feel for no other American statesman living.

I really fear that this may seem a little too blunt and crude in its expression. I write in some haste, but very sincerely. What you say of Gallatin's place in American political history will yet be applied to one whom I have often compared to Gallatin. 



&emsp; Last night I received from you a telegraphic message requesting me to give you by wire my opinion of President Cleveland's Administration, to be published on Tuesday. I did not comply with your wish, not as if I were disinclined to oblige you, but because I consider it a matter of doubtful propriety to confront the President, at the moment of his arrival as the guest of the citizens of Chicago, in a Chicago newspaper with the criticism pronounced by all sorts of men upon his public conduct. If that criticism is favorable, it will be apt to appear as a mere compliment for the occasion. If it is unfavorable, it ought not to be thrust at the President where he appears merely as a guest. This being my opinion, you will pardon me for not having responded to your telegraphic request. 



&emsp; Permit me to introduce myself to you as one of a large number of citizens who, without regard to your party