Page:Speeches, correspondence and political papers of Carl Schurz, Volume 5.djvu/107

Rh Conference.” That conference may have contributed a little towards Blaine's defeat in the Republican National Convention of that year, but it certainly did not effect the nomination of the candidate we had in view, Mr. Bristow. We had a similar manifestation at a Washington Birthday dinner in Brooklyn in 1884, which was directed against both Blaine and Arthur. It had no effect at all.

I do not mean to say that a similar demonstration in favor of Cleveland some time before the National Conventions are held would be likewise without the desired effect. But it is carefully to be considered what shape that demonstration is to take. It seems to me that we should have a meeting of a few men say four or five weeks hence to discuss that question confidentially among themselves, and I shall be glad to be one of the number. Will you not visit New York one of these days? It would give me very great pleasure to talk the matter over with you. 



&emsp; Your letter of yesterday reached me this morning. The meeting at my house last week was attended by Mr. Curtis, Mr. Hale, Mr. Potts and myself. It was concluded to send to a number of persons in sympathy with us a short circular simply mentioning the points of agreement and asking for the formation of committees of correspondence to communicate with us as soon as possible. I was asked to draft the circular and have done so. I sent it to Curtis for criticism and such amendment as may be