The New York Times/1885/11/15/Carl Schurz to the Watauga Club

THE YOUNG MEN OF THE SOUTH.

LETTER OF THE HON. CARL SCHURZ TO THE WATAUGA CLUB OF RALEIGH. From the Raliegh (N. C.) News, Nov. 12

When the Hon. Carl Schurz visited Raleigh last Winter he was entertained by the Watauga Club. Most of the citizens will remember the pleasant reception given him in the parlors of the Yarboro House by that club. The club elected Mr. Schurz an honorary member, and in reply to the letter of the committee notifying him received the following autograph letter:

, Oct. 31.

Messrs. W. J. Peele, Charles E. Johnson, G. E. Leach, Committee:

informing me that the Watauga Club has done me the honor of electing me an honorary member. It is no mere politeness of speech when I assure you that I appreciate the honor very highly.
 * I have received your very kind letter

You have undertaken a work of uncommon merit. An association of young men, organized for the purposes of obtaining and disseminating the most accurate and practical information on economic questions, would be looked upon in any community as a very useful and commendable enterprise, and as a sign of healthy public spirit. It is of especial promise and importance in the Southern States, where the waste of war has been greater than in any other part of the Republic and where the sudden transformation of the labor system had, for some time at least, a bewildering effect upon men's minds. Those who make an intelligent and earnest effort to substitute for the wild shoutings for party spoil a candid and enlightened discussion of public interests on their own merits, render their fellow-citizens a very great service under any circumstances, but especially under those surrounding you.

Among the many agreeable impressions I brought with me from my Southern journey last Winter, my meeting with your club has, perhaps, been the most cheering. The best hope of the country is in its young men who take their duties as citizens honestly, seriously, and intelligently. What you say in your letter of civil service reform promises that you will draw that subject, too, within the circle of your endeavors. Wishing your enterprise the greatest possible success, and thanking you again for the honor you have conferred upon me, I remain sincerely yours,

C. SCHURZ.


 * Facsimile at query.nytimes.com