The Writings of Carl Schurz/To Edward M. Shepard, September 9th, 1892

by Carl Schurz and others

 

TO EDWARD M. SHEPARD

Bolton Landing, Sept. 9, 1892. 

Many thanks for your kind note of the sixth. The German translation, which I dictated yesterday, as well as the last pages of the English manuscript, went to New York this morning by the early train.^[1] I think it necessary that I should read the proof of those last pages, as the manuscript is not very clear, and serious mistakes would be irksome. This may cause another delay of a day or so, but it is better that the work be well done, than that it be quickly done. The epistle has become awfully long and I was really frightened when I saw the bulk of it in print in the proof slips.

Whatever arrangement you may make as to the distribution of the slips will have my approval.

I think it of supreme importance that Mr. Stevenson in his letter of acceptance should come out squarely and without circumlocution against free coinage. A mere indirect declaration, as for instance the indorsement of the platform would be, will not be sufficient. It will be taken from him as an evasion. I suppose Mr. Cleveland's influence would be very strong with him, in regard to this subject. Could you not call Cleveland's attention to the very great importance of this matter, and get him to say a word to Stevenson? Mr. Cleveland will also have to take very high reform ground in his letter of acceptance to recover the ground among Independents which has been lost by obnoxious party arrangements.

I have had another savage attack of my trouble, and I fear I have now to accept it as certain that I shall not be able to take any part in the campaign as a speaker.

P.S. I regret extremely to hear that you will not be able to visit Lake George again before the 22d. I shall then probably be gone. Your appearance here has always been to me like a ray of sunshine. I wish I had had it oftener.

1. This refers to the campaign letter dated Sept. 8th and printed ante; but it was not sent until several days later, as is shown by this and the following letter to Mr. Shepard.