The Writings of Carl Schurz/To President Cleveland, March 31st, 1885
TO PRESIDENT CLEVELAND
Permit me to congratulate you and the country upon the fact that the result of your inquiry into Mr. Pearson's case enabled you to carry out your original intention of reappointing him. The inauguration of the policy of which this reappointment is so conspicuous an illustration is certain to be of immense benefit to the Republic. The friends of reform all over the country are, of course, very much rejoiced, and if there is some dissatisfaction among certain classes of Democrats, there are many others, and, I am sure, a much larger number, who heartily applaud the patriotic and courageous step you have taken.
The contrast between the reappointment of Mr. Pearson and the appointment of Mr. Higgins in the Treasury Department, as to their reception by public opinion, cannot fail to strike you as very significant. The former has exalted your name, greatly strengthened your Administration in the confidence of the people and pointed out to your party the path of honor, usefulness and strength. The latter has called forth indignant protests from most respectable quarters, served to create distrust in those who made the selection, embittered the faction fights in the party, been defended only by way of awkward apology and will be a constant source of trouble and mortification while it is permitted to stand, which I pray may not be long.
So you will always find it in similar cases. I fervently hope that your career as President will be full of such experiences as the first, and that it may be altogether spared a repetition of the second. A steadfast adherence to the policy exemplified by Mr. Pearson's reappointment will not fail to ensure this happy result.