The Writings of Carl Schurz/To Winslow Warren, April 21st, 1896
TO WINSLOW WARREN
I agree with all you say, and I have expressed the same sentiments in a series of articles in Harper's Weekly in the course of the last six months, as well as in private conversation with sound-money Republicans and Democrats. There ought to have been an independent movement long ago, and it is perhaps not too late for it yet. But to have the desired effect, it should be headed, not by the old set of political independents, but by a union of sound-money business men, Republicans and Democrats, going before the country with the declaration that they will not support any candidate for the Presidency who is not known to be absolutely sound on the money question, and that if neither party presents such a candidate, they will strike out for themselves. I have preached this to all with whom I had any conversation on the subject. But I have not been able to find any Republican business men willing to take this position. There were a few Democrats, but not enough. This is my experience. And I am afraid it is yours.
I have thus become convinced that a movement started now by independents whose standing before the country is mainly political, would at present lack that support which would be necessary to make it impressive. If you have in Boston a sufficient number of prominent business men, Republicans and Democrats, to start the bolt, it should certainly be done. I do not see any signs of a chance in New York. The outlook here is generally most dismal. I fear no independent movement can be initiated with any strength until the results of the two Conventions demonstrate its absolute necessity. I should be glad to hear more from you on the possibilities in Boston.