The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1876-10-06
The Xnicn of n Patriot.


LETTER FROM CHARLES FRANCIS ADAMS.
The following letter is addressed to Daniel
Magone, jr, the chairman of the New York
state democratic committee, in response to
an invitation to speak at mass meeting OF
the democracy of the city of New York at
Cooper Institute held on Friday evening
last. 1t is tho boldest and most aggressive
declaration that has come from any OF the
distinguished liberal republicans who have
declared for Tilden, Hendricks and Reform I;
QUINCY, Sept %, lS7G.--D Dear Sr-Ab'
sencc from the city has prevented me from
answering promptly your letter of the Goth
inst. If | were younger it would I've an agree
able duty to perform the task to which you
invite me, but have not done anything of
the kind for fifteen years, and am now in
my SEVENTEEN year. Should accept one
invitation it would probably give rise to
Others which would have an equal claim.
| NV Judgment is that had better stay Mt
home. Yet think fully appreciate the
| Importance of this canvass. 1t is narrowing
| itself daily more and more into struggle
between the people and the managers who
hold the official organization of the country
| for their own exclusive benefit. From the
days of Credit Mobiler down to the last cx-
rosurcs made by the Investigations of the
last congress there is only one conclusion to
he drawn, and that is the prevalence of cor
ruption almost everywhere in the republic
can organization. The honest men do, in
decd, make brave and sincere efforts to re-
sist this baleful influence, but they are too
often defeated to raise any just hopes Of ul-
innate success. This struggle has been going
on for years, and no material change for the
better has yet been effected. The time has
now come for a radical change, and the sub
stitution of wholly new influence tied up
by no restrictions other than the genuine
wishes of honest men of all parties. When
in great popular convention of party to
nominate candidate for the presidency,
one gentleman deeply compromised by the
investigations of Il committee Of the house
of representatives comes within twenty-five
votes of nomination, and another, who really
did honor to himself by fearless and eilec-
tive exposures of corruption in high places,
could not command many more than hun
dred votes, it seems to me that it is high
time for change in the public opinion.
Neither is the c,se improved by a view of
the manner in which tie canvass has been
carried on. The great effort of the republic
cans seems to be to operate on the popular
passions excited during the late civil war.
Instead of repeating the honorable call of
President Grant, "Let us have peace p the
cry is for raising what may prove another
war And why is this ? Only because the
people in the southern states choose to vote
as they please, without regard to the cor
rupt combination of office holders all over
the country, welded by equally corrupt
combinations of Legislators at the seat of
government to perpetuate their own power.
Verify, verify, ifthe people are wise they
will lay down party and seize the present
opportunity to make change. am very
truly yours.
CHARLES FRANCIS ADAMS.