CHAPTER XLVII
ELECTION OF HARRISON -- HONOR TO WARDEN MC-
CLAUGHRY--TEMPERANCE REFORMERS' INTEMPERANCE
OF SPEECH -- A BOY'S AUDACITY IN AUTOGRAPH-
SEEKING -- BRYCE'S "AMERICAN COMMONWEALTH"--
IMPORTUNITY OF OFFICE-SEEKERS -- COMMENDATION
OF CLEVELAND -- AID FOR DISABLED CONFEDERATE
SOLDIERS -- DEATH OF MATTHEWS -- CENTENNIAL
CELEBRATION OF WASHINGTON'S INAUGURATION AS
PRESIDENT -- 1888-1889
NOVEMBER 6. Tuesday, 7 A. M.--Cloudy and just begin-
ning to rain. This on election day encourages the Demo-
crats and depresses the Republicans. I think there is nothing in
it. The party which is best satisfied with its ticket, platform,
and the general situation, is likely to have the most zeal and
activity. The contest seems doubtful, but with the chances in
favor of our side.
I leave today to go to Cincinnati to attend the meeting of the
Loyal Legion. The returns will come to me there.
Charlotte DeWitt came yesterday morning. She has been a
widow more than six years. Is of course lonely, but much in-
terested in her four boys. I will leave her here. We talked
over old times and early friends, now gone, until we were in a
melting mood. Lucy writes in rather a despondent tone. Meet-
ing and friends agreeable, but she longs for home again.
November 9. Friday. -- Went to Cincinnati via Toledo after
voting at 9 A. M. Rain fell during the day beginning early.
Called a Democratic day for election. I protested that the Re-
publicans were quite as energetic as their opponents, and that
the weather would not hurt. It so turned out. I read the "Life
of Lincoln" by Stoddard on the cars. Rode in a coupe to my
(420)
ELECTION OF HARRISON 421
friend's home, Dr. Davis'. Mrs. Davis absent in Boston with
Lucy attending the Woman's Home Missionary Society meeting.
The local indications of the election favorable. After tea went
to Herron's. Met Mrs. Herron, Maria, Lucy Hayes Herron,
looking sweet and lovely as a picture. Mr. Holmes came in.
After a time he and Maria went out to see the excited throngs
gathered about the places where the returns were displayed.
After chatting an hour longer with Harriet, I left and went
to the office of the Commercial-Gazette. Met there Halstead
and Boynton, both hopeful; and the returns seemed to lean our
way. Thence to the Lincoln Club. Admitted by strangers with-
out a ticket on giving my name. With many friends, Mayor
Smith, Mack, Noyes, etc., etc., gossipped over the returns. A
mass outside, anxious but hopeful, waiting for definite results.
It became noised outside among the multitude that I was inside.
Calls began--they grew more frequent. The notion, I suspect,
prevailed that I hesitated to show myself until a certainty was
reached. At any rate, when I appeared finally at the window,
my appearance was hailed with a shout from the "sea of up-
turned faces" that was indeed the shout of victory. I never
before saw or heard anything like it.
I soon went home to Dr. Davis', well satisfied that the result
was with us. Before going I spoke to the members on the in-
troduction of Governor Noyes in their assembly as follows: "I
am rejoiced to meet you. I am grateful for your hearty greeting.
I agree with you in--all things."
Awake at early daylight, I listened anxiously to hear the cries
of the newsboys. I soon recognized, "All about the election of
General Harrison." I rose hastily and went out in the rain.
Soon got a Post and [an] Enquirer which confirmed the news-
boy's cry. I returned in a grateful frame of mind. "How good,
how good!" I murmured to myself. Such is government under
our system. The best and decentest election I ever knew. I re-
call distinctly, boy and man, elections for more than fifty years
--from 1836 when I was a schoolboy at Norwalk Seminary.
With a good deal of respect for Cleveland and with sympathy
for his young wife, I cannot but specially rejoice that such good
people as General and Mrs. Harrison are to carry their clean
422 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
ways and pure lives into the White House. Besides, I do hate
Cleveland's course towards the veterans of [the] war.
November 10. Saturday.--Lucy returned last evening with
Mrs. Bristol. She had altogether a successful meeting of the so-
ciety over which she presided. Was disappointed in not seeing
General Devens, Mr. Winthrop, and Mrs. Homans. She was
delighted with Governor and Mrs. Claflin, Edward Everett Hale,
and Mr. Twombly with his lovely flowers.
November 11. Sunday.--Webb came last evening. His first
visit since his annual Rocky Mountain hunt, and since the elec-
tion. He is browned by exposure, healthy and strong. Very
happy over the election. Especially so, as his friend Burton
pulled through for Congress.
The hunt was very successful; five grizzly bears, a goodly
number of elk, black-tailed deer, and antelope.
About eleven last night a party of young people with George
Buckland as leader, about fourteen in all, with brooms came
singing and hurrahing, "What is the matter with Hayes?" "He's
all right"; Harrison ditto, Sherman ditto, etc., etc. They re-
mained and sang war songs for half an hour. All lively and
pleasant.
SPIEGEL, November 12, 1888.
MY DEAR GUY:--Glad to hear you are "still on deck" in your
old home -- your new home and with all of your neighbors.
I am just going away for a few days and have only time to
respond, in the same spirit with you, to all advice leading to
peace, harmony, and new and better things.
This feeling is general--almost universal here. Read the
New York World [and] two articles in the Cincinnati Com-
mercial-Gazette -- of late a very radical paper. (I only find the
less significant one of the Cincinnati Commercial-Gazette.) But
you will see the sentiment. Let us hope, and do what we can in
this beneficent work.
Sincerely,
HONORABLE GUY M. BRYAN, RUTHERFORD B. HAYES.
Texas.
HONOR TO WARDEN McCLAUGHRY 423
November 13. Tuesday.--I go tomorrow to Upper San-
dusky where in the afternoon I will speak to the Findlay Con-
ference in behalf of industrial education.
My Twenty-third Regiment comrades have induced me to go
to Ashland, where the band and Company G were raised, to
speak at the dedication of a soldiers' monument.
November 17. Saturday. -- Wednesday I went to Upper San-
dusky; the guest of Mr. Harris, banker, an intelligent and
wealthy bachelor. Addressed a crowded churchful at the con-
ference of the Findlay District. Rev. A. C. Barnes, presiding
elder. In the evening with Mr. Johnson, of Marion, to Marion.
There a few hours at the hotel of Richardson and wife. A good
time on Brattleboro, etc. Then at 2 A. M. to Ashland. At the
Miller Hotel. Mrs. Mary F. Freer gave the soldiers a monument.
Reverends Pepper and S- made rattling speeches. I spoke
acceptably. A good solid speech by Commander O'Neal.
November 21. Wednesday. Columbus.-Came Monday. With
General Mitchell. Laura gone East. Wrote to Sherman for
Mitchell.
Tuesday with Ohio State University board. At evening at-
tended reception of President Scott. Talked with Professors Eg-
gers, Derby, Lord,, Knight, Townsend, O'Bannon(?) and wife,
the Virginians, and Kellicott. Fine intelligent men. . . .
Tonight to Chicago.
November 24. Saturday. -- Returned from Chicago this morn-
ing. Reached Chicago from Columbus on the Panhandle route.
Warden Coffin and daughter were on the train. Talked of
prisons, indeterminate sentence, parole system, etc. At Chicago
met Rev. Wines, Nicholson, of Detroit, Felton (Charles), Cas-
sidy, [of] Philadelphia, and others.
Dined at Chicago Club with Colonel Corbin. At table were
Senator Farwell, General Crook, Mr. S. B. Barker, Robert Lin-
coln, J. Mason Loomis, General Robert Williams, General E. S.
Dalton. Met at the club Marshall Field, Pullman, Colonel Fred
Grant.
In the evening addressed a large meeting entirely offhand,
but on familiar topics connected with prison reform. Was hand-
424 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
somely greeted and much applause was constant as I clinched
my points.
[On the] 23rd, with Mr. Wines, the prison officers took the
cars to Joliet. They were met by Major McClaughry and went
to the great prison. Assembled in the parlor, I acting as spokes-
man, they presented to the major a beautiful album, made for
the purpose [filled with] autograph letters and photographs of
the wardens, with those of Mr. Wines and myself. Dined, vis-
ited the prison, and about 5:30 P. M. returned to Chicago. On
the whole a very gratifying trip.
November 25. Sunday. -- Heard the temperance evangelist,
Dr. Tracy, morning in Methodist Episcopal church and evening
in Presbyterian. Good audiences. A liberal and sympathetic
presentation of the subject. "I will arise and go to my Father,"
the text of the principal discourse. He spoke of "prodigals"
and "magdalens" as reclaimable only by a union of human sym-
pathy with the grace of God.
November 27. Tuesday.-- Very anxious about our dear
grandson Rutherford at Toledo. Very sick since 3 o'clock Sun-
day morning with "genuine croup." He is a bright, promising
little fellow, good-looking and good.
Toledo. P. M.-- I took the one o'clock train at Fremont.
Fanny came on same train from the East, returning from the
Kentucky wedding. I saw her a moment -- looking so happy and
lovely; told her I was going on account of the critical situation
of Rutherford. She was shocked -- no time for words! . . .
As I approached it [the house] I looked for the crape at the
door and was hopeful, as I failed to see it, until I saw Lucy
standing at the door to receive me -- weeping! "He is very low
-- we have no hope." I went into the room. Mary was kneel-
ing over him. He was breathing heavily. . . . [Not long
after] all was over. A beautiful boy--gone forever! Dear,
dear parents. So much affection gathered about him! Mary is
to me the perfection of womanhood. Takes the place of my
sister Fanny--the dear, dear memory of early life.
November 29, 1888. Thursday.--At Toledo, 9:30 A. M.,
Rev. Mr. Williamson, in Birchard's library, to an audience of
DEATH OF FIRST GRANDSON 425
friends, read a chapter in the Bible and made a ten-minutes
touching and consoling talk. . . . In a car furnished by the
railroad, a mournful Thanksgiving ride home.
November 30. Friday. -- At ten o'clock the friends filled the
large library, and in the small parlor were the little fellow and
the mourners. Mr. Williamson read from the Scriptures [and]
made a quiet talk--consolatory. Singing twice. We drove to
the cemetery and left him by the side of our last, little Manning
Force, under the beautiful white pine on my lot. . . . Lucy
said: "I now feel better about our little Manning. He is no
longer alone!"
December 1. Saturday.--I have been getting many letters
asking me to recommend friends to General Harrison -- so many
that I must act on the only practicable and proper rule: Send
no recommendations unless General Harrison consults me.
December 2. -- Walked with Fanny to church. Dr. Tracy, the
temperance evangelist, preached. Too much stress on "mint,
anise, and cummin," and omitting the weightier matters; or
rather an example of
"Compounding for the sins we are inclined to
By damning those we have no mind to."
He was severe--a chronic, a crank--against theatre-going,
card-playing, and dancing. Not five per cent of his audience
were addicted to either. But covetousness, avarice, envy, hatred
and malice, slander and scandal, stingy giving to the church, and
all uncharitableness, he let bravely alone. The sins of himself
and others before him--he never gave to them even "the cold
respect of a passing glance."
In the evening at the Presbyterian church, he did far better.
His ranting is of the stage variety--stagy but effective. How
to advance the temperance reform is the difficult question. The
tendency is to force, to law, to attack as the one solely responsible
the liquor seller. The mistake is constantly made of letting off
the liquor buyer as not in [any] sense a sharer in the guilt. The
liquor people take the opposite view. The man wants to buy.
That is his affair. "I may innocently sell if he can innocently
426 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
buy," is the self-justification of the saloon-keeper. Neither is
right. We should punish buying "the soul-destroying dram."
Make it as disreputable in public opinion to buy and drink the
dram as it is to steal, and the traffic is substantially suppressed.
You can not eradicate the traffic by punishing one-half of it
and letting the other half go free.
December 4. Tuesday. -- Lucy returned last night. The dear
sufferers at Toledo bear their loss with the best disposition.
I wrote to Comrade Bickham that I was a G. A. R. man and
could not do anything to the disadvantage of the G. A. R. He
replies showing the merits of the controversy. He is a U. V. U.,
a Union Veterans' Union man. But there is a division and con-
troversy it seems. I reply as follows:--
FREMONT, OHIO, December 4, 1888.
MY DEAR COMRADE:--I have no prejudice against any asso-
ciation of comrades of the war. Certainly I prefer that all
should go together. I would prefer only one organization. But
different societies exist. I am ready to go, when I can do so,
wherever the comrades can for the time being unite. Your house,
if I read your letter aright, is divided on the proposed meeting.
I am sorry it is so, for it compels me to postpone my meeting
at Findlay. I was at the unveiling of your monument more than
thirteen years ago.
With all good wishes.
Sincerely,
RUTHERFORD B. HAYES.
COLONEL G. BICKHAM.
December 5. -- The temperance revival goes on. It is said the
saloons will be closed hereafter Sunday. So far, good. Our
temperance work, as [it] is called, relies too much on the con-
stable. Law can not take the place of education, morality, and
religion. Law is no substitute for character. As long as men
want drink, they will get it. The young should think and feel
that buying is equally a crime with selling. We cannot safely
put the sin and condemnation wholly upon the saloon.
TRUE TEMPERANCE REFORM 427
SPIEGEL GROVE, FREMONT, OHIO, December 7, 1888.
MY DEAR SIR:--My friend Mr. Boalt has just told me of the
naming of your son after me in honor of the fact that he was
born on the day of my inauguration as President almost twelve
years ago.
I send to my young namesake a photograph, and wish to ex-
press to you my appreciation of your kindness, with the wish
that the young fellow will be worthy of his parents and a credit
to the name he bears.
Sincerely,
RUTHERFORD B. HAYES.
P. S.--If the lad will acknowledge the receipt of the photo-
graph, I will send him another, which is a curiosity. -- H.
MR. JOHN IRONS.
December 8. Saturday.--Reached Oberlin about 2 P. M.
[yesterday]. Was met at the station by Mr. C. V. Spear and
taken to the residence of Hon. James Monroe, professor of his-
tory and political science. After dinner we visited the principal
buildings. Among them a number recently built, of stone, which
are very creditable. Mr. Spear built the library and museum.
He is an enthusiastic supporter of the manual training move-
ment. A small affair not connected with the college but a be-
ginning.
I met President Fairchild and other gentlemen of the faculty,
-- all cordial. In the evening a great crowd filled the large church
and galleries full to suffocation. I spoke [on manual training]
more than an hour. Was well received and probably left a good
impression for the cause.
December 9. Sunday. -- Mr. Mills preached a temperance ser-
mon, so called. He read a list of texts apt as a condemnation of
the drink habit, etc., etc. But he failed to see that the man who
buys and drinks is the sinner. The fashion of denouncing the
seller, and sympathizing with the drinker as the victim, the inno-
cent victim -- nay, the meritorious victim, has nothing to do with
the sin and crime. When in fact he has everything to do with it.
428 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
No law which punishes the seller and lets the buyer go free
will ever succeed in the long run. It is partial and a compromise
of principle.
The true principle is, prohibit the whole traffic and make it dis-
graceful. Punish it as a sin and a crime. The buyer in fact is
far more guilty than the seller. This is radical. Your attack on
the seller alone is a compromise.
The foregoing is part of a talk with Dr. Tracy, of Bryan, Ohio,
a temperance lecturer, who has done well here during these last
three weeks. He agreed with most of it. Says he is by no means
a third-party man.
SPIEGEL, December 9, 1888.
MY DEAR WEBB: -- Very busy -- "cumbered with many things."
[The] 17th I go to a meeting of the delegates to the New
York centennial of the Government in New York at Columbus;
also to Dr. Haygood's meeting of the Freedmen's Aid and South-
ern Education Society. Thence to organize at Indianapolis the
Indiana Commandery of the Loyal Legion. I must "hustle," you
see, and need the dry-goods you are getting. I wish I had a
FIRST-class soldier's soft hat. Never have had one since the war.
General Barnett usually excites my envy with his.
Rededication of church next Sunday. Guests -- hurry --
friends! etc., etc.
Ever,
RUTHERFORD B. HAYES.
WEBB C. HAYES,
Cleveland.
FREMONT, OHIO, December 11, 1888.
MY DEAR SIR:--Your very kind invitation of the 8th instant
for Mrs. Hayes and myself is before me. I need not assure you
that it would give special pleasure to both Mrs. Hayes and my-
self to accept and be, while in your city, the guests of yourself
and Mrs. Martindale. We have however a prior invitation from
the committee of the commandery about to be organized, and I
suppose my duty is therefore to go to the headquarters estab-
lished at the Bates House.
NEW CHURCH DEDICATED 429
It is not decided yet whether Mrs. Hayes can go. She enjoys
soldier occasions and would like to come, but her other engage-
ments and her growing aversion to travel and other circum-
stances are very likely to prevent her from attending.
Please explain the situation to Mrs. Martindale. Our church,
burned last February, is to be rededicated next Sunday and Mrs.
Hayes finds her hands full and more. We buried here our old-
est grandson on the first of the month, and Mrs. Hayes is not
in a frame of mind suited to the occasion in your city. We are
greatly gratified by your courtesy and would under other cir-
cumstances gladly avail ourselves of the opportunity it offers.
Please present our kindest regards to Mrs. Martindale and
your daughter. Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
JUDGE E. B. MARTINDALE,
Indianapolis.
December 15. Saturday. -- Rev. Dr. J. W. Hamilton, of Som-
erville, came with Rev. Mr. Wykes to take part in the dedi-
cation of our rebuilt church. The new structure is finer than the
old one and we have added a good parsonage. Our total debt
as yet unprovided for is in round numbers six thousand dollars.
We must raise three thousand dollars to clear the church; as
much more as we can on the parsonage.
December 16. Sunday. -- Hamilton preached a good sermon.
The day was rainy and discouraging. The pastor is a little too
self-conceited and talks too much. Many do not want him
to succeed. Hamilton was patient and persistent and finally
raised over two thousand three hundred dollars in the forenoon.
At the evening service, all was in better condition; better
weather, a larger and better-disposed audience. He raised the
subscription easily to three thousand five hundred dollars.
December 17. Monday.--At Columbus, attended in Wesley
Chapel the discussions and papers of the Freedmen's Aid Society.
In the evening, I presided; made a short prefatory talk. As
chairman, introduced Rev. Dr. Haygood. He made a wonderful
430 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
talk. It was humorous, pithy, pathetic, and convincing. Paid me
a high tribute for my course as President.
December 18. Tuesday. -- Talked with Gray on the selection
of president for Delaware. Dr. King, of New York, or Gobing,
of Kansas, the best man now before us.
Met with commissioners of Ohio (at [the] governor's office) to
the centennial of the inauguration of Washington. Chief Justice
Owens, Herron, Herrick, Captain Bushnell, Firestone, and self.
I chosen president. Firestone, secretary. May have to go to
New York January 8.
COLUMBUS, December 18, 1888.
MY DARLING: -- All goes well. Dr. Haygood made a wonder-
fully fine talk last [night]--nearly two hours, intensely interest-
ing. He gave me the finest tribute I ever had -- "the final ver-
dict of history on my Administration."
Laura will be home tonight. She staid over one steamer in
Bermuda.
I go to Indianapolis this afternoon. Was appointed to go to
New York [the] 8th [of] January as commissioner of centennial.
Herron and the rest here. I made chairman as usual. I wish you
could always be with me. A host of people inquire for you in
earnest.
Ever your
RUTHERFORD B. HAYES.
MRS. HAYES,
Fremont.
December 21, 1888.--Tuesday evening, 18th, with General
Wright to Indianapolis. Met at Indianapolis by Major Calkins
and other Companions about 11:30 P. M. Taken to the New
Denison House. Met there Judge E. B. Martindale and Ruther-
ford. [The] 19th spent according to "the slate" [Loyal Legion].
Receptions and banquet. Called with others on General and Mrs.
Harrison. Both very cordial. Very. The general invited me to
call next day at 10 A. M. for "a full talk."
LOYAL LEGION AT INDIANAPOLIS 431
SPIEGEL, December 21, 1888.
MY DEAR SIR: -- Your good letter I find very interesting. My
"prophetic soul" had already divined the situation you deplore.
Who can be wise and be an anxious seeker after the great office?
Try to smother your vexation and hold on. The chapter of acci-
dents may turn in our favor. When I read that a firm man, of
cool temperament, loses his head in such a race, it recalls with
some satisfaction my own experience twelve years ago.
Let Mrs. Smith have a time in W . It is good every
way. Give her our very best wishes and believe me
Sincerely,
RUTHERFORD B. HAYES.
HONORABLE WILLIAM HENRY SMITH,
New York.
December 23. Sunday. -- As the grandfather's clock in the
hall was slowly striking five P. M. in its clear tone, Rev. Dr. D.
D. Mather was going through the ceremony of baptism [of Sher-
man Otis Hayes] in the red parlor. Present all of the family
except Webb.
December 30. -- Our wedding day. Thirty-six years ago we
married! Two years Birchard and Mary married. Both happy
occasions to be recalled.
December 31. Monday. -- Yesterday with Mary and Birchard
here and Scott, Rutherford, and Fanny, we spent our wedding
day very happily.
In the evening the Presbyterians and their pastor were in-
vited to be the guests in our new Methodist Episcopal church.
Mr. Barnes preached one of his great sermons. The point urged
was, sin brings misery and failure, while righteousness makes for
happiness and success in this life and in the life to come.
FREMONT, OHIO, December 31, 1888.
MY DEAR GENERAL: -- Recalling your interest in the details
of household affairs at Washington, I have suggested to my son
432 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
Webb, whose business takes him occasionally to your city, that
he call on you, as he is thoroughly posted on the whole matter --
much more so than I am.
With all good wishes.
Sincerely,
RUTHERFORD B. HAYES.
GENERAL BENJAMIN HARRISON,
Indianapolis.
FREMONT, OHIO, December 31, 1888.
MY DEAR WEBB:--The Leader editorial is in good form.
General H- was not however "a charter member." Study
accuracy.
This unsigned letter puzzles me. It is from a Herrick. But I
can't recall his initials. Give them with comments.
I hope you are coming tonight. Unless you care to see Gen-
eral H- specially, I would drop it. No harm either way. If
you wish will send you a note of introduction.
Sincerely,
RUTHERFORD B. HAYES.
WEBB C. HAYES,
Cleveland.
January 1, 1889. Tuesday. -- Letters -- letters! More than
two hundred last month to be replied to.
A pleasant day with Birchard and Mary. In the evening Scott
had a dancing party of his young friends (sixteen), a feast and
happy time. At 4:30 P. M. Lucy and I with Patterson and the
team took our pastor Mr. Mills out to Scott Township--ten
miles or more to a home mission meeting, in which Mrs. Inman,
Mrs. Gossard, and others led. A fine supper at Henry Ludwig's.
Promised their son, A. C. Ludwig, and daughter one each of
"Robinson Crusoe," "Swiss Family Robinson," "Little Lord
Fauntleroy," or "Prince and Pauper"; that is, I promised myself
to give these presents. After supper we drove in the dark over
to the church (Methodist Episcopal) south of Greensburg where
an audience packed it full. They were having recitations, songs,
etc. Rev. Mr. Mills delivered an excellent home missions ad-
SLATER BOARD MEETING 433
dress of thirty or forty minutes. After this I spoke with good
emphasis a few minutes. Altogether a successful meeting. Drove
home by eleven P. M. Found Scott's dancing party still on and
merry.
January 2. Wednesday. -- Learned at Greensburg of the new
gas well at Gibsonburg; could see its light six miles off north
from Mr. Ludwig's door. Said to be a three-million gusher.
Governor Fish wrote well and with discrimination of Governor
Aiken: "The kind gentleness of his intercourse was an insep-
arable part of his nature, and the happiness of others was with
him an object of life, and formed a large part of his own happi-
ness. The pleasure of others was his enjoyment."
Today our holiday children all leave us, Mary, Birchard, Sher-
man, Scott, and the nurse. Tomorrow I go with Fanny to New
York to attend a special meeting of the Slater board and a meet-
ing of the commissioners of States and the general committee
of the New York celebration of the centennial of the inauguration
of Washington.
January 5, 1889. Saturday. Fifth Avenue Hotel, New York.
--Our meeting of the Slater board was short but interesting.
I read a brief paper as to the death of Dr. Boyce which was
adopted as the sentiment of the board for record and transmis-
sion to the family.
Bishop Henry C. Potter was chosen in place of Rev. Dr.
Phillips Brooks and Chief Justice Fuller in place of Chief Justice
Waite. The secretary was directed to correspond with Professor
Broadus [of Louisville] as to taking the place of Rev. Dr.
Boyce. . . .
January 6. Sunday.--Dined last evening with Mr. William
E. Dodge. Met Mrs. Dodge, Grace (Miss Dodge), Mr. and Mrs.
Russell, and Mr. C. L. Brace. A pleasant evening. Talk of re-
forms, politics, Bryce's new work, and Miss Grace was hearty
and interesting touching her democratic (in the best sense) and
charities work. She was much liked by Fanny as well as myself.
Received her book. Must cultivate her.
28
434 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
Received invitations from Mrs. Reid, Mr. Jesup, and Mr. and
Mrs. H. C. Bowen. Today we dine with Mead.
In the evening called on the Howells [family]. Mr. Howells
and Winifred ("Pillar")gone to a Russian family's Christmas.
A good talk with Elinor. She looks well and her conversation
was natural and like old times.
January 7. Monday.--Governor Bullock called. Must try
to have a full talk with him.
We called at General Sherman's. Did not get an interview with
him but had a friendly call with the girls and Mrs. Moulton.
In the evening dined with Mr. and Mrs. Jesup and then with
them to the Trade Schools of Colonel R. T. Auchmuty uptown.
January 9. Wednesday. -- Yesterday called at the office of
the Independent. Met Mr. Bowen, Mr. Ward, and the other
editors. Afternoon to the meeting of the Centennial Commission
in the City Hall. Met Mr. Clarence Bowen, "Commodore"
Gerry, Hamilton, et al.
Evening dined with Mr. H. C. Bowen, 90 Willow Street,
Brooklyn. Mr. Storrs, Strauchan, and a host at the Tuesday
evening reading (Greek drama) and music. Back at midnight.
There is one unquestioned way to close up the saloon. De-
stroy the demand for all intoxicating drink. This can only be
done by persuasion, by example, by public sentiment, and by indi-
vidual judgment and conscience.
January 12, 1889. Saturday.--With Fanny returned from
New York.
Today found [a letter from] John Wood, of Philadelphia, sec-
retary of a Peace Arbitration Society. Wrote for him a letter
[to the] Emperor of Germany. "Thanks and congratulations"
on his peace address.
January 13.--A happy day. Correspondence. Lucy read
aloud to the family "Little Lord Fauntleroy," or rather she read
selections from the book and read them beautifully. All of us
had read the book, of course.
I read, or finished, Mr. Howells' last book, "Annie Kilburn."
It opens the democratic side of the coming questions. I do not
CENTENNIAL COMMISSION MEETING 435
find a ready word for the doctrine of true equality of rights.
Its foes call it nihilism, communism, socialism, and the like.
Howells would perhaps call it justice. It is the doctrine of the
Declaration of Independence, and of the Sermon on the Mount.
But what is a proper and favorable word or phrase to designate
it?
January 14. Monday. -- Wrote a host of letters today in re-
ply to patriots and friends anxious to serve their country.
FREMONT, OHIO, January 14, 1889.
MY DEAR SIR:--I have the pleasure to inform you of your
election as a member of the board of trustees of the John F.
Slater Education Fund in the place of Chief Justice Waite, de-
ceased. By this mail I send you two pamphlets showing the na-
ture of the trust.
Meetings are held annually, usually at New York. Chief Jus-
tice Waite found it practicable to attend the meetings, and to
take an active interest in the work from the beginning, except
when absent by reason of sickness.
It is the unanimous wish of the members of the board that
you accept the appointment. If in doubt about it, please delay
your decision until President Gilman or Senator Colquitt can call
on you at Washington in regard to it.
The next meeting will be in May 1889.
Sincerely,
RUTHERFORD B. HAYES.
MELVILLE W. FULLER,
CHIEF JUSTICE, Washington.
January 20. Sunday. -- Replied yesterday to about twenty-five
letters.
A good sermon from Mr. Mills -- one of his best. He is carry-
ing on a series of meetings -- revival meetings. Serious interest
manifested but no startling facts. He spoke of his own conver-
sion as occurring two years after he became a church member.
436 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
Read fifty pages in Bryce's "American Commonwealth." A
well-considered view of our institutions; nothing so far specially
salient.
January 21. Monday. -- Fanny at 7.30 A. M. via Fostoria to
Columbus, as the guest of our life-long friend Mrs. Belle Carter.
She was a popular, fashionable belle in her youth, forty years
ago, and has been a favorite lady in society ever since. She mar-
ried rather late Dr. Carter, a widower with grown daughters, and
while he lived was a beautiful example of a wife and stepmother.
Now, and for eight years past, a widow of admirable life.
I am glad to have my daughter with so charming and capable a
mentor. She is fond of and attracts young people. She keeps
herself young and retains her fine manners and looks.
January 22. Tuesday. -- All sorts of droll requests reach me.
I have this morning a letter as follows, in a boyish handwrit-
ing:--
PITTSFIELD, ILL., Dec. 28.
To the person to whom this letter is addressed:
DEAR SIR, MADAM, ETC.:--I enclose you a portion of my auto-
graph book and would be very much obliged if you would sign
your name on one page and then addressing an envelope to the
next person after you on the opposite page, enclosing this letter
and the book. If you will, you will greatly oblige
Your obedient servant,
OLIVER BARRETT.
On the opposite page is written [with addresses]:--O. W.
Holmes, Oliver Optic, E. E. Hale, E. Eggleston, S. L. Clemens,
Charles Dudley Warner, Mrs. Harriet Beecher Stowe, L. P.
Morton, Gen. W. T. Sherman, Rev. Mr. Howard Crosby, Rev.
Mr. T. DeWitt Talmage, George W. Curtis, Rev. Theo. Cuyler,
Mr. and Mrs. R. B. Hayes, Miss Frances E. Willard.
The strange result makes it all interesting. All of the list have
responded to the lad's request favorably. Mark Twain grum-
bled of course in characteristic phrase, but General Sherman, O.
W. Holmes, and all came down handsomely; E. E. Hale and
Dudley Warner in the true spirit.
AUTOGRAPH SEEKING EXTRAORDINARY 437
Doctor Hale writes:--"I am glad to do what you wish";
and sends on with the note:--
"DEAR EGGLESTON:--The above is forwarded by dear Doc-
tor Holmes to me. I now forward to you. Please pass it on,
till the trick shall come 'nigher-nigher.'"
Edward Eggleston forwards with the words: -- "DEAR CLEM-
ENS:--Pass the thing along. I hope it'll get back to him safely.
-- E. EGGLESTON."
Mark Twain signs "Truly yours," and on the envelope in pencil
writes:--"Pass the damned piece of impudence to Warner."
Chas. Dudley Warner signs "Yours sincerely," and on the en-
velope:--"Passed on in an unruffled spirit to Mrs. Stowe. C. D.
W."
Mrs. Stowe passed it on to Levi P. Morton, writing:
"DEAR SIR: -- Please pass this little boy's book along. -- H.
BEECHER STOWE."
It was "passed by Mr. Morton to General Sherman"; by him
"to Rev. Mr. Talmage"; "by T. De W. Talmage to Rev. Dr.
Cuyler"; by Dr. Cuyler to George William Curtis, with the note:
"I hope you will add a name that all men honor"; by Mr. Cur-
tis to Dr. Crosby with the phrase, "I follow my leader"; and by
Dr. Crosby to me with the injunction, "Keep up the boy's ball."
We sign today "with best wishes" and send on, adding:
"Passed by Mr. and Mrs. Hayes to Miss Frances E. Willard,
with kindest regards.
"The good thing about this is that such busy persons as
have here given time to make a boy happy seem to have made
themselves happy in doing it. You will, I am sure go and do
likewise.--R. B. H."
January 23, 1889. -- Letter writing. Received from President
elect Harrison a letter asking the name of a Southern-born man
in the Union army for Secretary of War. Replied: "Goff, of
West Virginia, or Goodloe, of Kentucky. Goff will probably be
cheated out of his governship before March 4. He is able,
agreeable, and true." His appointment will cover several points.
A protest again fraud in elections, etc., etc. Goodloe intelligent,
bold, and well equipped.
438 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
Received from Judge Martindale letter of Governor Morton,
published May 24, 1877, on President Hayes' Southern policy.
Will republish in the [Fremont] Journal. Also a fine photo-
graph taken at Indianapolis December 19, 1888 and one by same
artist of General Harrison.
January 24. Thursday.--Replied to a happy letter from
Fanny, complimenting Mrs. Carter as mistress of "the most use-
ful of the useful arts and the finest of the fine arts--the art
peculiar to women -- the art of making homes happy."
In the evening at the G. A. R.
I received a letter from Colonel Crook. He says: "From all
that I can learn, your kind words in my behalf to General Har-
rison will be of great use to me." I hope this is so.
January 25. Friday. -- I am getting many letters asking aid
to get appointments from General Harrison. I reply to one this
morning which shows the situation.
Private.
SPIEGEL GROVE, FREMONT, OHIO, January 25, 1889.
MY DEAR COMRADE:--Your letter came duly, and I meant to
reply at once. But absence from home the greater part of the
time for six weeks past has postponed it. Indeed, I hoped to
meet you when East, the 8th of this month. But briefly and
frankly I am committed for Gibson [for Commissioner of Pen-
sions]. He is my friend of forty years' standing. We are
neighbors. He is one of God's noblemen.
Now this: After him, I am for you. But this must not hurt
him. Your claims, I recognize fully. I would like to see a man
who carried a musket for forty-three cents a day in that high
place. No man suffered or sacrificed more than you did. You
are honest, able, sympathetic, and "know how it is yourself."
Need I say more? If Gibson can't have it, I am for you.
Sincerely,
RUTHERFORD B. HAYES.
COMRADE JAMES TANNER.
CRITICISM OF BRYCE 439
The letters from all sorts of people who are anxious to serve
their country come swarming. I acknowledge most of them
briefly.
SPIEGEL GROVE, FREMONT, OHIO, January 28, 1889.
GENTLEMEN:--The completion of the new building of the
Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce is a notable event. The whole
people of Cincinnati are to be congratulated on their merchants'
new home. It commands the admiration of all who see it. Cin-
cinnati is fortunate. Her list of objects of interest and admirable
structures is by no means a short one. But the new monument
to the great promoter of modern civilization -- this monument to
commerce -- will long stand, if not at the head, at least very high
in the list.
I regret extremely that I cannot be present at the dedication
of the building. Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
SPIEGEL GROVE, FREMONT, OHIO, January 29, 1889.
MY DEAR SIR:--I agree with you that it is very desirable that
the Commissioner of Education should be a man of mark and of
liberal views. Mr. Butler, it strikes me, would be altogether a
fit appointment. The office is one of the attractive places. Geog-
raphy and other considerations will have weight. It may be eas-
ier to get the post for a Chicago man than for a New Yorker.
You see the point. A list from different parts of the country may
be well. But, in short, substantially I am with you and will
aid.
Sincerely,
RUTHERFORD B. HAYES.
MR. CHARLES H. HAM.
January 31, 1889. -- Am still reading Bryce's "American Com-
monwealth." Bryce is evidently warped by his free trade and
other English prejudices in favor of the Democratic opinions of
political events. For example, he says that Cleveland gained by
his numerous vetoes. In fact they gave offense to the soldiers
440 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
and their friends, and contributed largely to his defeat in the elec-
tion. He says the general opinion is now that the Electoral Com-
mission erred in their decision of the questions which determined
the result of the election of 1876. This is a decided mistake.
The general judgment is that they decided rightly. Indeed, few
people would now hold otherwise. Its guiding principle is that
the States decide all questions as to their vote at the election.
The decision of the proper State authorities must stand as to the
vote of the State.
My wish for old age--its first symptoms now appearing:
"A quiet nook, and a pleasant book,
When the toils of the day are done."
February 2. Saturday. - I get daily letters asking aid to get
appointments from the President. Many are from old friends,
army comrades, and who are known to me to be fit to fill the
places they want. This much I can with some labor do and say,
viz., state their qualifications and merits, and commend them to
the favorable attention of the powers that be. But they want
more in many instances. They say: "You can secure this for me
if you will request President Harrison to make the appointment."
A gentleman appointed by me ten or twelve years ago consul in
Nova Scotia wants me to do this for him. He is almost a total
stranger to me. But I am sure he is a good officer, and that he
may properly be retained. He has written in a petulant way,
complaining that I do not urge his appointment, etc., etc. I
reply as follows:-
FREMONT, OHIO, February 2, 1889.
MY DEAR SIR: - I have your letter of the 29th ultimo. I want
to aid you, as far as I properly can, believing you to be a meri-
torious officer.
I am asked by a host of others to request the President to ap-
point them. They say, as you do, without a moment's thought:
"This you can easily secure me." Many of those who ask this
are old friends, army comrades, and persons known to me to be
worthy. To grant their demand would be to treat with disrespect
the President, and to put myself in the absurd attitude of assum-
ing the appointing power of the Executive!
IMPORTUNATE OFFICE-SEEKING 441
All I do is to give a testimonial as to the fitness of the appli-
cant, and to recommend his appointment.
When you make up your papers, if you will send me one, I
will endorse it favorably, and return it to you for presentation
at the proper time to the proper Department, or if you prefer,
to the President.
I return the papers as requested.
Sincerely,
RUTHERFORD B. HAYES.
HONORABLE GEORGE C. TANNER.
February 3, 1889. Sunday. - A full church. Six new mem-
bers joined on probation -five men, one woman; well dressed,
good-looking young folks; twenty to thirty, all of them. Mr. and
Mrs. Dudrow, fine young people, dined with us, and our cousin
Lucy Keeler. An interesting afternoon.
In the evening Webb came, en route home from a business trip
to St. Paul, Chicago, and Toledo. He met at St. Paul our friends
Governor Ramsay and Governor Sibley. General Sibley failing
with age. He recalled Mrs. Hayes saying, ten years ago when
the ladies were losing hats and locks of artificial hair in a wild
prairie wind on Red River: "Well, if my hair does fly so as to
make a Potawatomie of me, there is no danger of my losing it!"
Governor Ramsay says: "The President mustn't be too un-
willing to consult Senators. He can keep his independence, but
he must not seem to snub his associates in the Government."
At Chicago he [Webb] saw much of Crook, and the friends.
General Crook thinks Sheridan's best work was in the final Ap-
pomattox campaign. "The Sheridan Valley campaign was not,
if closely scanned, the great work of Sheridan." No doubt Crook
himself gave the points - the flank attacks- which won Ope-
quon and Fisher's Hill.
Is my friend on his staff addicted to gaming? He spends
freely. Too freely? is the question.
February 4. Monday.--Charles L Webster, the publisher
of the books of General Grant, Sheridan, and McClellan, was on
the train with Webb on his western tour. He gave interesting
442 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
particulars of his experiences with the generals and with the
Pope.
February 5. Tuesday. - Mr. William O. Stoddard is writing
for the "Lives of the Presidents" my biography. I have this
morning writen to him this letter:--
FREMONT, OHIO, February 5, 1889.
MY DEAR SIR: - The message of Governor Hill has started
again the discussion as to what is to become of ex-Presidents.
Would it not be well, if you have not [done so], to give a chap-
ter to that topic? Governor Hill suggests life Senatorships for
the ex-Presidents. This, as I see it, is wholly inadmissible. The
Senate is already burdened with the great inequality between
such States as Delaware, Florida, Nevada, on the one side, and
New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio, on the other. Besides there
is a new peril. The Senate is becoming the rich man's place.
Now, add to this life members, and you have a condition so in-
consistent with the principles of popular government that the
abolition or radical change of the Senate would soon come. Just
think of a Senate, when the Rebellion was on, with a list of life
members like this, viz., Buchanan, Fillmore, Pierce, Tyler, and
Van Buren! Of course, I mean no reflection on these eminent
men. But the possible extent of the evil is indicated. New
Hampshire with three Senators, New York with four, Pennsyl-
vania with three, Virginia with three, and the excess above other
States for life! Would it not cause discontent?
On the other hand, let the President when he leaves his office
take a manly view of the situation. Let him become a citizen
again. It is stated that Mr. Cleveland will return to the practice
of his profession. I hope he will. It will be a noble answer to
the question. He is only six or seven years out of his law office
and can return to it.
I should have done so if I could. But I was twenty years
out of practice. Leaving for the war in 1861 and an ex-Presi-
dent in 1881, it would have been an up-hill business [for me] to
return to the law. But I would like to see my short speech to
my neighbors when they welcomed me home in 1881 set out in
full, and then a short and unobtrusive showing of what has been
LIFE AS EX-PRESIDENT 443
done to carry it out in practice. Indeed, I am quite as content
with what I have succeeded in doing as an ex-President as with
any other part of my life. . . .
Too much of this. In haste, as you see.
Sincerely,
RUTHERFORD B. HAYES,
MR. WILLIAM O. STODDARD,
Hampstead, Long Island, New York.
February 6. Wednesday.- Rev. Dr. Spencer, of Philadel-
phia, agent of the Methodist Episcopal Church Extension So-
ciety, preached, exhorted, and sang last evening at the church.
Effectively done. Mem.:--On such occasions, one man must
have charge, not merely lead. The volunteer interruptions chill
the feelings--a shower-bath on the rising warmth.
President Merrick writes me a letter exhorting me for the
sake of the example to "make a public profession of faith in
Christ." He is a noble, charitable, true Christian in the best
sense. He enclosed [an account of] the course taken by former
Senator and Attorney-General Williams in Portland, Oregon.
The distinguished gentleman is a convert, in the usual sense.
February 7. Thursday.--Last evening I received a letter
from the chairman on literary exercises for the New York cen-
tennial of Washington's inauguration, asking me to respond to
the toast "The President." I accept. I may allude to the failure
of the device for selecting the President by means of Electoral
Colleges in the several States, and turn [to say] but in other re-
spects their plan [that of the founders] has fully and exactly
fulfilled the anticipations of the wise and far-seeing founders. It
[the system] provided for the perils of the first years, Wash-
ington; and for the appalling dangers of the turning-point of our
destiny, Lincoln. It provides motives that enable the people's
will to govern at all times. If there is failure it is due to the
people themselves.
SPIEGEL GROVE, FREMONT, OHIO, February 7, 1889.
MY DEAR SIR:--I am in receipt of your favor of the 4th
instant in which I am honored with an invitation to respond to
444 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
the toast "The President" at the banquet in the Metropolitan
Opera House, April 30 next. Undertaking the duty assigned,
it will be a satisfaction to know about at what time in the speak-
ing my ten minutes will be in order. In accepting, I wish it dis-
tinctly understood that if, for any reason, even at the last mo-
ment, it seems desirable to shorten the program it will be en-
tirely agreeable to me to be one of those to be dropped out.
Very sincerely yours,
RUTHERFORD B. HAYES.
HONORABLE ELBRIDGE GERRY,
CHAIRMAN, New York.
February 8. Friday. - Have at last got rid of correspondence
-that is caught up with it, and gave a couple of hours to my
old notes for a manual training speech or talk to the Allegheny
County Teachers' Association at Pittsburgh, Friday next, 15th.
February 10. Sunday. - General Mitchell spent the day. He
came to present a [most promising] project for a speculation.
But it is like going into business and I declined.
General Mitchell's chance of the pension office for Ohio seems
good. Will write to the President at the proper time.
February 19. Tuesday.- The trip to Columbus [last
Wednesday] to meet the trustees of the Ohio State University
was caused by the burning of the chemical laboratory building--
not by the action of president and faculty in the case of students
absent from prayers. Loss some forty thousand dollars. We
asked for seventy-five thousand dollars to rebuild; five thousand
dollars for immediate use was already voted by the General
Assembly.
I promised Colonel [Potter] and Lieutenant Kilbourn to aid in
restoring the boys, if they kept quiet and behaved well about it
for the next three to six weeks. The president was perhaps
rather severe, and somewhat hasty.
Called on Mrs. Carter at Columbus to thank her for her kind
hospitality to Fanny. Mrs. Carter was not at home. But the
servant, with a beaming face, said: "Your daughter is so sweet.
ON MANUAL TRAINING AT PITTSBURGH 445
No lady ever visited here who was so nice- so lovely," etc.!
Very pleasant sounds in a father's ears.
Thursday night, after an hour's talk with Mr. Green of the
great wholesale dry-goods Columbus house, took cars to Pitts-
burgh in the night. At Monongahela House 7 A. M. in Pitts-
burgh. [The] forenoon with Mr. Luckey and Mr. M. A.
Newell, Superintendent of Instruction in Maryland, visited the
Grant School. Surely it is all most gratifying--as great an ad-
vance on my day as the railroad and steamboat are on the pack
horse and flatboat of pioneer days.
Afternoon, with Lucy Cook McCandless drove to the suburbs
of Pittsburgh out Fifth Avenue.
Evening, at the First Presbyterian Church, to a crowded house,
[I] spoke fifty minutes on manual training. Omitted my best
witness and point - Canon Farrar on Christ "The Carpenter"!
But fairly well.
Saturday in the rain to Cleveland. A happy visit with Mrs.
(widow) Linus Austin and Mattie Avery, both lonely without
Monday met with trustees of Garfield Memorial Association
at Mr. J. H. Wade's office. I presided. Resolved to dedicate
during 1889 and chose General Cox, on my motion, orator of the
day. A happy call at General Leggett's. Home on late train.
February 21, 1889.--To Findlay to attend Washington's
birthday celebration by the soldiers of the G. A. R. Stopped
at the Central House. Four [five] comrades of the old Twenty-
third were on hand to welcome me. They became my body-
guard and for two days looked after me as careful and consid-
erate friends. "Auld Lang Syne" in a most gratifying sort!
Names of the comrades: Thomas W. Quine, Company E; F.
M. Drake, Company H; James Finley, G; Aaron Koplin, F;
Melville Figley, G.
In the evening spoke at Stoker Post of the G. A. R. Gave my
"delusion" at Buford's Gap on retreat of Hunter from Lynch-
burg.
February 22. Friday.--A. M. Rode over the new parts of
the town of Findlay. - Said now to have over twenty thousand
446 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
people. Factories in the outskirts widely separated. Town six
miles long north and south, and four wide east and west!
Several street railway lines. Rawness on all sides. Thirty-five
hundred new houses claimed for the last year; already said to
he eleven hundred for the current year.
P. M. Two thousand of the school children in line in the
streets; all happy and warmly clad. The crowds in the wigwam
and the noise of the young kids prevented myself, first, and Gib-
son, afterwards, from being heard. I was more fortunate even
than General Gibson.
Evening, Commander O'Neal and I talked to a frost-bitten
audience in the wigwam.
Think of this gentleman, this fair-minded, patriotic man,
wounded and a prisoner, and for six months in prison at Dan-
ville, Virginia, absolutely naked!
I gave a sketch of the Valley campaign - Cedar Creek. Well
received.
February 23. Saturday. - Returned after speaking last night
and reached home after 11 P. M.
This afternoon Webb came. He has, with the president of his
company, Mr. Lawrence, been in Chicago almost a week attend-
ing the convention of the electrical people. His connection with
the National Carbon Company at Cleveland interests him in this
conference.
February 24. Sunday. - A week ago, at Mrs. Austin's, I
took up Hawthorne's "Notes." Interested so much I ordered
them, six volumes, from Robert Clarke and Company, Cincin-
nati, and since returning from Findlay have snatched an hour
or two from my correspondence to read these delightful sketches
and jottings. They seem to have been his collection of the
raw materials for his charming stories. He has [a] sound head,
and is an original thinker, with a power of clean-cut statement.
His clearness and precision are notable.
February 25. Monday. - Writing letters [and] scrapbooking
military items, especially the Dublin Raid and Cloyd's Moun-
tain by Arthur.
HAWTHORNE'S QUALITIES 447
February 26 Tuesday.- Called on by office-seekers and a
host of letters to reply to.
Private
FREMONT, OHIO, February 26, 1889.
MY DEAR SENATOR: - Gibson for Commissioner of Pensions
will please more Ohio people than anything else I can think of.
All agree that the time has come to recognize the work he has
done for the country, for the party, and for all of us who have
been honored by Ohio during the last thirty years. This is one
of the things near my heart.
Sincerely,
RUTHERFORD B. HAYES.
SENATOR JOHN SHERMAN.
SPIEGEL GROVE, FREMONT, OHIO, February 26, 1889.
MY DEAR GENERAL:--I have just read in the New York
Tribune a communication from Findlay, Ohio, representing that
I gave your opinion on the subject of pensions as expressed by
you in conversation with me at Indianapolis. In fact I did noth-
ing of the sort. The opinions expressed are my opinions; but
you said, as I recall our conversation, nothing on the subject of
pensions, and if you had, I most certainly would not have re-
peated it.
With all good wishes.
Sincerely,
RUTHERFORD B. HAYES.
GENERAL BENJAMIN HARRISON,
Washington, D. C.
February 27. - Read in the last volume of the "Cyclopaedia of
Biography" the titles Zachary Taylor, Tilden, etc. Jefferson
Davis is given as the writer of Taylor. It is well done. I read
also Jeff Davis' biography. Fairly well. The book [cyclo-
paedia] is a mine of history and biography and is in the main
excellent. It is indexed fully and well.
448 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
February 28. Thursday.--Foggy; snow still lingers. The
last day of winter as we usually think of it. But March is also
a winter month. Our first two winter months, December and
January, were much milder than usual--unprecedentedly so.
But February has been severely cold, probably colder than the
average. Almost no good sleighing; perhaps on eight or ten
days sleighs were used but chiefly on the paved streets and stone
roads.
Lucy will go to Cleveland tomorrow. We are to be in Dela-
ware March 7 at President McCosh's lecture. In Cincinnati I
am to attend Loyal Legion [on the] 6th.
I wrote today the following letter to the President in behalf
of Captain Reed, who sent to Lucy the dispatch after Cedar
Creek that the report of my death was a mistake.
Private
SPIEGEL GROVE, FREMONT, OHIO, March 5, 1889.
MY DEAR MR. PRESIDENT:--This will introduce to you my
comrade and friend Captain Thomas B. Reed, of Fairmont,
West Virginia. He wants at the proper time to be reappointed
postmaster. He has every qualification - experience, efficiency,
character, Republicanism, service as a soldier, and the support
of the community. You can trust him.
Besides, he rendered me the greatest possible service in the
war. The recollection of it simply compels me to ask your
favorable consideration of his claims and merits.
Sincerely,
RUTHERFORD B. HAYES.
To PRESIDENT HARRISON,
Washington.
March 1. Friday.--Last evening attended the meeting of
the G. A. R. post. Good feeling. Talked with a comrade, not
seen before. He was a Swiss--brought to America when he
was six or seven years old. Was happy as he said: "We will
be in power again in a few days and we will keep it." A plain,
rough laboring man- patriotic in his talk. Another comrade
attracted me by his extraordinary stature. I did not recollect
APPRECIATION OF CLEVELAND 449
seeing him before. I soon got on easy terms with him. He
said that in his stockings he had been six feet six, that he was
not quite so tall now. He was born in this county, but his
father came from Germany. He said: "My father always
said that you made a Republican of him. When he was to cast
his first vote after naturalization in 1848, his friends and neigh-
bors, Germans, were Democrats. But happening to be in Buck-
land's office, you talked to him in favor of General Taylor, and
gave him a German newspaper. He read it and decided to vote
for Taylor, and had never since voted the Democratic ticket."
I was called on to talk. Did so. Told the incident of Howell
Cobb trying to persuade the starving and dying prisoners in
Andersonville to work in the shops of the Confederacy-with
the promise of good pay, two dollars and fifty cents per day,
one-half gold, one-half in Confederate notes, and good shelter,
food, and clothing. But the prisoners knew this would add to
the muskets in the Rebel ranks and not a man yielded to escape
death and suffering. The applause was hearty.
March 2. Saturday. - Last evening attended a reception of
the Rebecca I. O. O. F.; made a short talk. Described the in-
augural proceedings, decoration of the city, flags, etc.; proces-
sions, flowers, music, ball, crowds. The pleasure and splendor
of the affair all depends on the weather. With fine weather it is
notably brilliant; with bad weather it is a notable failure.
Attended to arranging papers. For a time will collect:-
1. All war talks - history, biography, and incidents. 2. All
matter relating to education, especially in the South, and on
manual training. 3. All on prison reform and charities.
Does Rawle teach the doctrine of secession? Was this doc-
trine taught at West Point? I do not find these questions
answered in Jefferson Davis' book. He is quite full in his
presentation of the State-sovereignty doctrine.
March 4. Monday. -Inauguration day! Bright and cheer-
ful. Perfect day here. Hope for same at Washington.
The President and Mrs. Cleveland have in their personal con-
duct, so far as I know, behaved with discretion, modesty, good
nature, and good sense, with possibly one exception. For them
29
450 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
it is no doubt well to leave the high place now. Those who are
in such a place cannot escape its unfortunate influence on habits,
disposition, and character. In that envied position of power
and distinction, they are deferred to, flattered, and supported
under all circumstances whether right or wrong, or wise or fool-
ish, by shrewd and designing men and women who surround
them. Human nature can't stand this long.
If the President and his wife are to return to private life at
all, it is better to do it at the end of four years. A longer life
in the artificial hothouse atmosphere of the high station
would leave an impress which would color unfavorably all of
their later years. Now Mr. and Mrs. Cleveland can escape the
tendencies, and in due time become again good and, I hope,
happy citizens.
March 5. -The weather at Washington was unfavorable, but
the enthusiasm of the great multitude was genuine and carried
the ceremonial through successfully. The inaugural address is
conservative and altogether admirable.
CINCINNATI, March 5, 1889.
MY DEAR MR. PRESIDENT: - I left home in Fremont this
morning, and on the way down read your inaugural address,
first hurriedly, and then with care. Some paragraphs I read
several times. I congratulate you, and the party, and the coun-
try upon it. It is throughout in substance and style altogether
admirable. Excuse me for alluding to its style. Jefferson and
Lincoln, by a long distance, excel all others in their inaugural
addresses. Yours will take rank with theirs. "It is all golden."
I know you have no time to reply. Do not.
The Cabinet is excellent, and I specially rejoice that you have
Noble with you. I should have named him to you if I had not
been confined to native Southerners.
Mrs. Hayes, if she were with me, would join in kindest re-
gards to Mrs. Harrison and yourself.
Sincerely,
RUTHERFORD B. HAYES.
PRESIDENT HARRISON.
HARRISON'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS 451
Cincinnati, March 6. 1889.- I reached here about 7 P. M.
last evening. On the way down from Toledo read the charming
message of the new President. I wrote to him this morning
congratulating him on it - substance and style.
Called on General Cox. He said he was so averse to making
a second address on Garfield because his speech at Milwaukee,
at the reunion of the Society of the Army of the Tennessee, was
a formal affair and had been published not merely by the press
but in pamphlet form and widely circulated. It was in his
view bad taste to deliver it again. He concluded by saying,
"You must consider this final." I refused to so consider it. I
urged that justice to Garfield demanded of him the sacrifice of
his feelings; that Garfield had suffered in two ways by the in-
judicious praise of those who knew him only in a general way.
They had attributed to him powers and qualities which did not
belong to him, and which all who knew him well thoroughly
understood were not the truth about him. Others, his enemies,
took advantage of these mistakes and the result is a belittling
of his character and powers. He seemed, towards the close of
a rather protracted conversation, to yield and promised to take
it into consideration. The 19th of September was his decided
preference as to date.
Saw Captain Hunter and Robert Clarke. Heard from Clarke
that Judge Matthews is probably not to recover. He has been
confined to his bed several weeks; can't endure his weakness
and weariness; wishes for the end to come. Spent the fore-
noon - the rest of it - with my charming friend Mrs. Herron.
Mr. Herron returned from Washington before dinner. Re-
mained to dinner and an hour after. Will appears well. Lucy
better and finer every time I see her.
In the evening at the banquet of the Loyal Legion made a
talk; told of Captain Reed's thoughtful "saving from a shock"
my wife when I was reported killed at Cedar Creek. Also a
talk about the blunder of Sheridan in his book, where he speaks
of the officers of Crook's corps and color-bearers who rose
seemingly out of the ground, the men having gone to the rear
panic-stricken. I succeeded in a rough, humorous vein in get-
452 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
ting hold of the audience and had a beautiful time of it. Noyes
told the story of his loss of his leg in fine style -with pathos,
humor, and eloquence. Others spoke well. A most happy time.
March 8 [7]. Thursday.- At 8:30 A. M. to Delaware. At
2:30 met Lucy on train from Cleveland. A happy meeting. She
had "a lovely" time with Cleveland friends. Called on Dr. and
Mrs. McCosh, of Princeton - for twenty years as an able and
successful president of that famous old Presbyterian college. A
happy tea and reception at Professor Williams'.
March 8. - Called on Carrie Williams Little, [and] on Judge
Jones who is in a critical condition - in bed for two weeks.
His clear head is now confused. He hardly knew how to talk.
Such grand and interesting conversation - so attractive to all
who knew him. I got the impression that he would pull through
this trouble. My saying so seemed most agreeable to his wife -
Mrs. Harriet Williams Jones. . . . Home at 5 P. M.
March 9. Saturday.- Wrote a host of letters-chiefly to
friends anxious to serve their country! Signed about seventy
diplomas for newly elected members of the Loyal Legion. At-
tended I. O. O. F. in the evening. Prepared some ideas for
speeches.
March 11. Monday. - Considered briefly my ten-minutes'
talk at the G. A. R. welcome to Commander O'Neal tomorrow
evening. Will consider the merits of the organization - his-
torical, educational, patriotic, social, and benevolent and just.
The latter are to be looked after.
March 12. Tuesday. -Commander O'Neal arrived on time
via Lake Shore from Ashtabula. I drove to breakfast with him.
We talked of what is due to the soldier. After dinner
called on General Buckland at his office and on Judge Dickin-
son at the probate court. Also called on Captain Anthony
Young.
In the afternoon promptly the posts marched up [to Spiegel
Grove], about one hundred strong, then the Sons of Veterans
and a number of friends with ladies. Perhaps two hundred in
A LIBERAL PENSION POLICY 453
all. A successful and happy time. Lucy was in her best estate,
making all happy. . .
In the evening a crowded audience greeted us all at the opera
house. Commander O'Neal with cogent arguments and solid
facts, with pathetic and thrilling scenes, urged the duty of a
more liberal policy on the subject of pensions.
I spoke briefly--a jolly talk, with a serious sentence or two
ditto to O'Neal.
Captain Dowling, candidate for commander, also spoke in
same vein. "The raid on the Treasury" is fairly on. I must make
a heading of the line, "A Raid on the Treasury"-"Justice to the
Soldier--No Repudiation of the Nation's Obligations to her
Defenders."
March 13. Wednesday.-With Mr. O'Neal to the station.
Bid good-bye to Captain and Mrs. Dowling and the judge about
9 A. M. after a successful meeting.
Correspondence the forenoon. In the afternoon a visit from
McSheehy, just from Washington. He gave the situation there
fairly well. A rabble of unwonted dimensions after office.
The President makes a mistake in turning the appointments
over to the Senators and Representatives. They will use it
[them] to pay debts. It is a return to the spoils system.
In the afternoon met at the Ball House a number of men
from Bowling Green and Gibsonburg with a party of railroad
men touching a new railroad from Fremont west to Gibsonburg,
Bowling Green, Napoleon, and the State line. After much talk,
result--resolutions to organize a corporation for the purpose.
Appointed a committee to carry out the resolution.
March 14. Thursday. - Correspondence and a few minutes
given to the talk on Parnell and Ireland next Monday evening
occupied the forenoon. . .
Lucy received her invitation to dance in first quadrille at the
Washington inauguration ball in New York, April 29. Will of
course not be present; not opposed to balls or dancing; but other
circumstances will prevent. Will acknowledge and decline the
honor today.
454 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
FREMONT, OHIO, March 15, 1889.
MY DEAR SIR:-In the absence of Mrs. Hayes, I have the
honor to acknowledge your kind favor received yesterday, in
which she is honored with an invitation to take part in the open-
ing quadrille of the centennial ball.
I regret that at this time it seems probable that circumstances
will prevent her from being in New York at the centennial cele-
bration of the inauguration of Washington, and that therefore
she must decline your polite invitation, which she highly appre-
ciates.
RUTHERFORD B. HAYES.
MR. WARD MCALLISTER,
MANAGER, New York.
FREMONT, OHIO, March 15, 1889.
MY DEAR SIR: - I thank you for the privilege of uniting with
the New York Citizens' Committee in their patriotic and char-
itable work in behalf of the disabled and destitute soldiers of
the late Confederacy.
The time is plainly drawing near (if it has not already come)
when justice to its defenders will require the National Govern-
ment to expend much larger sums than have heretofore been
appropriated for the support of the men who saved it. The
sacred obligation to the Union soldiers must not - will not be
forgotten nor neglected, especially by those who have shared
in fullest measure the prosperity which has come from the serv-
ices and sacrifices of those who stood by the Government when it
was imperilled.
But those who fought against the Nation cannot and do not
look to it for relief. Their disabled and destitute comrades are
left to the generosity and benefactions of their more fortunate
fellow citizens who wisely forecast the inspiring future of our
country. Confederate soldiers and their descendants are to
share with us and our descendants the destiny of America.
Whatever, therefore, we their fellow citizens can do to remove
burdens from their shoulders and to brighten their lives is surely
in the pathway of humanity and patriotism.
AID FOR CONFEDERATE SOLDIERS 455
With my contribution to the enterprise, I beg you to accept
also my best wishes for its success.
I remain sincerely,
RUTHERFORD B. HAYES.
MR. OLIVER DOWNING,
SECRETARY, New York.
March 16. Saturday.--In the evening Lucy came from
Toledo and Webb with the architect, Mr. Barnum, from Cleve-
land. A happy time. Webb and Mr. Barnum went over with
Lucy the proposed addition and change of the rear of our house.
The change is intended to get rid of our little frame kitchen, to
enlarge the dining-room, to add chambers, and to improve the
general appearance by putting a two-story brick structure in the
place of what we now have which shall cost four thousand
dollars to six thousand dollars.
Private.
SPIEGEL GROVE, FREMONT, OHIO, March 16, 1889.
MY DEAR SIR:--Justice to Mr. Waggoner--the best officer
we have had in this revenue district--seems to require another
solid effort to restore him to the collectorship from which he
was improperly removed.
If there is a reasonable prospect of success I venture to urge
you to push it to a favorable determination.
Sincerely,
RUTHERFORD B. HAYES.
HONORABLE JOHN SHERMAN.
March 17.--Sunday.--This being a lucky day -St. Pat-
rick's Day and Sunday,--I decided, if brick and other needed
things can be had, to build the new kitchen and dining-room.
The architects are Coburn and Barnum of Cleveland, and J.
Stierwalt will be the builder. Cost from four to six thousand
dollars.
456 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
March 18. - Made contract for the addition to the house with
Stierwalt. He is to superintend and build it; three dollars per
day for time employed by him and twenty-five cents profit on
each carpenter - his regular hand.
Correspondence and a little attention to the Irish question for
tonight's Saint Patrick's speech.
Spoke first after the banquet. Well received. A sober talk
of twenty or thirty minutes.
March 19. Tuesday. - Morning train to Toledo.
Spent the afternoon with [Clark] Waggoner, an hour or two
of it. He has full scrapbooks of all matters for some years.
An interesting talk. Some chance of his restoration to his office
of collector of internal revenue. He was the best we have had
and was unfairly and improperly turned out in Arthur's time.
An hour in the morning with Lee. He thinks we should have
an aggressive man - a speaker and strong - for governor. Does
he have his own eye on the place?
March 22. Friday.- Letters. Received one from Rev. Dr.
Hatfield criticizing mine to the secretary of the Texas Home. I
reply as follows:-
Confidential.
FREMONT, OHIO, March 22, 1889.
MY FRIEND:-Your letter of the 18th, I must believe, was
written in the friendliest spirit but without reflection. In any
event I do not argue. Logic is for controversy. It has little to
do with opinions. Let me ask you to think of some facts.
Eighteen Republican members of the next House are from the
late Rebel regions. But for the votes of Rebels President Har-
rison would find the next House against him by from fifteen to
thirty majority.
The old Mason and Dixon's line, politically considered, now
runs coincident with the southern line of North Carolina and
Tennessee.
Many of the most decided and reliable Republicans to be
found anywhere fought in the Rebel army. The number of
such is today greater than ever before, and with a little political
DANGER OF PLUTOCRACY 457
sense in our leadership, which we are sure to have, it will stead-
ily grow.
With a small percent of late Rebel votes at any poll--"old
soldiers handy with the pistol"--the votes of negroes will be
cast, and counted as cast. Without such support the prospect
of the colored vote is dim enough. Calmly think of these facts.
Again, Jefferson, Calhoun, and the instructors at West Point
taught that the State was sovereign and that the Federal Gov-
ernment had only limited powers; that allegiance was due to
the State. Is it wise (not to say charitable) to attribute to all
who followed such instruction guilt of the quality of that of
Judas Iscariot?
But the essential idea of my letter does not seem to have
attracted your attention. The rich, the well-to-do, and those
who depend mainly on them, are strangely blind, as a class, to
what is due--in short, to justice to the Union soldier. Bonds
for money lent the Government in paper, worth thirty-five to
sixty-five cents on the dollar, are paid in gold at their face,
with gold interest at highly remunerative rates. That national
obligation, I with you and the rich people insisted upon, because
it was just. But the men paid twenty to thirty cents a day for
life and uncounted sacrifices are said to make a "raid on the
Treasury," if they ask that promises be kept. Hence my letter.
My brother, the question of our day is, Shall a plutocracy own
the earth, and all who work with their hands be left in ignorance
and vice by reason of poverty? Don't worry about the Rebels
of the South. The real enemy of human souls sits in your
costliest church. The anarchist is the offspring of European
despotism and aristocracy. Plutocracy, unchecked, will have
the same progeny here.
You have a power of statement that always filled me with
admiration and delight. Of all places, the pulpit should be the
home of truth. The model sermon is the Sermon on the Mount.
In all good feeling and in all earnestness.
Your friend, sincerely,
RUTHERFORD B. HAYES.
REV. R. M. HATFIELD D. D.,
Evanston, Illinois.
458 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
March 23. Saturday.--Last evening Mr. Keeler by tele-
phone told us of the death of Justice Stanley Matthews in Wash-
ington yesterday morning. He has been seriously ill many
months, and I have not hoped with any confidence for his re-
covery since early last winter.
I became acquainted with him at Kenyon College more than,
or perhaps about, forty [fifty] years ago. Although he was
almost two years younger than I was, he was two years in ad-
vance of me in college. He graduated in 1840 and I in 1842.
We have been well acquainted ever since; during a large part
of the time intimately. Our friendship was an understood
thing between us for years without intimate intercourse.
In college he fell under the displeasure of the faculty and
was not likely to graduate. It was a case for apology and
regret. On the campus, it was the subject of discussion. Others
urged him to show independence--not to make an apology.
This seemed the drift of all minds and he yielded to it, or
rather, seemed about to do so. I interposed firmly and decidedly.
"No, Matthews, the thing you ought to do is to apologize. It is
right. For the sake of your parents, for your own sake, you
ought to do it. I would do it, if I were in your place." This
turned the scale. The apology was made; he graduated; and
during his whole life was extremely grateful to me, alluding to
the incident very often as the turning-point in his career.
We went into the war together in the same regiment, the gal-
lant old Twenty-third. After 1860 we were together in politics.
I appointed him judge of the Supreme Court-although not
confirmed on my appointment. I held Garfield to it and secured
his confirmation, which was by a single vote. I supported him
for Senator in 1877 and contributed to, if I did not control, the
result.
He was an example of great precocity. At sixteen he could
write and speak with the solid ability of mature manhood. He
was easily a fine scholar in all his studies; was noted for the
accuracy and felicity of his translations. His opinions and argu-
ments in law cases were models of forensic force and clearness.
I regarded his argument before the Electoral Commission as
the great argument, and as controlling in the case.
CHARACTER OF STANLEY MATTHEWS 459
After graduating he went to Tennessee. There practiced law
and married. About 1845 or 1846 he returned to Ohio. He im-
mediately came here [Fremont] to be examined, and was here
admitted to the bar. I was on the committee of examination.
We were then young lawyers, just beginning. We conversed
freely and confidentially as to our plans and hopes. He was
somewhat discouraged. When I went to Cincinnati in 1849 he
was just entering on a successful career in his profession; was
elected a judge of common pleas at the first election under the
new constitution, and showed a signal ability; so much ability
that the lawyer of the most lucrative practice of any lawyer in
the city, Mr. Vachel Worthington, offered him a partnership.
This was accepted and he became at once a leader at the bar.
He was a Democrat, having been a Liberty party abolitionist.
His associations were with a circle of fast men for some years.
He was elected a [state] Senator. His talents took him to the
front. Just in time, he became interested in a revival of re-
ligion; took part in a business men's prayer-meeting at noon in
the old First Church and joined the Presbyterian Church.
The most affecting funeral I recall was about this time, when
three of his sons, fine, promising little fellows who had died
of yellow [?] fever, were buried at one time!
He became a Douglas Democrat 1858-9-60. We became more
intimate, and, as referred to above, arranged to go together into
the war. In 1875-6 we were together in politics, and became
confidentially intimate.
He was able, conscientious, firm, and just. Throughout the
contest of 1876-7 and 8, he was fully advised of all movements
in which I was a party. In the Senate a short time, he did not
show political wisdom. The failure was not merely in party
tactics, but on grave questions like the currency. On all legal
and constitutional questions, however, he exhibited great power.
One short speech in a late night session was pronounced by
great odds the finest and grandest of anything done during his
service in the Senate. Vice-President Wheeler said he never
heard its equal.
March 24. Sunday.- Yesterday afternoon a meeting of the
Sandusky County Bar Association was held in the probate court,
460 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
Judge Dickinson. General Buckland presided; Meek, secretary.
I gave a talk on Judge Matthews. No one present except me
knew that Matthews was examined and admitted to practice in
this county in August 1845. I was one of the committee. I
spoke of it, of his wonderful precocity. His career. His con-
firmation and his marked ability on the bench.
March 25. Monday. - I go this morning to act as pall-bearer
at the funeral of my friend Judge Matthews. I find a letter
of his in which he alludes to our college friendship, professional
intercourse, the closer comradeship of the war, and our intimate
association in the electoral contest of 1876-7, in hearty terms.
Paul, his youngest son, dispatched me yesterday twice on the
subject of the funeral and expressed the gratification of the
family that I could act.
This will be the closing scene at Glendale. I recall the pathetic
funeral of his three boys who died of scarlet [?] fever; the
departure for the war, when I spent a night at Glendale and
was assured by his mother and wife of their special satisfaction,
and the comfort it gave them, that I could be with Stanley; and
then the funeral of his first wife! This is the fourth and last!
Guy M. Bryan, of Texas, is the only college or school friend
left who remains among those who were at school with me and
who also has been a friend in manhood.
SPIEGEL, March 25, 1889.
MY DEAR Guy:- You are the last! I go today to attend
as pall--bearer the funeral of our college friend, Judge Matthews!
I thought of you when I got the request to write a note in
behalf of the Confederate Home at Austin. The request chimed
with my feelings; but if it had not, recollections of you and of
Texas and Texas friends of 1848-9 would have conquered.
The Charleston News questions Stewart. I hope he is all he
should be. God bless you!
Hastily. As ever,
RUTHERFORD B. HAYES.
HONORABLE GUY M. BRYAN,
Texas.
FUNERAL OF STANLEY MATTHEWS 461
March 28. Thursday.-Returned last evening from attend-
ing the funeral of my friend for fifty years, Stanley Matthews.
Last Monday reached Cincinnati about 7 P. M. [Spent night at]
my friend Herron's. . . . Tuesday, until 9:30 A. M., with
Mrs. Herron. Read enough in [book of] ex-Secretary of the
Treasury Hugh McCulloch, to see that it was intelligent, fair,
and well worth a place in all American libraries. [Then] to the
Hamilton and Dayton station and met there the funeral party -
Judges Harlan, Lamar, Gray, and - . with the family. Met
Judges Barr, Sage, Jackson on train to Spring Grove. There
a brief service in the chapel--respectful, suitable, and nothing
overdone. I walked on the right of Judge Harlan into the chapel
with the honorary pall-bearers, we at their head. Greatly grati-
fied by the good things said of Matthews by Harlan. "A great
judge, a heavy loss to the court; a rapid worker; accurate and
skilful; wise and able; growing all of the time."
Arranged with Judge Harlan that he should see the President
in two or three cases.
Dined, or lunched, at Glendale with the family. Greeted as
an old friend--as "Uncle Rud" by Jane (affianced to Judge
Gray) - [by] Mrs. Matthews the widow, Eva, Mrs. Cleveland
(Grace), and the young fellows, Mortimer and Paul. Very
glad I attended.
Just caught [afternoon] train at Little Miami depot-the
Panhandle. On board with members of the Legislature, Cap-
tain Clark and another member. Talked war, oratory, and anec-
dotes all of the way to Columbus.
Reached Laura's about 9 P. M. . . . Talked with the
general as to his "seeking" the pension agency.
Called on Captain Cope; agrees with me as to President Scott's
insufficiency. His indiscreet, not to say unjust, dealing with
the boys, Kilbourn and Potter; too great severity.
About 11:15 A. M. [yesterday] Bee Line to Wellington. A
fine talk with Dr. Townshend, professor [at] Normal School;
[with] two soldiers. At Wellington, a happy meeting with my
friend Warner. Thence home on the Wheeling. On train met
young Gardiner and wife lately home from Hot Springs and two
young Norwalk men.
462 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
Home at 5:30 P. M. All well. The work on the building
goes on in lively fashion.
Now for my three speeches--Loyal Legion banquet April
9; G. A. R. April 24; New York Centennial, 29th.
March 29. Friday.- I have been fortunate in my friends.
They have been the blessing and comfort of my life. Their loss
has been the cause of my greatest suffering and sadness. Some
ladies. Beginning with my sister Fanny.
Many of the dearest have become army friends. And the
experiences of war added largely to their number. Indeed, if
the war had brought no other happiness, no other good to me,
it would have been a blessed event by reason of the list of
valued friends that it gave me. And of these death has begun
to claim its own. General Comly died in 1887, and now Stanley
Matthews has gone.
March 30, 1889. Saturday. - We may say of Matthews what
was said of Shakespeare in the 1623 edition of his works:-
"His mind and hand went together. What he thought he
uttered with that easiness that we have scarce received from him
a blot in his papers."
FREMONT, OHIO, March 31, 1889.
MY DEAR SIR:--I venture to suggest for appointment to the
Supreme Court in the place of Justice Matthews, John N.
Jewett, of Chicago. I believe he possesses the requisite character,
qualifications, and reputation. His residence in the State of the
Chief Justice ought not to stand in the way. A similar case in
Ohio, with repeated appointments for more than a quarter of a
century, without serious complaint, furnishes a sufficient reply to
this objection. Besides, the great Republican State of Illinois
should not be shut off by a Democratic appointment.
Very sincerely,
RUTHERFORD B. HAYES.
[THE PRESIDENT (?)].
FORTUNATE IN FRIENDSHIP 463
SPIEGEL GROVE, FREMONT, OHIO, April 2, 1889.
To THE FAMILY OF STANLEY MATTHEWS,
LATE ASSOCIATE JUSTICE OF THE UNITED STATES SUPREME
COURT.
Mr. Justice Matthews began his illustrious professional career
in Ohio with his admission to the bar in this town. The lawyers
here have always regarded him with peculiar interest and were
among his warmest admirers and friends. They assembled
promptly upon receiving the melancholy tidings of his death and
adopted the sentiments set forth in their proceedings, which I
now have the honor to transmit. I beg also to present my
personal assurances of sympathy and regard.
Very sincerely,
RUTHERFORD B. HAYES.
FREMONT, OHIO, April 4, 1889.
MY DEAR H-:-No, I had not read the suggestion of the
governorship. My thought was for you the senatorship against
Payne. At any rate, let us have a fight on, which has a bone in
it. The buying of places in the Senate! The government by
corruption is the evil. I do not want [to] be or even to seem too
good.
Sincerely,
RUTHERFORD B. HAYES.
[Unidentified. ]
SPIEGEL GROVE, FREMONT, OHIO, April 6, 1889.
MY DEAR SIR:--I have the honor to accept with pleasure the
invitation of the Committee on the Centennial Celebration of the
Inauguration of George Washington as President of the United
States, to attend the celebration in New York April 29 and 30
and May 1, 1889.
Very sincerely,
RUTHERFORD B. HAYES..
CLARENCE W. BOWEN,
SECRETARY, New York.
464 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
Private.
FREMONT, OHIO, April 13, 1888 [1889].
MY DEAR SIR:--I have your kind note about the toasts, etc.
Do not be at any trouble about it. If I am to respond, the toast
will be, as I understand, "The Presidency." If this is correct,
it is all I care to know on the subject.
Mrs. Hayes and my daughter, Miss Fanny, will be in New
York, it is now confidently expected. Of course, I would like
to have them attend at such part of the entertainment as ladies
attend, if it is practicable. Please advise me. Of course I will
pay for tickets which are sold.
Sincerely,
RUTHERFORD B. HAYES.
[CLARENCE W. BOWEN,
SECRETARY, New York.]
April 14, 1889. - Monday, 8th, I reached Delaware about 3:30
P. M. and attended meeting of committee on presidency. Dr.
Bashford lectured in William Street Church to a fine audience
on the way Oregon was saved by Lee and Whitman, the mis-
sionaries, to the Union. Interesting but by no means great. He
is young, ambitious, good-tempered. He is [a] third-party pro-
hibitionist and a free-trader,--as we heard objected to him on
all sides. He will hardly be selected. With high qualities, he
would do. But an ordinary man with these political objections!
Tuesday, 9th, to Cincinnati. Attended at Legion headquarters
with General Brinkerhoff.
[The] 10th, Wednesday, Congress met of the Legion. Sixth
quadrennial. Called to order and entered on the business, which
was the revision of the constitution. Committee's report taken
up in committee of the whole. Active men, Senator Manderson,
chairman of committee, Colonel Nicholson, General Cochran,
Major Lambert, the members from Missouri, Kansas, Illinois,
etc., etc. A full body except Oregon. About fifty members.
In the evening a glorious banquet. Well served, good singing,
excellent speaking. The best were Major Lambert, General Man-
derson, [and] "Cash" Goodloe, with his splendid Kentucky brag.
LOYAL LEGION CONGRESS 465
I delivered the talk on Matthews. Well received. Had a wretched
bad cold- caught, how? In the heat of the banquet a window
open behind me let a draught on the back of my head. Said Gen-
eral McCook (Alex McD.): "A man with a draught on the
back of his head sees his coffin in front of his face."
The presence of General Crook and many West Virginia Army
men carried us through. The Eastern men were most agreeable.
A fine meeting. Stayed one night with Lucy at Mrs. Herron's.
Friday noon left [for home].
April 17.- Lucy returned last evening after more than a
week's absence visiting Cleveland and Cincinnati. "No place like
home" expressed her feelings as she came into the hall.
I must now, until I am ready for the Centennial [at New
York] and the G. A. R. at Dayton, pay no more attention as a
rule to office-seekers' letters.
FREMONT, OHIO, April 19, 1889.
SIR --Dr. Ireland, the author of the great work entitled "The
Republic," has applied, or will apply, for some such place as In-
dian inspector, superintendent of Yellowstone Park, or of Indian
schools, and it will specially gratify me if the doctor can be ap-
pointed. I need not say that I regard him as altogether compe-
tent and worthy.
Respectfully,
RUTHERFORD B. HAYES.
THE PRESIDENT,
Washington, D. C.
April 20. Saturday. -My little ten-minute speech [for the
New York celebration] is printed; modest, unambitious, and
fairly suited to the occasion.
April 22. Monday. - I go to Columbus this morning; thence
to Dayton. A meeting at Columbus of the university board and
at Dayton of G. A. R., Department of Ohio. Home Thursday,
and to New York centennial with Lucy Friday. - A busy week.
30
466 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
April 27. Saturday. New York.- With Lucy and Fanny
left home yesterday 11:30 A. M. train over to Cleveland. Com-
panion Judge Slagel, of Pittsburgh, and daughter, so far. Fan
left with Webb to come on tomorrow. En route with Lucy met
former president of the Senate, 1876-1, Perry, of Michigan, Gov-
ernor Luce, ditto, and others. A happy ride. Left Lucy at Mrs.
J. O. Moss', 18 West Forty-ninth Street. Came to Fifth [Avenue
Hotel]; found Colonel Corbin in my room as expected, [also]
his daughter and Miss Phillips, both fine-looking girls, from
Farmington. A letter from ex-President Cleveland excusing
himself from Monday's work by reason of a cold. Met Dawes
at table. Called on by Cincinnati men to attend a banquet of the
Society of the Cincinnati and to respond to a toast - "The United
States"; and my speech will be little more than "God bless
the United States!" The United States is a blessing to the
people who dwell within its limits - to the people of this con-
tinent-to the people of the whole globe, and therefore my
speech is simply, "God bless the United States."
May 3, 1889. New York.--The Centennial wound up in
glory. Our visit has been a good one. My banquet speech was
well received. We like Mr. and Mrs. Cleveland. Harrison has
done well. He is a graceful orator. Probably no President has
equalled him in handsome speaking. We dined, Lucy, Fanny,
and I, with the Harrisons, Vice-President Morton and Mrs. Mor-
ton, at Colonel Shepard's No. 2 Fifty-second Street, just out of
Fifth Avenue. A most agreeable dinner. Crosby, Bateman,
and wife. The Harrison family are Mrs. Harrison, Mrs. Mc-
Kee, Russell Harrison and wife. Mr. and Mrs. Loring present.
May 4. Saturday. - Last evening attended a semi-political
symposium at Colonel Shepard's. Southern governors and three
officers of the New York Southern Society, with the interesting
purpose to talk up the Southern situation and other problems
now requiring solution, gave interest to the unusual meeting.
There were present, our host, Colonel Shepard; on his right,
at the large square table (perhaps sixteen feet square), were
General Gordon, on his left, General Buckner (governors respec-
tively of Georgia and Kentucky); next, on Gordon's right, my-
WASHINGTON CENTENNIAL 467
self; on Buckner's left, Mr. Senator Evarts. This was the head of
the table. On the right side Mr. St. John, John C. Calhoun
(grandson of the great statesman), Mr. -, and Judge Davis.
On the square opposite Colonel Shepard, Chauncey Depew was
at the center, General Butterfield on his left, General Howard on
his right. On the fourth side were Russell Harrison, Mr. Plum-
mer, Mr. , and Mr.
It was a notable assembly. The dining-room stately and ele-
gant. After dinner, beginning about 7 P. M. and ending about
9:30 P. M., Colonel Shepard rose and spoke of the Southern
problem, without defining it, and called on Governor Gordon.
He spoke in a friendly spirit, fluently and at times eloquently.
The importance and rights of the States were dwelt upon, and
he closed with decided devotion to the perpetuity and supremacy
of the Union.
Next Governor Buckner spoke of the gravity of the negro
problem-too large to be discussed fully in an after-dinner
speech. But [he] alluded to the Anglo-Saxon race in the usual
way of our Southern friends and then touched handsomely the
question of increasing wealth on the eastern border of the Union.
"The centre of population is steadily moving west and the centre
of wealth is moving east." Wealth gets in fewer hands, etc.,
etc. Then an anti-tariff speech as the main cause of this. De-
votion to [the] Union and the general Government.
Mr. Shepard in one of his talks of introduction alluded to the
inequality of representation in the Senate, and suggested a
change in the future as to small States coming in hereafter.
Next he introduced me with high compliments. When he closed,
and the toast in my behalf had been drunk, as in all cases, by
the company standing, Governor Gordon rose and said he wanted
to say a few words touching my Presidency. He said:--"I op-
posed as a party man, in full sympathy with my party, the elec-
tion of Mr. Hayes in the canvass, and in all the exciting events
of the contest over the result I was for Mr. Tilden and thought
he was elected. But I want to say in this more public way,
what I have always said privately, that I came to know Mr.
Hayes intimately during his Presidency, and I believe no man
ever sat in the Presidential chair with higher, nobler, more single-
468 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
minded purposes towards all sections of the country and towards
all his countrymen than Mr. Hayes." This and a few sentences
more in the same strain. It was well received by the company.
I expressed my appreciation of his kind words in a single sen-
tence. Then I spoke of the few things we must accept as settled
-negro suffrage and the senate representation [of the States]
--an equal representation of them, great and small. I spoke
of [the] desirability of holding the Constitution as it is, etc., etc.
Then of the remedies for evils- education and an increasing
regard for the whole Union by the whole people, --"One country,
one Constitution, one destiny." Well received.
May 8. Wednesday.--Home again! Lucy and I left New
York at 6 P. M. Monday evening after a most delightful visit of
more than a week. Mr. and Mrs. Moss crowned its pleasures by
their friendly and attractive hospitalities. With Mr. Moss I
traversed on Sunday and Monday, 4th and 5th, the Central Park
and the new parks north of it--"Morning[side]" and "River-
side"-and the boulevard and great streets, Seventh Avenue,
St. Nicholas, etc., etc. Nothing could be more inspiring in the
way of city growth and material prosperity. A few years will see
the part of New York north of Central Park the finest city the
world ever had. All buildings, large and costly. The ground is
too valuable for poor buildings. Almost no poor buildings will
be there.
May 9. Thursday.- Busy all day yesterday with corres-
pondence. The editor of [the] New York Evening Post wants
my notes to print [of] what I said of John Bright. It was not
in my printed slips used when I spoke at the banquet.
At Mr. Moss' we met several agreeable people. I would like
to recall Mr. and Mrs. Cyrus Clark, who live on the Riverside
in the Brockholst Livingston place; Judge and Mrs. Hawes; Mr.
and Mrs. Flagler and their daughter; Mr. and Mrs. Ewart; Mrs.
Brice; Mr. Varnum.
The growth of New York grows on me as the salient fact
about it.
I am to speak Memorial Day at Sandusky. Let me in an
offhand speech give them: -1. Lincoln by "Gath," by Punch,
NEW YORK'S GREAT GROWTH 469
and his Gettysburg speech. 2. For ideas of the war ("ideas
rule the world"), let me give the speech at Indianapolis, Decem-
ber 19, 1888.
May 15. Wednesday.-While we were at breakfast this morn-
ing, a carpenter [William Seward] at work on our addition-
8:30 A. M. - fell by the scaffolding from the top of the gable,
perhaps thirty feet, to the ground, south side of the house near
the two oaks. One of the oaks broke the fall as he fell into it.
His leg and perhaps an arm were broken. . . . I told him
and his wife we would take care of him here. But the doctors
and all thought it best to remove him to his home at once. This
was done by men carrying him on a lounge. . . . Dr. John
Rice, a skilful surgeon, made light of the wounds. He told me
afterwards: "The man is seriously hurt but I make it as easy for
him as I can. There is much in faith cure in many cases. Let
the nervous system be agitated and the dangers are all increased.
The use of opium is to set at rest the nerves."
"Accidents are hereditary," said Dr. John B. Rice. "His father
was nearly killed by an accident. Don't you see the old man looks
like Secretary Seward?" "But this man is a German." -"I
know, but it is the same stock."
May 21. Tuesday. -Attended the funeral of Major S. A. J.
Snyder, the gallant and unfortunate hero of the Seventy-second.
A cold raw afternoon. The fife was mournful. After the firing
over the grave and the march begins we should omit the lively
music. Let it for the sake of friends be slow and sweet and
mournful.
May 24. Friday.- Worked in grove trimming trees, mowing
grass, and the like. In the evening at the council chamber made
a short speech in behalf of the Fremont and Tiffin Railroad. It
now looks as if it would be built.
May 25. Saturday.- Worked at mowing, trimming trees,
and the like. What a pleasure I find in improving my place!
The house annex grows apace and is very satisfactory.
June 1. Saturday.--Returned yesterday P. M. with Lucy
from Decoration Day at Sandusky. A most agreeable host and
hostess at Sandusky -Mr. and Mrs. F. E. Hoover.
470 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
June 3. Monday. --Yesterday at church A. M. In the after-
noon with Eugene Rawson Post and the Sons of Veterans to
complete at the cemetery the Memorial Day ceremonies inter-
rupted by the rain-storm the 30th. Volleys were fired and the
ritual read by Commander Green and the prayer by Comrade
Taylor.
The rain-storm burst a reservoir [last Saturday] near Johns-
town [Pennsylvania], and the most appalling accident ever in
the United States was the result. A town ruined of perhaps
twenty thousand people with a loss of life reported from eight
hundred to ten thousand! No reliable data, however. A dam
one hundred and ten feet high; a pool of three miles long and
one half mile wide, two hundred feet higher than the town, three
miles distant in a valley.
June 4. Tuesday. - I go to Columbus via Fostoria to attend
a meeting on the presidency of Wesleyan. Dr. Bashford is the
probable candidate of our choice. The qualifications of charac-
ter, attainments, and talents, he seems to possess. He votes the
third-party ticket. If he is a third-party partisan politician, he
ought not to be selected. No politician ought to be chosen. It is
hard for a third-party man not to be a bigot and a partisan.
Fifty-five years ago we, Mother, Uncle, and Fanny -this day
fifty-five years gone- started in the old-fashioned stage-coach
from Delaware for this place, then Lower Sandusky! All the
dear ones of that day have gone.
June 6. Thursday. -The trip to Columbus was altogether
successful.
The great horror at Johnstown on all minds and tongues.
Ohio, with Governor Foraker's promptitude, first to furnish aid.
June 8. - Fanny surprised us by returning last evening. She
looks well and has had a most agreeable month since we parted
with her in New York. She has visited schoolmates - Miss
Derr, at Wilkes-Barre, Miss Bulkley, at Hartford, Miss
at Holyoke, and school friends at Farmington.
Rev. Dr. Broadus, of Louisville, has accepted the place of trus-
tee of the John F. Slater Fund.
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