. He added at the close of the message this paragraph:

"I have ventured upon this subject with great diffidence, because
it is so unusual to approve a measure--as I most heartily do this,
even if no further legislation is attainable at this time--and to
announce the fact by message. But I do so, because I feel that it
is a subject of such vital importance to the whole country, that
it should receive the attention of, and be discussed by, Congress
and the people, through the press and in every way, to the end that
the best and most satisfactory course may be reached of executing
what I deem most beneficial legislation on a most vital question
to the interests and the prosperity of the nation."

Thus, after a memorable debate, extending through two sessions of
Congress, a measure of vital importance became a law, and when
executed completely accomplished the great object proposed by its
authors. The narrative of the steps leading to resumption under
this act will be more appropriate hereafter.

CHAPTER XXVI.
RESUMPTION ACT RECEIVED WITH DISFAVOR.
It Is Not Well Received by Those Who Wished Immediate Resumption
of Specie Payments--Letter to "The Financier" in Reply to a Charge
That It Was a "Political Trick," etc.--The Ohio Canvass of 1875--
Finance Resolutions in the Democratic and Republican Platforms--R.
B. Hayes and Myself Talk in Favor of Resumption--My Recommendation
of Him for President--A Democrat Elected as Speaker of the House--
The Senate Still Republican--My Speech in Support of Specie Payments
Made March 6, 1876--What the Financial Policy of the Government
Should Be.

The resumption act was generally received with disfavor by those
who wished the immediate resumption of specie payments. It was
the subject of much criticism in the financial journals, among
others "The Financier," which described it as a political trick,
an evasion of a public duty, and as totally inadequate for the
purpose sought to be accomplished. I took occasion to reply to
this article in the following letter:

"United States Senate Chamber,}
"Washington, January 10, 1875.}
"Dear Sir:--As I am a subscriber to 'The Financier,' you will
probably allow me to express my surprise at the course you have
pursued in respect to the finance bill recently passed by Congress.
Claiming as you do to be a 'monetary and business' journal, you
might be expected to treat fairly a measure affecting so greatly
the interests you represent;