, and for that purpose to use the surplus revenue and
sell either of the three classes of bonds, all of which in 1877
were at or above par in coin. I said: "The power can be, ought
to be, and will be, executed if not repealed."

This speech was printed in the leading papers in the United States
and in England, and was regarded by the public at large as a
declaration of the policy of the administration, to enforce the
resumption law, whatever might be the current of opinion developed
at the approaching elections, which, as they occurred, were generally
against the Republican party. The Democratic party had taken
position against the resumption act, in favor of the enlarged issue
of United States notes and the free coinage of silver. The strikes
led to the organization of labor unions, which, though independent
of political parties, chiefly affected the Republican party then
in power.

Among many letters received by me, after this speech, I insert one
from Mr. Evarts:

"Windsor, Vt., Aug. 30, 1877.
"The Hon. John Sherman, Secretary of the Treasury.

"Dear Mr. Sherman:--I congratulate you upon the excellence and
success of your speech in Ohio. The difficulty of the undertaking
justly enhances the credit of its prosperous treatment.

"I inclose a remonstrance from an 'Injustice' on the subject of a
new arrangement in the _weighing_ at the customhouse. It was sent
to me at Washington and forwarded from there here. I know nothing
of its source and have no opinion on the subject of the supposed
project.

"The President's visit has pleased the people in New England
amazingly. I hope to see you all in Washington early next week.

"I am very truly yours,
"Wm. M. Evarts."

On the 14th of September, 1877, I sent to Hon. Stanley Matthews
the following letter, giving my view of the position taken by
General Ewing and Mr. Pendleton:

"At the request of General Robinson I have directed to you, in the
care of Bickham, a number of documents for reference in your debate
with Ewing, and as Robinson says you wish me to make suggestions,
I venture to do so, but without any confidence that they can be of
assistance, though they can do no harm.

"The most beneficial financial act of the administration is the
reduction of the interest on the public debt. The amount already
accomplished is stated in my printed speech. The rapidity of this
process depends entirely upon the credit of the government. Ewing's
policy