Personal
Treasury Department,
Washington.
September 26, 1892.
Mr. Andrew Smyth,
Superintendent of the Mint,
New Orleans, La [Louisiana?]
Dear Sir :
You have discharged the duties of your office
with faithfulness and success, and I have stood
by you in what you have done, although sometimes I
have thought that you purposely removed republicans of
the Warmouth stripe.
I write you now to say that in fifteen years
there has been no such possibilities for the Republican
Party in the south as now. Were it not for factional
differences, not only in your state, but others, the
Republican Party would elect a large number of members
to Congress, and given the electoral vote in
more than one state. The Republican possibilities in
Louisiana just now are better than they have been for
years, but it seems as if the factional dissensions would
throw all this away. You must meet your opponents at
least half way. Taken individually, you are all pleasant
men and gentlemen; politically you behave like the devil.
I desire most earnestly, and I speak on behalf of
the Republican managers, that you subordinate your
differences, and that you use all honourable means
to secure harmony in the Party.
Let there be but one nomination in the Congressional
districts, and if you do that and work harmoniously, I am
sure you can elect at least three members to Congress.
Very truly yours,
Chas. [Charles?] Foster.
