Franklin County: Horace Greeley to Edward McPherson,
November 4, 1859
Summary:
Horace Greeley urges Edward McPherson to support Thaddeus Stevens, who formerly
lived in McPherson's district, for the Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee
in the House.
Private
Office of the Tribune
Nov. 4, 1859
Dear Sir:
Excuse the liberty I take in making a few [unclear: suggestions] with regard to the organization of the House. I write to you because since you represent the district in which Mr. Thaddeus Stevens formerly lived, I presume what I have to say will meet your concurrence and perhaps secure your cooperation.
It seems to me desirable that Mr. Stevens should be Chairman of the committee of
Ways and Means of the new House. I know no other mem-
[page 2]
ber thereof who
is his superior in ability, in experience, or in the earnestness of his devotion
to those principles which I trust the Union is about to stamp with its approval.
It seems exceedingly desirable, moreover, that the action of the house, at
least, on the Tariff question should be in [unclear: accordance] with
the wishes and the interests of Pennsylvania. Who understands these better or
can't [illeg.] them more eficiently than Thaddeus Stevens? I know of no
one.
Mr. John [unclear: Sherman] of Ohio seems almost certain to be Speaker --
provided we triumph in the organization. It seems to me but
[page 3]
reasonable that, if Ohio has the Speaker, we should concede the position of
leader on the floor to Pennsylvania, provided the latter present one of her
foremost men and [unclear: bless] him with reasonable unanimity. Now I
fear that Mr. James H. Campbell, having been a member of the Ways and Means in
the XXXIVth Congress, may insist on being Chairman -- or at least on that
Committee -- now, and so divide your delegation and throw that position out of
your State. I cannot, of course, interpose against Mr. Campbell; but you can do much that I cannot. Are you disposed to
consult your Members, and ascertain how many of them can be induced to write in
requesting the appointment of Mr. Stevens to this important post? I write
[page 4]
only to suggest what seems to me
important, especially for your State, which must be heartily with us in '60 or
we lose the fight. If you disagree with me, drop me a line; at all events,
consider this letter confidential and believe me
Yours truly,
Horace Greeley
Hon.
E. McPherson,
Gettysburg,
Penna.
