I was reproached by some of my Republican associates for furnishing ammunition for the enemy.

But I was satisfied, and I am now, that in saying what I did I rendered a great service to the Republican Party.

What was said helped to arouse public attention, and the masses of the people--always pure and incorruptible--set themselves earnestly and successfully to reform the abuses.
It never occurred to me that these abuses furnished any reason for placing the powers of the Government in the hands of the Southern Democracy, or their ally, Tammany Hall.

If the men who saved the Union were not to be trusted to keep it pure; if the men who abolished slavery could not carry on a Government in freedom and in honor, certainly it was not likely that the men of Tammany Hall, or the men who had so lately attempted to overthrow the Government, would do it any better.
I happened to be at lunch with General Garfield just after the Belknap trial.

He spoke of my argument, and expressed his strong sympathy and approval.