"If you want a scholar, with great capacity to write for the public, do not overlook Wm. B. Reed, of 34 West 27th Street. I know no man who could serve better in that way. And he has very recently and very suddenly been cut off from the Herald corps. If Bennett was here or could be addressed on the subject this would not have happened.
"I can only attribute it to the zeal of some in his cabinet against Green.
Yours truly,
"Ch. O'Conor."
HENRY L. FISH TO TILDEN
"Office of the Rochester Transportation Co.
"Rochester, N. Y., March 27, 1875.
"My dear Sir,—The Committee of the Whole adopted a resolution and recommending to the House its passage, impowering you to appoint a commission to make the investigations. Of this you, of course, are aware. Subsequently a resolution was adopted directing the judiciary committee to prepare a bill for the same object. Now, what I wish to say is this: the friends of this move of both parties in both Houses should be put upon their guard to see that it is what is required. You must have the very fullest power and authority. I found many warm friends of yours in both parties in both Houses; but everything hangs on your getting proper authority, and your friends must certainly be most active and vigilant and now. The authority must be full and broad. Each friend in both Houses ought to be fully posted as to how to act and what to do. The leaders in each House should be advised and most thoroughly posted on all points. Concert of action is imperative.
"The shaping and passing of the bill is of the very highest moment.
"It should be carefully scrutinized and drawn before its introduction, and watched with the greatest assiduity and fidelity.
"You are fighting the whole 'Prussian army'—officers, rank, and file.