The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 28, July 1924 - April, 1925 Page: 78

Southwestern Historical Quarterly

favorably. I suggest to you that if you could promote these
efforts by courteous consideration of them that a substantial feel-
ing might be the growth-productive of good to the country and
pleasurable to the parties. I regret that I was constrained to
decline your appointment as visitor to West Point which you
kindly tendered me. Do not forget to write me when your duties
will permit.
Give my sincere regards to Mrs. Hayes and Fanny and your
song,
Your sincere friend as ever,
Guy M. Bryan.
BRYAN TO HAYES
Personal.
Galveston, Sept. 30th/79.
Dear Rud:
In your last you say you were surprised to learn that the Leg-
islature of Texas had an extra session. I am satisfied that you
did not get two of my letters, in which I discussed the causes of
the session, and assigned that as one reason why I could not
accept the appointment of visitor to West Point, as the Legisla-
ture and Board met on the same day. If agreeable to you I wish
you would send me the speeches you made . . . on your late
Western tour.
I have to request of you the appointment of Harcourt to fill
the vacancy that will be made by resignation of Homan. I ask
this in the interest of good government, and the people. Homan
says, the salary is inadequate if a man does his duty, etc. He
further says, "I entertain the highest respect for President Hayes.
I believe if all departments of the government were admin-
istered just as he would have them, that we would have better
government, and there would be a greater degree of respect
among the people for the general government." He means by
this that you want good men in office, and not those who use their
offices for improper purposes. Harcourt lives here, and could get
along with the salary, and would make a faithful and efficient
officer. If you appoint before the meeting of Congress, I hope
you will appoint him. His recommendations are on file and they
are strong from Republicans and Democrats.