[Some paragraph breaks added for ease of reading.]Washington Nov. 10 1877.
Mr. Jos Robbins.
Dear Father,
Your welcome letter recd to day was glad to hear that thea ffairs of the arm and home were progressing in the usual way. The check was all right I have not got it cashed yet but will soon do so. In regard to your speculation on the "new brooom sweeps clean" saying I have to say that I am not as eloquent as Webster or as profound as Agassiz.
but, for my experience and the positions I have fill[ed], and been a candidate for that my speaking is more than nearly possible in regard to the office of which I spoke as a candidate in my last, I can no longer speak of in such terms, as this evening I resigned any further connection with the office. My reasons were, that one of the most worthy aspirants withdrew, 2nd that should I succeed there would be feelings of hatred toward me and my friends. 3rd that there were illegal means again[st] me which had I employed I would have been elected, but as the thing was in a corrupt form I withdrew. I did not do this till I made sure that none of my opponents would get it and the Society had to take a man not hitherto a candidate. After 33 ballots and no election the Society put the other two candidates and myself on for declamation as one had resined [sic] two of us preformed and after having gained the victory I resigned. It has been expressed by several that I wanted have been elected had I continued and it was also expressed in Society after the choice that the best man had not been choosen [sic] but when I cannot be sustained, in a position like this by all, I do not desire to obtain it. I explain this fully that you may understand, although I have not gained the victory I have lost none of my merit.
I called to see sister this evening, she is well and sends love to all. I agree with you in regard to the present administration. From the very outset of the Press policy the Republican Party begin [sic] to decline and by the old method "that to the victor belongs the spoils" had placed the offices in the hands of that party, and when the Pres prevented office holders from taking an active part in any campaign it struck dead the very energy and soul of the Republican party, this is an error which had the Pres been a true Republican or a profound Statesman eh would certainly have forseen. The late elections show the Party is thoroughly disgusted, the Republican Press with but few exceptions are opposed to it, the leading Statesman of the party are railing at it, where herefor [sic] is it to draw its support? I think at present the whole cabinet are shaking in their shoes with a dark failure and no support.
There is something strange in the politics of College Students, at a recent vote my class stood 19 to 4 Rep., the others are nearly as good in Republicanism. "Education is a better safe guard of liberty than a standing army" - E. Everett
I am opposed to the Labor movement as it is based upon communistic principles and I think any many who openly advocates communism should be tried for treason, convicted & hung if necessary. Their principles are contrary to the knowledge of the age for they are contrary to the truthful sayings of Goldsmith - "For just experience tells in every soil that those that think must govern those that toil"
With my love to all I am your own aff son
E. E. Robbins