As your friend I would not advise you to do anything that would militate against your interests.
Knowing, as you do, that I am not only your friend but also a good Republican, you can at least afford to follow where I lead.

I want you, then, to authorize me to say to the President that you are in sympathy with the main purposes of his administration as explained to you by me, and that his decision to retain you in your present position will be fully and keenly appreciated by you." In my reply I stated that while I was very grateful to the Judge for his friendly interest in me, and while I highly appreciated the President's good opinion of me, it would not be possible for me to consent to retain the position I then occupied upon the conditions named.
"If," I said, "it is the desire of the President to have me remain in charge of that office during his administration or any part thereof, I would be perfectly willing to do so if I should be permitted to remain free from any conditions, pledges, promises or obligations.

The conditions suggested mean nothing more nor less than that I shall identify myself with the Democratic party.

The President has no office at his disposal the acceptance or retention of which could be a sufficient inducement for me to take such a step as that.

I agree with what you have said about Mr.Cleveland, so far as he is personally concerned.