"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.
"You must succeed. You must be backed; there should be now no such
thing as failure.
"I dare not think of the consequences that would follow a failure. You
are grappling with subtlety, ingenuity, adepts, experts, dangerous,
and most unscrupulous men whose life has been spent in plundering the
people, and who are most expert in controlling and handling men.
"See to it that the Secretary of State don't flood the State with ring
census tokens. This will be a heavy blow to you and the cause if he
does. I make these suggestions, fearing you might, in the excitement
and pressure of the business of yr. office, overlook these matters, and
perhaps might trust too much to yr. friends. Church is with the Ring in
all their deviltry.
"Upon the proper start--the proper authority of the Legislature--hangs
great events. If I can do anything, command.
"Hastily and as ever,
"Truly Yours,
"HENRY L. FISH."