The Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1855-1875, 1866-05-03
incident in the Early Life of Carl Sehurz


takes the arrival in that city of the Ger
man poet. philosopher and patriot Got
fried Kinkel, as the tex for an incident
in the European histrov of Carl Schurz
who is no less distinguished in this coun-
try than upon the continent. We quote
as follows:
In the literature of Germany, Kinkel
occupies high position as poet and
historian. When the Revolution of IS4S
! broke out, he was Professor at the
University of Bonn, and his strong
| Democratic opinions induced him to take
q prominent part in the struggle. He
fought, WAS made prisoner by the royal
authorities, was tried for treason, and
was sentenced to many years impfison
ment at hard labor.
Among Kiukers companions at this
time was young student, not ye5 twenty
years of age, named Carl Schurz who
was also captured, tried by court mar
tial. and sentenced to be shot Schurz,
however, more fortunate than bis Pro-
fessor, succeeded in escaping across the
French frontier, and was safe. kihkel
was sent to a common prison, placed
among criminals of the vilest sort. and
set to work making shoes. Young Ger
many, still trembling with the excite
ments Of the recent Revolution. learned
with indignation the treat nent inflicted
upon the eminent poet and scholar, and
numerous petitions were sent TO the
Prussian Government, nrayiLg that his
situation might he ameiiorated. To all
this the authorities paid Lo attention
whatever. the proteatations ceased, and
kinkel seemed likely TO he abandoned
by his friends There was one, however.
who did not desert him Carl Schurz
left Paris, disguised himself in rags, and
defying the scatfold, re-entered Prussia,
with an organ on his back In the day.
he begged his bread on the high road at
night. he laid aside his organ. aud visit
ell the abodes of his former companions
and the friends OF German liberty, to en-
deavor to rewaken their interest in the
fate Of the imprisoned patriot. In this
way he travelled three hundred leagues
on foot, playing the organ through many
towns and villages, carefully maturing
his plans, and sleeping in barns or under
hedges. On one occasion he was stop
ped by two Prussian gendarmes, who in
quired where he was going.
ITO the neighboring town." replied
Schurz.
Would you like to earn a handful of
pfennings p asked the others.
"Certainly.'
''Very we'll; come with US to our bar
racks. We intend to give dance this
evening. and the airs of your orgrn will
suit our purpose exactly"
1t was impossible to decline the offer
of the soldiers without exciting suspicion
so Sclurz accepted, with a great show
Of gratitude, and during the whole night
ground out waltzes and quadrilles for
battalion of gendarmes. Leaving un-
discovered the dangerous society OF the
military police, young Schurz continued
his journey, and. a short time subsequent
ly. information reached him that Kin
kel's prison had been changed. He was
now incarcerated at Spandau. and placed
under the personal supervision of the
prison director
Late one night, when the streets had
become deserted. post cLaise. escorted
by guard of four dragons, drove rap
idly through the town of Spandau, and
halted before the prison. An officer, in
the uniform Of Colonel of the ROYAL
Guard. alighted from the vehicle, and
into whose hands he placed letter from
and bearing the official seal Receiving
the packet with the respect due to com
from the Kings Minister. the
Director opened the important missive
and read as follows:
"A deep laid plot has been organized
at Berlin. the object of which is 10 effect
the forcible release of the convict kinkel,
from the hands of the authorities. We
are now watching the movements of the
and are preparing to arrest
them. In order. however, to prevent
the possibility of q surprise, the bearer
of the present letter, Col -, is COM
manded to take charge of your prisoner,
whom he will imm mediately conduct to the
citadel Of Magdebourg. and place him in
the hands of the Governor of the fort
ress'
Upon reading this ministerial injunc-
ton the director of the Spandau prison
at once had the unfortunate kinkei
awakened, caused him to be securely
ironed and placed in the post chaise.
which set Off on the road to Magdehoure,
accompanied by the Colonel and four
dragons, who rode with drawn sabers.
All night long they travelled at rapid
speed; fresh horses were instantly fur
nished st each relay, the Colonel's de-
mand being accompanied by the magical
expression, ''the Kings service" The
unhappy prisoner, crouched in corner
of a vehicle, cared no. what might be his
fate-Germany had forgotten him, and
nothing could be worse than the noisome
dungeon At Spandau Morning came at
last, q gray Winters dawn, and the car
riage stopped. The Colonel himself
opened the door. and bade the prisoner
alight. Without q word. poor Kinkel
obeyed, and found himself standing On
the sea- shore, boat awaiting few feet
from the spot where he stood, and ship
with the English dag at her masthead,
lying-ro within sight The prisoner ut
tered cry of mingled hope and despair.
do you not know me my dear old
master?' sobbed the pseudo Colonel,
tearing of his false moustache, and clasp
ing Kinkel in his arms II am your
friend and pupil, Carl Schurz Let US
embrace each other once more on Ger
man soil. and then away for Engiandr -
Kinkel could not reply. but burst into