The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1871-10-07


several hundred Confederate soldiers, Of
ficers as we'll as privates, and Senator
StlIurz, will be read with interest. 1t is
alike honorable to both parties: What
an impossible gulf exists between the high
and patriotic ground occupied by Schurz
and the partisan and vindictive policy
pursued by John Scott. While the for
mer is broad and liberal statesman, and
is pouring oil on the troubled waters by
exerting his efforts to bind up the wounds
of the war, the latter is a political dema>
gogue, intent only on widening the breach
between the north and the south by pan
dering to a vile and unchristian spirit of
hatred and revenge:
NASHVILLE. September 81. 1S71.-ROn.
Carl Sch,Tz-DEAR SIR: We. the under
signed, formerly con federate soldiers. wish to
express to you our high regard for yourself
and our profound regard and admiration of
the unsel6sh. non partisan, cultivated and
patriotic address delivered by you in this
city We admire the manly, independent
spirit which refuses obedience to party when
in conflict with ones convictions cf duty aud
right. We pledge you that we are not par
ti.ans that we have faith no words can
express in the sublime significance of the
mission and destiny of the American repub
lie that we honor the national flag as the
assured herald of that day when the races of
men of all ranks and conditions will be
deemed and delivered from all species Of po-
Iitical and mental thraldom. We wish to
turn our back on all sectional parties and
all parties cropping 10 the moonlight of the
past; and to ally ourselves with any party
that will be animated with the spirit of civil
and religious liberation, aud broad and ele
waited patriotism, not bounded by State lines.
but inspired with an abiding faith in the
genius of free institutions.
The following is Senator Schurz's re-
ply:
NASHVILLE HOUSE. NASHVILLE. Sept. %
Gentlemen: | have received your letter,
and, without affectatiou, ] may say that |
cannot find words strong enough to describe
the joy it has given me. The spontaneous
expression Of such sentiments your letter
contains, coming from you late soldiers of
the confederate army, may we. be called an
evert of great significance in the history OF
our days. When your former Comrades, as
well as you do now, rally around the flag of
the American republic as the symbol of uni
versal freedom, equal rights and constitution
will turn their backs upon all parties CROP
ing in the moonlight of the past, and dis
countenance that partisan spirit which is so
apt to obscure the human ,elson and blunt
the best impulses Of the human heart when
they once more fully recognize the Identity
OF their true interests with those Of our great
common country-then every patriotic citi-
zen will feel that the regeneration OF the
South is certain TO be accomplished by her
own people. If there is still lurking here
and there spirit which keeps alive the feel
ipgs ef animositv and distrust, and which.
by means of social prescription or intimida
ton or violence. strives TO impe'le the devel-
opment Of free public opinion. yoe can rem
der it harmless by your influence and exam
pie. If there are still disturbances of the
peace and order Of society occurring, calcu~
lated to produce the impression that the Sc
curity and rights of citizens can be sufficient-
ly protected only by the interference of the
general government in your local concerns,
you can dispel that impression by devotiug
your energies to the enforcement of the laws,
thus proving the capacity of local sef-gov.
ernment to accomplish its legitimate ends
here, as well as elsewhere. If there is still
an apprehension as to a secret design to sub
vert the logical and legitimate result of the
war by reactionary movements, you will re-
move the apprehension by demonstrating
that the young South has risen above old
prejudices and absolute aspirations, and is
determined to build up again the prosperity
and power of those States on a basis in har-
mony with the progressive spirit of the age
Men of courage and convictions like you will
do nothing by halves; they will not look
back when they have put their hands to the
plough. and l assure you that your efforts
will have the sincerest appreciation. hearty
applause, and energetic support of every
true friend of liberty and free institutions.
Your rights will be safe in the security of
the rights Of all your power will be strong
in the restored brotherhood Of all Americans.
and the republic will be proud of all her
sons.
Yours, ETC.. CARL SCGURz.