The New York herald., 1872-07-23
SPEECH OF CARL sCHURz.

FELLOW CIrIzENs-Standing before my constitu.
ents ] deem 1t my duty to give an account or my
public conduct, the motives which have governed
IL, ana the ends 1t is intended to subserve. l
do this In no better way than by expressing fully
and frankly my views Of tile events which have
produced the present extraordinary situation OF
our public national aniairs-events in which l took
q small part--and also to state what consider it
my duty as q patriotic citizen to do in order to
p omote the best interests Of the republic 1t has
been my misfortune to dlspleasc many with whom
Icooperated on the political field for many years,
ami from whom now, with great regret, find my
self separated. To the attacks with which some OF
them endeavor TO overwhelm me, have but one
answer. have never considered my party the su-
preme arbiter Of my sense Of duty. l have always
politics aims far higher than the success OF
the organization to which belonged, and nave
never believed that party, even II it be my own,
has right to stand In the way OF public good. This
has throughout my public life been my supreme
rule OF action, and trust 1t will always be, to
whatever consequence it may lead as to my politi-
cal fortunes On this ground shall appeal to your
sober Judgment.
RETROSPECTIVE.
When was honored with scat in the Senate of
the United States expected to support the admin
istration which then came into power. The tasks
IL was called to perform were OF unusual import
ance. The civil war was over. Its logical results.
the abolition Of slavery and the organization Of free
labor society in the South, Just being reduced
to political form and imbedded IN the constitution
Of the republic 1t remained to fortfy these results
by reconciIing TO them the minds of the Southern
people, 80 that their development could be securely
lett to the working OF local selgovcsnment instead
OF te rule OF iorce. To this end wise and generous
policy, appealing to tile best instincts OF human
nature, was required to assuage IN passions and
animosties the war had left behind It, and to make
H,sscn rrs, hal 1.nnv t.
arms as much as possible satisfied with the new
order Of IT. things During period Of great public
not unfrequenty yielded TO commanding necessity.
Tie law had been Ovcrridden by the cxi-
gencies OF the moment, and the people had
1t was necessary to restore the integrity of
the law and make IL respected by the governing
abuses had crept into the public SERVICE aggravated
by the irregular practices OF warllke times The
public interest imperatlyeiy demanded thorough
nous burdens and, while willing to bear all for
their country, they looked for reasonable relief
through sSgeS aHsGia gsa'{Fa ggs: FailrnHs,
While these problems were nncomnionly perpley-
Ing, the incoming administration was favored with
welded almost undisputed power. II had great
n nisto.y behind II, nom which IT might have drawna
thing higher than selfish advantage 1t had con.
qnered under banner OF peace. There was an
abundance an 90 Of character and talent in It's ranks to
NJ ~ Ior ue WORK OF reform. The newly elected
President had the confidence OF the country in
advance; me masses Of the people were well dis
posed. The greatness OF the task to be performed
as well as OF the possibilities presented could
scarcely fall to excite the noblest ambition sIc-
was within reach 1t did not require very great
men TO see and appreciate such Opportunities
smalness to lose them all. More than three
years OF that administration are now behind
as part Of the history Of the republic aud what has
become OF our hopes? disappointment which
makes further hope appear like mockery. This ad-
minlstraton, which commenced its career uuder
euch happy auspices, has In SO alarming a degree
developed some OF the very worst tendencies OF
our pontcai NE that ITS continuance in authority
sPpeaHs ~ danger ana menace to our free instl
t0ns. In no period of our history perbaps has the
ee!nsnness OF power and the grasping greed u
party STOOD more insdiously. stubbornIy and con.