Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1872-05-03

Mr. CARL SCHURZ, on taking his scat as
President of the Liberal Republican Conven-
ton, spoke as follows:
The Republic might well congratu ate itself
that such meeting was possible. he spoke
of corruption as a Datural outgrowth Of a pro-
tracted civil war, which had invaded the pub
lie service of the Government, and said that
part of our common country which had been
convulsed by disastrous rebellion was suffer
ing most grievously from the effects of war,
and that the naughty spirit of power refused
to lift up those who had gone astray by poll
cy of generous Cancellation and craftsmanship
of common sense Great wrongs were being
perpetrated by the party in power, and this as
semblage Of American freemen meant that
these things were no longer to be endured.
The conscience of the people, which seemed
dead, has arisen from every point of the COM
pass. The breath of victory is 10 the very air
which surrounds us. We have grand oppor
tunity before US. We can give the Republic
pure and honest Government, but can only do
so by throwing behind US the selfish spirit of
politicians-smal chickering's and mean asplra-
TONS As to our platform, we shall be wise
enough to keep in mind those things which
Republic stands most In need Of Let us only,
in what We promise to the people, be honest
and straightforward, and not attempt to cheat
those whom we have to follow our lead by
deceitful representations. As to the men
whom we shall present, for the high Offices Of
the Government, let US, entreat you, not lose
sight Of the fact that great reforms, the over
throw of iuveterate abuses, the establishment
of better order of things are not accomplish
ed by mere promises and declarations, but by
the wise and energetic action OF statesmen. Ii
YOU mean reform eutrust the work to none
but those who understand it aud honestly care
more for it than their own personal ends.
| earnestly deprecate the cry, anybody to
beat Grant" There is something more wanted
than to beat Grant We do not want a mere
change of persons in the administration of
the Government We want the overthrow Of
pernicious system We want Government
which the best people of the country can be
proud Of If we fail to select men who will
carry out the reform we contemplate, it would
be better had this movement never been un-
dertaken. Unless greatly mistake the spirit
of the day, what the people most earnestly de-
mand is not that mere good Intentions but
that superior Intelligence coupled with SUI
that merely honest and popular man, but
that statesman be put at the head of our
Government.
In selecting candidates for Office politicians
are accustomed to discuss the question of avail
ability. What does availability mean in our
case Let US look for the best men We have
and from among the very best, let us select the
strongest. If We present men to the suffrage
of the people whose character and names ap
peal to the loftiest instincts and aspirations Of
the patriot citizen, We shall have on our side
that which ought to be,aud DOW, trust, will be
the ruling arbiter of poitica! contests-the con-
science Of the nation.
If that be done, success will DO certain, and
we shall not appeal in vain for support to those
of our fellow citizens who hitherto were separa-
ted from us by party divisions, who desire
honestly to work for the best interests Of the
country in this crisis, and whom we shall wei
come with fraternal greeting in this struggle
for a great cause, whether they call themselves
Democrats or Republicans Personal friend
ship and State pride are noble sentiments, but
what is personal friendship, what is State pride
compared to the great duty we owe to our
common country and the awful responsibility
resting upon our action? As sensible men,
we know that not every one of us can be gratih-
ed by the choice Of his favorite Many of us
will have to be disappointed, but in this solemn
hour our hearts should know but one favorite,
and that the American Republic.