Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1884-08-08
CARL sCHURZ's SPEECH.

present at the Brooklyn opera House ues-
day night to listen to Mr.. Schurz's arraign-
ment of Mr.. Blaine. The speech IN full
would make between ten and twelve COL
umns of the GAZETTE. The following are
the salient points
Fellow Gtizens-In obedience to the invi-
tation with which | have been honored
stand here in behalf of republicans opposing
the Presidential candidates of the republican
party. You may we'll believe me when say
that it is no pleasure to me TO enter upon
campaign like this. Buta candid statement
of our reasons for the step we have taken is
due to those whose mpanionship in the
pendipg contest we have left. 1t is there
fore TO republicans that l address myself.
shall, of course, not waste any words upon
politicians who follow the name oftheparty
right or wrong; but to the men of reason
and conscience will appeal, who loved their
party for the good ends it was serving, and
who were faithful to it in the same measure
as it was faithful to the honor and the true
interests of the Republic. Let them hear
me and then decide whether the same fidel
ity will not irresistibly lead them where we
stand now.
Mr. Schurz continuing said that at the
threshold he would have to meet misap-
prehension of the motives Of the indepen
dents, and he desired it understood that it
was not the fact that the republican candi-
dates were protectionists that gave dissatis-
faction. Senator Edmunds was not free
trader, yet the Independents had fought for
him in the Convention. He continued:
Undoubtedly the tariff is an interesting
aud important subject; so is the currency a;
80 is the bank question so is the Mormon
question; so are many others. At other
times they might absorb our attention.
But this time the republican national con-
veuton has, with brutal directness so that
we must face it whether we will or not,
forced upon the country another issue,
which is infinitely more important, because
it touches the vitality of our institu-
lions. II is the question Of honesty in gov
ernmeut. say the repul lican convention
has forced it upon the country, not by plat
form declarations, but by nominating for
the Presidency man with blemished
public record"
The record of Mr. Blaine was then ex.
haustiyely considered. The "My Dear Mr..
Fisher" letters were read and dissected, 10
show that there could be no possible doubt
that in the transactions of which they treat
Mr.. Blaine was guiltily interested. Mr..
Schurz devoted more than half an hour to
the Inquiry into Mr.. Baine'5 course while
Speake r of the House, and then proceeded
impressively
II know there are among those intending
| to vote for him many estimable citizens.
entreat them soberly to consider what it is
thew mean to do. grant man may spec
uate in railroad securities, if he does it hon
estly, without forfeiting his good character
He may also dispose of Little Rock bonds
or other securities among his neighbors
and friends, and thereby earn a commits.
sion. A good many men make this regu-
lar business, and as such it IS legitimate.
But when Speaker of the House of Repre-
sentatives has taken fayors of pecuniary
| value from railroad operators whose inter-
esls are liable To be affected by Congress
sional legislation and when that Speaker
of the House, asking for more favors, has
urged such request on the ground that he
will not be deadhead in the enterprise
and that he knows he can make himself
useful in various channels; and when he has
thereupon directly pointed out his official
| power as channel of usefulness and when,
ATTEMPTING TO explain his doings, he has on
solemn occasions unblushingly said things
known Ly him TO lie untrue; and when in
an eslgation into his official integrity he
has, instead Of voluntarily freely and wide
" opening all the the avenues of knowl-
edge to prove his official purity, constantly
and anxiously protested against any inqul.
ry into his private business-when Speak
er of the House of Representatives has done
this, and then the American people, in full
view of these facts, deliberately elect that
man their President, ask you, sobery and
4
well-do YOU not think that the American
people in doing SO will put disgrace upon
themselves and upon the Republic? And
more We may be ever so lenient as to the
private morals of public men; we may
overlook ever so readily delinquencies in
private conduct, but when public man
has conspicuously betrayed and prostituted
high official trust for pecuniary gain, and is
then elevated by the people knowing this to
higher official trust and honor, do you not
think that such a precedent and example
will have fearfully demoralizing and cor
rupting effect upon the public mind and
come home TO us in incalculable dishonor
and disaster? If you have not thought OF
this, is it not time you should?
How often have you had to read and to
hear these days that as Mr.. Blaine is pur-
sued with charges and abuse so were Wash
ington and Lincoln pursued, and that be-
tween these three there is really little diff
ference What comparison 1t is true
Washington WIS called by his enemies
monarchist and Lincoln baboon. But We
cannot learn that either of them found it
necessary to defend himself against the i'm
putation. If the friends of Mr.. Blaine want
to establish a real parallel between him and
them they should carefully examine Wash
ington's and Lincoln's private correspond
ence Among Washington's letters they
would have to find one somewhat like this
HEADQUARTERS OF THE CONTINENTAL ARMY.
To W. Fisher Bsq. Army Contractor:
My Dear Mr. Fisher-Your offer to admit me to
a participation in your beef contract is very gen.
erous Accept my thanks. But | want more.
You spoke of your friend Caldwell, who has the
-four contract as willing to dispose of share of
his interest to mt. / wish he would make the
proposition definite. Tell him that feel shall
not prove deadhead in the enterprise. see
various channels in which know I can be USE
ful. Sincerely your friend.