The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1886-02-28
EX SENATOR CARL SCHURZ
PAINTED WITH yRSOMOUS SKILL
BY EX-SENATOR BLAINE.
As a Lecturer He Lost His Hold,
and as a Senator Disappointed
Ris Friends.

From Blaine's second volume: Carl
SchurE now tlok his seat as Senator
from Missouri. lie Was born Prus-
sian subject, and had Just completed
mis- fortieth year. He had been well
educated in the Gymnasium a. Co
logne. and in partial course at the
University of Bonn. Though retain
ing a marked German accent, he
quickly learned TO speak English with
fnency and eloquence, aud yet with
occasional idinmstic errors discernible
when bis words are printed. lie
took active mart before German au-
hiences for Fremont in the Pfesiden-
iisl canvass OF 1856, and began u
make public addresses In English in
1855 when he espoused the cause OF
Mr.. Lincoln in the famous contest
with Douglas. He was widely sought
sc spt aker in both OF Mr.. Lincoln's
contests for the Presidency, 1850 and
1864 Ia the latter year he was es-
pecially iorcible, attractive and effect
i've. Subsequently he fell of, appar-
emily in strength, certainly in popu-
larity. AS a lecturer he lost
his hold upon the lyceum, and
as political orator he be-
gan 20 repeat himself, not merely
in sense but in phrase. As Senator
re did not meet the expectation OF
his friends. His failure Was in large
pant due TO the fact that he has not
the power Of speaking extempore, He
requires careful and studious prepare.
ton, aud has never attained the art OF
off.hand parliamentary discussion,
which Col. Benton likened 10 "shoot-
ing on the wing" So deficient is Mr..
Schulz in this talent, that he has been
known 10 use manuscript in an sfter-
dinner response, a style OF speech
whose chief merit consists in it, spon-
tRneity, with apt reference to Incl
dents which could not possibly be
foreseen.
The loss OF Mr.. Schulz's popularity
"A popularity that was very marked
in the earlier period OF his careers
due ia part to certain unsteady and
erratiC tendencies, some OF which are
in strong contrast with characteristics
that are recognized as belonging in an
especial degree to his race. Through
all the centuries since Tacitus drew
his vivid picture OF the habits and
manners OF the Germans, their attach.
ment, II might almost be called their
passion, for home, has been
a marked and meritorious feat.
'ire OF their character. To father
and first, and then 10 what
over country fate or fortune may draw
them, their devotion is proverbial.
This admirable trait seems altoge Their
wanting in Mr.. Schurs. When he left
Germany he lived for three years In
ether countries Of Europe-first In
Switzerland, then in France, then in
England. In 1852 he came to Ameri-
ca, and resided fret in Pennsylvania,
then in Wisconsin, then in Michigan,
then in Missouri and then in New
York, he bas not become rooted and
grounded anywhere, has never estab-
liehed home, is not identified with
any community, is not interviewer
with the interests OF any locality or OF
any class, has no fixed relation TO
church or State, TO professional, politi-
cal or social life, has acquired none of
that companionship and confidence
which unite old neighbors in the clos
est ties and give to friendship its full
est development, its most gracious at
tributes.
The same unsteadiness has entered
as o striking feature in the career of
Mr., SEIZURE. The party he upheldyes.
terday met with the bitterest denun.
Citations the day before, and tomorrow
he will support the political orRanisa.
ton OF whose measures he is the most
merciless centor to-day. He boasts
himself incapable Of attachment to
party, and in that respect radically
differs from the great body OF his
American fellow citizens. He cannot
even comprehend tha. exalted cent.
ment OF honorable association in pub.
lie life which holds together successive
generations Of men--a sentiment
which in the United States causes the
Democrat 70 reverence the memory of
Jefierson and Jackson and Douglas.
which causes his opponent to glory ia
the achievements OF Hamilton and
Clay and Lincoln a sentiment which
IN England has bound the Wings In a |
common faith and common glory.
Rom Walpole to Gladstone, and their |
more conservative rivals in creed Of |
loyalty whose disciples, from Boiling.
broke to B6aconsfeld, include many of |
the nobelst Of British patriots.
FOR these party associations, to
whose influence, under the Just re-
HtIaint OF intelligent patriotism. the
Wlsest legislation is due. Mr.. Schurz
pas neither appreciation nor apprecia.
lie aepires TO the title OF tInde.
Ant, and has described his posi-. |
as that OF q man sitting on a |
'lwith clean boots, watching care. |
which way he may leap TO keen
II the mud. A critic might, without
~aping, suggest that it is the duty Of |
an earnest man TO disregard the be. |
scattering which fidelity TO principle
-eiteN ineurs, aud that beaten path
to a safe place for ones self is not an
inspiring or worthy object Of states.
mauship.
Nor is Mr.. Schurz's independence OF
party more pronounced or more com.
plete than his independence OF true
American feeling. He has taken no
pride in appearing under the simple
but lofty title Of a citizen Of the United
States. He stands rather as n repre-.
sentative German-American, He has
made bis native nationality A political
resource, and has thereby fallen short
OF the full honor due to his adop,ed
nat ouality. The large body Of Amer.
lean citizens of German birth are in.
tensely attached to their new home.
aud seek the most complete ident flea.
ton OF themselves and their descend.
ants with the development and des tiny
Il the great republic. This is wisa,
and is IN accordance with the best
traditions and best aspirs tions of the
Teutonie race. Bat ID Mr.. Schurz the
the republio is not grea,l "This coun.
try" said he in his centennial lect-
ure, .'is materially great, but morally
small"
President Grant had
scarcely taken a step in the duty Of
administration before be realized that
rs soon as the current session Of Con-
uese should terminate his hands
would be completely tied, respecting