The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-03-22
IN HONOR OF THE LATE EMPEROR.
Memorial Services in Steinway Hall, New
YOrk-Address by Hon. Carl Schurz

NEW YORK. March 21.-Steinway Hall was
crowded to-Eieht with representative German
and American citizens, gathered to take part in
memorial services for the late Emperor William.
The hall was draped in black, but also decorated
with flowers. There was imposing musical
programme, in addition to the speeches. Carl
Schurz, speaking in German, said, in part:
$50 far we Germans concerned, see in
this assem- blage the strict republican, well as
the man who, when he was on the other side OF
the Atlantic, a strict monarchist also
see here the descendants of those who came here
in 1848 exiles and that time hardly believed
they could ever be reconced TO the thought of
giving honor, in death, to of the princes
who drove them from their fatherland. N.Y.
self am of those, many OF whose friends fell
under the iron hand of the man we are now
mourning, and who had narrow escape from
falling by that very sarna iron hand. Tins Is q
very rarely occurring movement. How many
kings have died during the century. causing no
more comm otiOn in this country than any other
interesting piece OF news. Why, then,
such general commotion at the death
flags at half mast. why these euozies. those
flowers upon the grave Of dead emperor2 He
q republican. Forty years ago he even
suppressed nv force of arms, the movement for
freedom which was hailed by the citizens of this
country. He strong defender Of the di-
vine right, and. therefore. has been sharply
criticised in this country. But the same time
he the most popular monarch of this CEN
turv. Under his lead the nations desires have
been satisfied and the Germans. after passing
through so many years of DEGRADATION, We're
united one strong nation. This great warrior
king. with the hoary head of his senile age. sur
rounded by his paladins. in the midst of nation
skilled in the use of arms, and decorated with
the dignity of Emperor. having heeped victory
upon victory, will like Frederick the Red
Beard. live in the history of all nations for many
centuries to come don't say that mono of his
successors will ever equal or excel him in in
tellectual force But he possessed the qualities
which are the greatest treasures IN ruler-tne
clear sight OF genius 10 recognize the wisdom
and ability Of others, TO follow their advice and
thereby accomplish the greatest OF aims and OBJ
jeets. He will stand forever as the connecting
link of an old and d new In his childhood
he saw the greatest degradation of his country.
With his mother he hal to fee from the capital
that had been conquered by Napoleon.
The French Empire had annihila'ed
Prussia and Germany, and he
that a powerful army would be the
only salvation of his country. Therefore he be-
soldier. AS youth. he witnessed the
fact that promises made by the French revolu-
tionary government were broken, and SO he be-
came antagonist TO Teprese tative and
stitutional government Finally came the day
when he placed upon his head the crown he
thought God had given him. He believed it
honestly; he believed that whosoever opposed
the king was foe of God. His army was he
though, the sword OF God, and himself response
bic to the Divinity only. That his
etitutonalism. He WAS not any ordinary
depot He had 8 warm heart for the
people. and therefore the people loved him.
He felt the necessity OF being loved; be
yearncd to be popular. He was amiable by nat
ure. But not only was The peace of his
country what he desired; he had it at his heart
to see all Europe peaceful and prosperous. He
not conqueror. ALI bis tended
toward uniting and neneittine the German Ma
ton. II can be truly said of him that he pre-
vented more than he proclaimed All
tions have. for these reasons. mourned his loss.
His heir follows his glorious example, and upon
him the German Nation bestows the love they
have felt for his father. Great, indeed. is the
inheritance. May the good fortune the father
enjoyed he enjoyed bs his son."
After Mr.. Schurz's speecb the chorus sang
''Macte Imperator," and Hon John Beeiow
spoke in English. die Wacht am Rhein." was
tnen sung, followed by Wagner's Kaiser
March" bv the orchestra
The following letter read by the chair
man. 1t will be sent to Emperor Frederick:
"His Majesty Emperor Frederick. Berln
German ado pied citizens, assembled in mass.
meeting at Stenway Hail. mourn the death
of the victorious creator of the wly-Tounded
German Empire. May God Emperor
Frederick for the welfare of our German father
land. CHARLES HANSEN. President
''WM STEINwAY, Chairman
The service concluded by the singing of "Ein
Feste Burg ist Unser Gott.p