Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-05-31
GERMAN VETERANS OUT.
AFTER DECORATING THE GRAVES THEY
DO SOME TALKING.

| The Representatives CT Ihe FatherlaDd Not
Sufficiently Recognized in Politics-An
Exhurtntion to Act More Independently
in the Future-An Educational Question.
WASHINGTON, May 30.-A large num-
Der of German veterans and others gath
cred at Prospect Hill Cemetery to do honor
to their dead comrades. The Grafton was
delivered in German by Mr.. d. Skutsch,
editor of the Washington Journal. After
eulogizing the German soldiers who fell in
defense of the Union, Mr.. Skutsch turned
to the consideration of political questions,
| and said in part:
Not upon the field of honor alone are there
| duties TO perform for the patriotic citizen.
| There are also duties which claim our obedience
! in the calm pursuit of peaceful development
Not only should our own welfare claim our exer-
/ tion and attention, but there are common inter-
| ests which must be preserved. Ii the German
| element of this country does not wish to expose
| itself to the well-grounded charge that 1t
| places material success above all other aims
| will have to devote itself to those
duties in the future in greater
degree than it has done heretofore. In nine
| great States of this Union no Governor, no
| Legislature could be elected il they should be
unfriendly toward the just claims of the Ger
man element, if it would but assert its inhe-
rent power and political strength. No man
could be elevated to the office of President of
the United States by one or the other Of the
two great parties OF our land who should bear
upon his brow the Gains mark Of Know-Noth-
lngism. The principle of political equality
upon which our entire system Of government
rests places in the hands OF every one by far
the most powerful weapon of self-defense
mans ingenuity ever created-the elective
franchise.
Has the German element properly apprecia-
ted this weapon; has it done justice to its re.
| sponsibility as an important, integral part of
| this free nation? A glance at the political SIT
| uation of the day will show it. We nnd that
| this German element one-seventh Of the en-
tire population Of the Union, is neither repre-
sented upon the highest judicial tribunal nor
| in the Senate of the United States by but a
| single voice. We find that among the bum
| dreds of representatives from all parts of this
great land in the National House of Represen-
mother tongue those sounds SO welcome
| to our ears and hearts. Can there be
valid reasons in system of govern
ment based upon the broadest foundation
of universal equality for such dsproportionats
representation of popular elements claiming
common rights? Truly, it were better for the
| German element, as well as for the fortunes of
this nation, would 1t but show less party fealty
| and more independence in thought in the po-
litical life surrounding it. 1t would not then
alternative of having its youth compelled to
employ. even IN acquiring a rudimentary edu-
cation, the English language in preference, or
| to the exclusion, of the language of their
| homes. 1t would not be asked in another part
to accept and respect laws which originated in
the narrow minds of fanatics-laws which, at
best. are but problematical. 1t would not be
asked to give its approval to narrow restrictions
ing barriers against any nationality by means of
unjust Immigration laws, furthered by un-
worthy class spirit and nourished upon the
breast of antiquated prejudices.