Page:Addresses in Memory of Carl Schurz.pdf/39

 man is “in politics only for what he can get out of them,” in those days constituted a great national disgrace and a great national danger. That disgrace has been largely redeemed, that danger has been in great part averted through a resolute and patient struggle, continued now for many years, amidst many disappointments, apostacies and failures, by a small number of men, who, in season and but of season, have cried out against the shame and iniquity of such doctrines and such practices, until they have gained the people's ear and awakened the people's conscience. To speak of these men is to think of Carl Schurz.

He taught by example that a great Department of the Federal Government could be successfully administered on the principles of Civil Service Reform before there was a Civil League or Association to demand such a law. Restored to private life, he gave his aid to form the New York Association and the National League, and, from their organization to his death, contributed so zealously of his time, his talents, and his labor in their work that their history is his history, their merit his merit, their success his success. In well-nigh everything which has made for righteousness in the progress of this great reform, in our remedial laws, in our corrected customs, whether of administration or politics, in the growth of a strong and healthy public opinion, in the quickening of the Nation's sense of right, one who searches will find the influence, direct or indirect, evident or slightly veiled, of his earnest, persistent, and eloquent advocacy, will see the stamp of his work.

He is dead, and the work is not yet done; but enough of it is done to make sure the doing of what remains to do, and what he did for it will live after him to aid those who for years, doubtless for more than one generation of men, must yet tread the path he trod ere they reach the goal to which he pointed. In every combat for honest government and pure politics, in every effort to give our country faithful servants, and, with and through such servants, rulers worthy of her greatness, his spirit will guide, his memory will inspire the men who strive for the right. Those he taught and led will pass on his teaching to such as they in turn must lead in the like struggle for the same ends; and when there