Page:Speeches, correspondence and political papers of Carl Schurz, Volume 1.djvu/291

Rh its propriety in times of extraordinary dangers. At all events, to submit this case to a military commission, a case involving in so pointed a manner the credit of the Government, was perhaps the utmost stretch of power upon which the Government could venture without laying itself open to the imputation of unfair play. But an order to have such a case tried by a military court behind closed doors, thus establishing a secret tribunal, can hardly fail to damage the cause of the Government most seriously in the opinion of mankind. The presumption will be that evidence was to be elicited by a court made up for the purpose, by means not fit to be divulged; and evidence brought forth under such circumstances will certainly lose in weight what it may gain in completeness.

I repeat, I am far from supposing that the Government is unable to make good its charge; but even if it should fail to do so and admit its failure in the broad daylight of an open court, it would stand in a better attitude before the world than if it succeeded in establishing its charge only by the unseen transactions of a secret tribunal appointed for the occasion. This is the most important state-trial this country ever had. The whole civilized world will scrutinize its proceedings with the utmost interest, and it will go far to determine the opinion of mankind as to the character of our government and institutions.

I am well aware that some of the public papers which are indulging in strong language about this matter have for some time been confessedly hostile to Mr. Stanton and avail themselves of this opportunity to give color to their attacks. I may assure you that I do not belong to that class. I greatly esteem him for the eminent services he has rendered and even for his disregard of popularity, and I should deeply regret to see the honors he has won, curtailed by so vulnerable an act. But still more have I at