Page:Speeches, correspondence and political papers of Carl Schurz, Volume 1.djvu/514

480 the world ever saw; her people—patriotic and highminded—composed of the vigorous elements of all civilized nations harmoniously blended—how can we fail to achieve a glorious future if we are only true to our great opportunities?

It is in this sense that I conceive it to be my duty to coöperate with you in the sphere in which you have so generously placed me. Let us unite then, with a common will and an honest purpose; with confidence in one another; with malice toward none, with charity for all; with in flexible firmness for the right—to heal the wounds of the past, to contribute our share to the glory of the Republic, and to make this great commonwealth in the fullest sense of the term what we are already proud of calling her—Free Missouri—the pioneer of liberal and progressive ideas, the empire State of the Mississippi valley, the heart of the American Union. 



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Notwithstanding our recent antagonism, I deem it only due to myself to say to you that no personal feeling abides with me in that connection.

Aside from the objections of a public character urged by me to your election to the Senate,—which you will remember were accompanied with a denial of personal unkindness,—I have not had, have not now, any reason for withholding from you an expression of congratulation upon your success.

Much less have I occasion for desiring any other relations between us as colleagues than those of respect, good-will and cordial coöperation. I hope to find those feelings reciprocated by you in our future intercourse.

When the news of your election was received here, I selected for you the best unappropriated seat in the Senate Chamber, and hope you will, on your arrival, be pleased with it. 