Page:Speeches, correspondence and political papers of Carl Schurz, Volume 2.djvu/410

390 affairs, and would tend to a more patriotic and hopeful National feeling. They have degraded themselves and the Name of their party, once justly entitled to the confidence of the nation, by a base sycophancy to the dispenser of Executive powers unworthy of Republican freemen; they have sought to stifle the voice of just criticism, to stifle the moral sense of the people and to subjugate public opinion by tyrannical party discipline; they are striving to maintain themselves in authority for selfish ends, by an unscrupulous use of power which rightfully belongs to the people and should be employed in the service of the country. Believing that an organization thus led and controlled can no longer be of service to the best interests of the Republic, we have resolved to make an independent appeal to the sober judgment, conscience and patriotism of the American people. 

 &emsp; Yours of the 26th ult. only reached me three days ago. I respond as promptly as I may.

I pass over the allusion to my political associates, barely remarking that an imputation so vague can never be specifically repelled. Charity is a virtue rarely exemplified in politics, and most men live and die in the undoubting conviction that their political opponents are the greatest scoundrels unhung. I trust that my age and your experience have lifted us above such prejudices, enabling us to realize that the many sincerely desire the greatest public good, even when mistaken in their choice of means. I know who my friends are better than my traducers do, and fear no scrutiny as to the integrity or patriotism of any to whom I give my confidence. And, should any such ever seek to swerve me from the path of rectitude, they would cease to be regarded by me as friends. 