Page:Speeches of Carl Schurz (IA speechesofcarlsc00schu).pdf/272

262 and that is by commencing a vigorous progressive reform in time. In time, I say—and when will the term have arrived? Either you control this development by wise measures seasonably adopted—or it will control you. How long will you wait? You speak of difficulties; I see them—they are great, very great. But will they not be twenty times greater twenty years hence, unless you speedily commence to remove them? You ask me, what shall we do with our negroes, who are now four millions? And I ask you, what will you do with them when they will be eight millions—or rather, what will they do with you? [Cheering.] Is it wise to quail before difficulties to-day, when it is sure that they will be twice as great to-morrow, and equally sure that some day they must—absolutely must—be solved? You speak of your material interests. To-day, I am convinced, there is hardly a man in the Free States of this Republic who would not cheerfully consent to compensate you amply for the sacrifices you might voluntarily bring. [Applause.] Do you think that after the fierce struggles which inevitably will come, if slavery remains a power in the land after this war, and which, with the certainty of fate, will bring on its destruction, an equally liberal spirit will prevail? Look at this fairly, and without prejudice. Does not every consideration of safety and material interest command you to commence this reform without delay? Must it not be clear to the dullest mind that this task which imperatively imposes itself upon you, will be the easier the sooner it is taken in hand, and the more difficult and fearful the longer it is put off?

“But, pardon me, Union men of the South, if, in speaking to you of a thing of such tremendous moment, I have appealed only to the meaner instincts of human nature. How great, how sublime a part might you play