Page:Speeches of Carl Schurz (IA speechesofcarlsc00schu).pdf/49

Rh men, while they cannot fail to embarrass those for whose gratification they are intended. Equal honor to every brave man who stood to his gun in the battle! [Cheers.] Honor to the members of the American Press, who have faithfully worked for the good cause, day after day. Honor to the members of the German Republican Press, who, fighting in the minority, have, for years and years, sacrificed the comforts of life, and struggled with difficulties unknown to most of you, until, at last, they found a reward for their labors in the victories of our cause. [Applause.]

We have, indeed, achieved a surprising success in this city. But, glorious as it was, I warn my Republican friends not to mistake its meaning. It was, indeed, a most hearty endorsement of our noble representative in Congress, and a crushing verdict against the corrupt party organization which so long has ruled the destinies of this district; but the glorious majority we gained, was not a mere partisan majority; the victory we achieved, was not a mere partisan victory. It was the victory of political honesty over corruption; was the victory of moral independence over moral servitude, of manhood over servile partisanship! [Great applause.] Glory enough for the Republicans, that the voice of political independence spoke in their favor.

I know, and you all know, how this great result has been attained. It was the German vote which defeated you so often; it is the German vote that gives us now so brilliant a victory. [Cheers.] I know my countrymen, and I think I understand the true meaning of their action. I indeed have often enough endeavored to plant convictions in the place of their prejudices; but now I see that I was merely giving words to the true thoughts of my countrymen; that I merely gave an expression to their real feelings. [Cheers.] Yes, they are shaking off the