Page:The Reminiscences of Carl Schurz (Volume Three).djvu/434

 power. In his most sonorous and rasping language the showy New York Senator charged Schurz with putting on airs of personal courage; with indulging in cowardly insinuations that the President was corrupt; and with seeking to deter those who would properly resent such insinuations by “frisky and portentous proclamation” of the danger which they would incur.

Conkling was evidently in a state of intense irritation and he exposed himself to a quick and deadly retort. “If I did and said anything yesterday that looked like strutting,” said Schurz, “then I most sincerely beg the Senate's pardon; for I certainly did not want to encroach upon the exclusive privilege of my honorable and distinguished associate from New York. If I did and said anything that looked like boasting, let me assure you, sir, that it was not the remark that even if I met a thousand of his kind I would not quail; for I would not consider that a striking demonstration of courage.”

Carpenter of Wisconsin harped upon the charge that Schurz, in seeking to fasten wrong-doing upon his own government in relation to another power, was false to patriotic duty and forgetful of the sentiment “My country, right or wrong.” Schurz avowed his devotion to that sentiment with this addition: “My country, right or wrong: if right, to be kept right; if wrong, to be set right.”

The arduous and brilliant fortnight of parliamentary fencing brought small results so far as the original issue was concerned. A committee of investigation was appointed by the Senate, but the administration majority saw to it that neither Sumner nor Schurz was a member. The latter was permitted, however, to question witnesses. In May a report was made acquitting the officials of all wrong-doing in connection with the sale of arms. Mr. Schurz, while admitting that the