Arts and Letters

The contributions of Germany to thought and life in this country were less evident in the early stages of our history than those of England, Holland, and France; but since the awakening of American intelligence to its intellectual isolation in the decade between 1820 and 1830, German philosophy, poetry, and music have formed probably the most powerful single stream of influence that has come to us from Europe. Quite as important has been the addition to our population of a host of men and women of German blood and education, and foremost among American citizens of German breeding was Carl Schurz. He was a student in the University of Bonn when his love of liberty took him into the ranks of the revolutionists in 1848. He came to this country in 1852, and was admitted to the bar; but he was irresistibly swept into the anti-slavery movement, and so into the field of political action. He was a convincing and lucid speaker, and his advocacy was an effective reinforcement of the anti-slavery party. When the great debate ended and the war began, he served with credit as an officer in the field. After a successful career as a journalist, he entered the United States Senate, where his trained intelligence and power of statement gave him both popular reputation and legislative influence; while his political idealism and independence made him the advocate of reform in the civil service and in party organization, of sound money, of tariff for revenue only, and of the Independent movement, which has raised the standards of public service and political action in this country.

Mr. Schurz's work as a writer was marked by candor, intelligence, and distinction of tone and manner. His Life of Henry Clay lacked the intimacy with local conditions which a man born on the soil of which Clay was so characteristic a product would have given it; but it has genuine historical value and marked narrative interest. He was at variance with Lincoln on important points of policy during the war, and was not slow to express his dissent; but his monograph, written in later years and from riper knowledge, is an interpretation of Lincoln's character and career of permanent value. His most important contribution to literature is his Reminiscences, 1829-1863, written after his retirement from political and editorial activity, a memorable addition to the small group of American biographies which have the double value of historical record and personal narrative. The story of Mr. Schurz's life is an adventure of the spirit, told with clearness, vigor, and a strong infusion of personal quality. He was by training and breadth of interest a man of cosmopolitan temper; but he was an American in his devotion to popular government and his ardent service of what may be called applied freedom.