Abstract

Carl Schurz-American: 1829-1929

It is informed that no immigrant ever landed upon the U.S. shores with greater faith in democratic institutions and with more eagerness to devote himself to the service of the American Republic than Carl Schurz. To be a revolutionist at nineteen was not unusual in the Europe of the nineteenth century, but to be nineteen and able by one's eloquence and one's pen to stir and arouse one's elders to mutiny and rage-- that was quite out of the ordinary. The measure of Carl Schurz's ability and of his power to impress his neighbors with his rare gifts is evidenced by his coming within 107 votes of being elected lieutenant governor of Wisconsin before he had become a naturalized citizen or even learned to speak publicly in English.