Harper's Weekly/Mr. Schurz in Ohio

by Harper's Weekly

MR. SCHURZ IN OHIO.

Mr. Schurz's speeches in the West have been heard by thousands of persons, and every speech has been a calm, earnest, and convincing presentation of the true issue of the campaign. He does not attack or defend either the Republican or the Democratic party. He simply shows, and with masterly clearness, that to vote for Mr. Blaine is to vote for a trafficker in official influence, and to vote for Mr. Cleveland is to support a brave and incorruptible public officer for the Presidency. Mr. Schurz speaks both in English and German, and the impression and effect of his strong and temperate appeals to the intelligence and patriotism of the West are very great.

He is assailed, of course, with the most reckless falsehoods. Among them is the assertion that he is largely paid for his speeches by Democratic committee. There is no more reason that a political speaker should give his time and services gratuitously than a political editor, and very generous offers of remuneration are often made. But Mr. Schurz is not paid. A correspondent of the New York Times says:

“Mr. Schurz was asked if he had seen the statement that he is receiving $250 a speech from the Democratic managers. ‘Yes,’ was his reply; ‘I have noticed that such a story is being circulated. The Springfield Republican says the story was invented by McCullogh, of the St. Louis Globe-Democrat. The facts are that I am not receiving one cent from any source for my speeches in the contest, and that I am paying all my own travelling expenses. I am simply doing what I consider my imperative duty — warning the people against turning over the administration of the national government to a self-convicted corrupt man. I can not think they will do it.’”