SPEECHES OF CARL SCHURZ.
I.
THE IRREPRESSIBLE CONFLICT.
SPEECH DELIVERED AT MECHANICS' HALL, CHICAGO,
ON THE 28TH OF SEPTEMBER, 1858.
This speech was delivered in the memorable Senatorial campaign in Illinois, Mr. Lincoln being the candidate of the Republican, and Mr. Douglas the candidate of the Democratic party. The topics discussed may be presumed to be familiar to every American reader who is somewhat conversant with the politics of the day.
Mr. President and Gentlemen:—
The remarks I am going to offer will not be of the
exciting and enthusiastic kind. I will speak to your
understanding, and call your attention to some of the
simple broad principles which rule the development of
human affairs.
The destinies of nations and countries are, indeed, not governed by majorities and governmental authority alone. You will sometimes see nations struggle with almost superhuman efforts against certain impending dangers; but an overruling fatality seems to frustrate all their exertions. This overruling fatality, which stands above the power of majorities and governments, I will call by
