SPEECH IN THE SENATE, ON THE RESOLUTIONS IN TRIBUTE TO HIM, JUNE 21,
1860.
MR. PRESIDENT,--Some men make themselves felt at once by their simple
presence, and Mr. Schwartz was of this number. No person could set eyes
on him without being moved to inquire who he was, or, if the occasion
presented, to form his acquaintance. His look was that of goodness,
and he acted in a way to confirm the charm of his appearance. Entering
tardily into public life, he followed the prompting of duty, and not of
ambition. At this call he severed friendships, personal and political,
believing that principle was of higher worth than party or politician
or President. Thus, when already reverend with age, he became a
Representative in Congress.
His presence in the other House was a protest. All who saw him there
knew that he came from a constituency which had always been represented
by an unhesitating member of the Democratic party, while he openly
denounced that party,[153] and associated himself cordially and
completely with those who, founding themselves on the Declaration
of Independence and the Constitution, sought to bring the National
Government to the ancient ways. I mention this circumstance, because it
is an essential part of his too brief public life, while it illustrates
his character, and proclaims his title to honor. The powerful party
leader, “with a Senate at his heels,” is less worthy of love and
consideration than the simple citizen, who, scorning party ties, dares
to be true and just.
But never did man, who had broken down a party at home, and taken his
seat as representative of Opposition, wear his signal success more
gently. Though decided and firm in conduct, he was winning and sweet
in manner, and by beautiful example showed how to unite two qualities
which are not always found together. Winter was not sterner, summer was
not softer.
In character he did honor to the brave and pure German stock, which,
even from that early day when first revealed to history in the
sharp and clean-cut style of Tacitus, has preserved its original
peculiarities untouched by change, showing, that, though the individual
is mortal, the race is immortal. American by birth, and American in
a generous patriotism, he was German in his clear blue eye, in his
physical frame, in the warmth of his affections, and in the simplicity
of his life. To him alone our tribute is now due; but, in pronouncing
the name of JOHN SCHWARTZ, we cannot forget the “fatherland” of his
ancestors, which out of its abundance has given to our Republic so
many good heads, so many strong arms, with so much of virtue and
intelligence, rejoicing in freedom, and calling no man master.