Request for Info on U.S. Interior Minister Schurz (1877-81)
tkwolber@cc.owu.edu
Thu, 7 Jul 1994 09:34:47 -0400
My name is Tom Wolber, and I am a teacher/scholar of German Studies at
Ohio Wesleyan University in Delaware, Ohio.
German immigrant Carl Schurz (1829-1906) was Rutherford B. Hayes'
Interior Minister from 1877-1881. In books and articles on the German
heritage in and contribution to the United States, he is praised for his
strong efforts to protect the native American population. The picture is
entirely different when looking at titles such as _Bury My Heart at Wounded
Knee_, _Native American Testimony_, etc. Here, Schurz is accused of being
ignorant, indifferent, callous and guilty of destroying the independence
of Indian families and tribes by endorsing allotment.
For a conference paper, I am gathering material that will help me make an
objective, fair, and--if necessary--candid evualuation of Schurz' position
vis-a-vis the "Indian Question." I will read, of course, the autobiographies
of Hayes, Schurz, Sherman, Sheridan, etc., and consult as many state documents
as time allows. But since I am concerned about balance and impartiality, I was
wondering if anyone can give me any additional leads, especially with respect
to the native American perspective? Any help would be greatly appreciated. And
do take your time if necessary -- the symposium does not take place until
April of 1995.
Thank you very much,
Tom
Ohio Wesleyan University
[TKWolber@CC.OWU.EDU]