In this divisive time, I have deep worries for the future. Can we untangle ourselves from our partisan divides with our historical ideals intact for the next generation. It is not, as the famous man said, what our country can do for us but what we can do for our country. This mandate speaks of raising others up, building for the future, and not going hell bent for the material gains of today. It is not about excluding others and keeping our Precious for ourselves or our group alone.
With political figures on both sides of the fence behaving badly, I contemplate a little known political figure that illuminates how to behave with wisdom, courage, selflessness, and humanity in grave and challenging circumstances. And we are in grave and challenging times.
Elihu B. Washburne's pedigree was impressive with a grandfather a leader in the American Revolution and a descendant of the original Plymouth landing. He came from strong Puritan stock with a devout work ethic. This served him well as he was left to fend for himself at a young age upon the reversal of the family's fortune which resulted in trying to eek out a living on a hard-scrabble farm living in a log cabin in Maine. At the age of 14 Washburne left home to make his way in life.
Eventually, he worked his way through school, earned a law degree and moved to Galena, Illinois to practice law which landed him in the orbit other that other hard-scrabble-log-cabin-self-made American, Abraham Lincoln. Undoubtedly, Washburne recognized a kindred spirit in Lincoln and became an ardent supporter of the future President.
Eventually, Washburne would go on to serve in the House of Representatives from 1853 to 1869, was the 25th Secretary of State (for 11 days) and the Minister to France for 8 years. It was as the Minister to France that he earned his accolades as a statesman and humanitarian during the Franco Prussian War, the Siege of Paris and the Paris Commune.
Washburne demonstrated his integrity early on with the investigation of corruption charges of John Fremont's Western War Department. Fremont and his cronies were getting fat at the expense of the government during the time of war. Eventually Fremont was relieved of duty. He also exhibited a keen sense of equality and justice as an early supporter of racial equality. He opposed Johnson disastrous reconstruction plans and supported suffrage for African American men--something that would not happen legally for another decade and in actuality in many jurisdictions for almost another century.
Washburne's appointment as the Minister of France was opposed by many; he was not seen as being polished enough and lacking the right credentials for such a prestigious position. But his support of now President Grant's early career from way back when in Galena, Illinois, overrode naysayers. And so Washburne found himself in Paris--a move in which Fortuna clearly had Europe's best interests at heart with his appointment.
Washburne wasn't in Paris long when the Franco Prussian War crested the horizon. As the situation became grave, Washburne's role became crucial to the humane treatment of ethnic Germans living in France. He oversaw the safe evacuation of thirty thousand German civilians and then later during the Siege of Paris from September 1870 to January 1871 he ensured that over 3000 Germans, Americans and other nationalities trapped inside Paris did not starve. He worked for others because he understood that this was the only road for a better future for France, Germany and ultimately the world.
He was able to accomplish these feats through pure diplomatic statesmanship, wisdom, hard work and dedication. He was the unsung hero of this period. He achieved a balancing act that few have mustered throughout history. In the end he was praised by both France and Germany for his efforts--perhaps one of the few times France and Germany could agree on anything. Washburne could have opted out, he could have made his way safely to less dangerous ground as many others did and a lesser man--perhaps any other man--certainly would have. But his belief that every person deserves to be treated with dignity kept him on the high road. He did not come out unscathed, his already delicate health was further compromised with significant weight loss. But he put the interests of others above his own. He worked tirelessly to strike the right balance to be able to achieve effective service to others far beyond the call of duty.
David McCullough, in The Greater Journey: Americans in Paris, writes a powerful, compelling and inspiring narrative of Washburne's career and time in Paris that is well worth the read. Or better yet, Washburne's own words during this period found in Elihu Washburne: The Diary and Letters of America's Minister to France during the Siege and Commune of Paris.
Who are our statesmen/women today? Who could pass the muster of this historical litmus test? Who is diplomatically navigating the not quite yet civil war within our own country? Who is striking this balance in order to ensure the safety of the masses? We need a hero of this magnitude. Is there a beacon for the future willing to step forward, subliminate the ego and work for everyone? I don't see anyone on this tightrope walk high above shark infested waters right now, yet I remain hopeful.