The Writings of Carl Schurz/From George F. Hoar, October 26th, 1898
FROM GEORGE F. HOAR
Confidential.
I don't know whether you will think that the rather sharp political differences which have existed and which, I suppose, are likely to exist hereafter between your opinions on public questions and mine may not render it improper for me to write to you now. Indeed I ought to say frankly that if I were in New York I should zealously support Mr. Roosevelt now. I do not think there is the slightest possibility that he will ever be nominated for the Presidency, and if he were nominated and elected I think he would make a very good President. I think he would be a vigorous combatant of existing abuses and that all questions of imperialism would have got settled long before he would have a chance to influence them, for good or evil.
Having said this, which is due to frankness, I write to say that it seems to me the great need to defeat the present attempt to prevent our acquisition of a distant empire, with the complete change in our Constitutional and political methods, principles and opinions which will be the result, is to satisfy the people what ought to be done with the Philippines if we do not take them. There is a strong feeling that it would be alike humiliating and dishonorable to give them back to Spain, or to let them become the prey of European Powers, and that they are not fitted for self-government. If you have any decided views on this question you can state them with a power and effect which no other man in the country can surpass. I should be glad for my own instruction to know what you think in this matter, and to have the public know it if you think fit.
I am, with great regard, faithfully yours.