The Writings of Carl Schurz/From Goldwin Smith, November 6th, 1898

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Speeches, correspondence and political papers of Carl Schurz
Carl Schurz and others, edited by Frederic Bancroft

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New York City: G. P. Putnam's Sons, page 529

3547567Speeches, correspondence and political papers of Carl Schurz — From Goldwin Smith, November 6thCarl Schurz and others

FROM GOLDWIN SMITH

“The Grange,” Toronto, Nov. 6, 1898.

Private.
It is true, I hope, that you are opposing Imperialism. In a fight with a military mania the leadership of a distinguished soldier is invaluable.

Let me suggest to you, as an argument which may have weight with some, that Imperialism will be the death of Continental Union, which otherwise, as I firmly believe, is within the reach of American statesmanship. No Canadian, however desirous of incorporation with the American Commonwealth, would desire incorporation with a Negro and Malay Empire. As an advocate of Continental Union, believing it to be the best thing for my own country as well as for Canada and the United States, I have cheerfully undergone a good deal of obloquy and annoyance; but I should vote against Union with an American Empire.

The incorporation of Canada with the United States would surely be of all “expansions” not only the most natural but the best.