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