The Writings of Carl Schurz/To George F. Hoar, October 30th, 1898
TO GEORGE F. HOAR
Many thanks for your letter of the 26th inst. Why should our differences on other points prevent us from heartily coöperating for a purpose on which we are agreed?
In a speech which I expect to make next Thursday I shall suggest as to the future disposition to be made of the Philippines a conference of the Powers most immediately interested. I shall send you a copy of the speech. But such suggestions will hardly be of any avail unless those in power be made aware of the fact that a majority of our people do not desire a policy of reckless expansion.
You are a strong party man, which I am not; and what I am now going to say may possibly shock you. I believe that the only thing that can save the Republic from being rushed over the precipice is the defeat in the coming election of all, or nearly all, of the Republican candidates, either for State offices or for Congress, who have conspicuously come out in favor of that expansion policy. Such a defeat may bring the Administration as well as Congress to a sober consideration of the question, if anything can. This is the main reason for my opposition to Roosevelt.