Page:Speeches, correspondence and political papers of Carl Schurz, Volume 5.djvu/553

Rh 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. 



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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. 



&emsp; Thanks for your kind letter of the 6th. Most assuredly do I oppose the policy of Imperialism. I regard that