A JUST IMPERIALISM.
[To THE EDITOR OF SAE "SPECTATOR."
Sin,-.4 venture to call attention to the prevalent mistake of describing all those who do not approve the policy of the present war as " Little Englanders,' a charge which extends to many who had become Imperialists—perhaps through Colonial travel, like myself—years before half our accusers -had considered the question, and had long believed that an effective devotion to the Mother-country was latent in the Colonies, though they deplore the cause that has called it forth. By an Imperialist I understand one who rejoices in the already vast extent of the Empire, and in the growing consciousness of the ties uniting its different parts, and who would like to see a gradual extension of the Pax Britaanica to other portions of the- globe, provided that such extension (like the extension Of an upright merchant's business) be brought about only by fair means; and not one who would seize every possible opportunity of extending the Empire Ti et armis, without regard to the rights of other communities. Why, then, should those Imperialists who consider, Tightly or wrongly, that the course of " annexa- tion " and " unconditional surrender " which the war has taken since the capture of Pretoria is consis- tent neither with justice- nor the ultimate good and glory of the Empire be denounced as Little Englanders? The worst of this unfounded accusation is its influence on the many recent converts to Imperialism, who, taught by it to believe that support of this war is a necessary article of their new faith, give in their adhesion without further question. There is such a thing as a just Imperialism —and we should all do well to keep it more in view— probably also as a peaceful Imperialism. Our great Australian Colonies and others came to us peacefully, and one of the greatest of our Empire-builders, William Penn— *hose "commendable desire to enlarge our English Empire" was acknowledged by Charles II. in the Pennsylvania Charter —occupied and held his province without recourse to arms; which province, with others, would not have been lost to the Empire had not the English people and statesmen of one hundred and thirty years ago failed to perceive that the policy they were so confidently pursuing was inconsistent with a just Imperialism. —I am, Sir,. &c., H. H.
.1We have-neVer declared that no man could be a supporter Uf the Empire unless he believed that the war was just and inevitable. We are as mach in favour of a sane hhd just Imperialism as is our correspoident; and no more deriiir4 unjust annexations than be does. Rut what right hse he to assume that Imperialists who support the war are for unjust annexations? He and those who think with him have a right to their view, but so have we to Ohre. Time will decide which is in the right, but we have. little fear as to the verdict. Meantime, let those who would bestovi on themselves the title Of Just Iniperialists remember that though they may think ber in the wrong, they have a duty to their Mother-country of a most pressing kind. They should take care to give no support, either direct or indirect, to those -viho in their self righteoui arrogance assume that in those who oppose the war are alone to be found the lovers of truth and justice,—ED. Spectator.]
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