The Peril of the Republic of the United States of America - Percy T. Magan

“‘The foregoing opinion is certainly outspoken
enough, but every American moving in business
circles here knows this voices the expectations of
the average Englishman.’
“This is plain. If Englishmen think so, we have
no fault to find with them. But it would be
extremely foolish on our part to close our eyes to
the fact. British friendship is a good thing to have,
but, perhaps, not so good a thing to need. If we are
wise, we shall not put ourselves in a situation in
which we shall need it. British statesmanship has
sometimes shown great skill in making other
nations fight its battles. This is very admirable
from its point of view, but it is not so pleasant for
the nations so used. I should be loath to see this
republic associated with Great Britain in apparently
joint concerns as junior partner with a minority
interest, or the American navy in the situation of a
mere squadron of the British fleet. This would
surely lead to trouble in the settling of accounts.”
This is a correct statement of what awaits the
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