Carl Schurz
- Sculptor: Karl Bitter
- Exedra: Henry Bacon
- Dedicated: 1913
- Medium and size: Overall about 50 feet wide. Bronze
figure (9 feet) on a pedestal, with granite reliefs below the
figure (4 x 3 feet) and at the ends of the exedra (each 4 x 9
feet)
- Location: Upper Morningside Drive at 116th Street
- Subway: 1 to 116th Street - Columbia University


What Is Imperialism?
Schurz's speech "The Policy of Imperialism,"
delivered in 1899, was a brilliant 13,000-word exposition that
started with a definition of "imperialism" as
"the policy of annexing to this republic distant countries
and alien populations that will not fit into our democratic
system of government" - territories that would be ruled
indefinitely as subject provinces, rather than admitted as
equals into the United States. After giving the background of
the conflict in the Philippines, he refuted arguments for
having Americans fight there and offered specific suggestions
about what the United States ought to do. His analysis delved
into such issues as executive vs. congressional authorization
for war, the deleterious effect of precedent, and the
commercial and military implications of a liberated
Philippines. The most thought-provoking and memorable line, and
the one still relevant today, came at the very end of the
speech: "Our country - when right to be kept right; when
wrong to be put right." Here’s some of the earlier
speech. The American people ... should be
specially careful not to permit themselves to be influenced in
their decision by high-sounding phrases of indefinite meaning,
by vague generalities, or by seductive catchwords appealing to
unreasoning pride and reckless ambition. More than ever true
patriotism now demands the exercise of the soberest possible
discernment.
I am far from denying that this republic, as one of the
great powers of the world, has its responsibilities. But what
is it responsible for? Is it to be held, or to hold itself,
responsible for the correction of all wrongs done by strong
nations to weak ones, or by powerful oppressors to helpless
populations? Is it, in other words, responsible for the general
dispensation of righteousness throughout the world? Neither do
I deny that this republic has a “mission”; and I am
willing to accept, what we are frequently told, that this
mission consists in “furthering the progress of
civilization.” But does this mean that wherever obstacles
to the progress of civilization appear, this republic should at
once step in to remove those obstacles by means of force, if
friendly persuasion do not avail? Every sober-minded person
will admit that under so tremendous a task any earthly power,
however great, would soon break down. – Carl Schurz,
“The Policy of Imperialism,” 1899
Further reading
- Outdoor Monuments of
Manhattan discusses the details of the Schurz ensemble
and the context of American expansionism ca. 1900.
- Guides Who Know Monuments of Manhattan app has an episode on Schurz, with illustrations; the web page related to it is here.
- A favorite Schurz quote: "From the equality of rights springs identity of our highest interests; you cannot subvert your neighbor's rights without striking a dangerous blow at your own."
Copyright (c) 2013 Dianne L.
Durante
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