There is the Imperialism of
the vulgar braggart, who thinks that one Englishman can fight ten men
of any other nationality under the sun; and there is the Imperialism
of the man of thought, who believes in the destiny of the English
race, who does not shrink from the responsibilities of power from
"craven fear of being great," and who holds that an Englishman ought
to be ready to face _twenty_ men if need be, of any nationality,
including his own, rather than surrender a trust or sacrifice a
principle. The first would base empire on vanity and brute force,
inspired by the vulgar reflection--
"We've got the men, we've got the ships, we've got the money too."
The second does not seek empire, but will not shrink from the
responsibilities of its growth, and in all matters of international
dispute believes with Solomon, that "He that is slow to wrath is of
great understanding," and in all matters of international
relationship that "Righteousness exalteth a nation."
The rapid and solid growth of the British Empire has been due largely
to two characteristics of its rule--the integrity of its justice and
the soundness of its finance. Native races everywhere appeal with
confidence to the justice of our courts, and find in the integrity of
our fiscal system relief from the oppressive taxation of barbarous
governments.
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