The Americans think they've got
it, and unless we get imperial federation of course they
have. It's their plain intention to capture England
commercially."
"We're a long way from that," said Hesketh.
"Yes, but it's in the line of fate. Industrial energy is
deserting this country; and you have no large movement,
no counter-advance, to make against the increasing forces
that are driving this way from over there--nothing to
oppose to assault. England is in a state of siege, and
doesn't seem to know it. She's so great--Hesketh, it's
pathetic!--she offers an undefended shore to attack, and
a stupid confidence, a kindly blindness, above all to
Americans, whom she patronizes in the gate."
"I believe we do patronize them," said Hesketh. "It's
rotten bad form."
"Oh, form! I may be mad, but one seems to see in politics
over here a lack of definition and purpose, a tendency
to cling to the abstract and to precedent--'the mainstay
of the mandarin' one of the papers calls it; that's a
good word--that give one the feeling that this kingdom
is beginning to be aware of some influence stronger than
its own. It lies, of course, in the great West, where
the corn and the cattle grow; and between Winnipeg and
Chicago choose quickly, England!"
His companion laughed. "Oh, I'm with you," he said, "but
you take a pessimistic view of this country, Murchison.
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