New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1893-12-23
SELECTIONS FROM THE MAIL.
A REPLY TO GOODWIN SMITH.
J. cAsTELL HOPKINS GIVES HIS VERSION {

J. CAsTEII, HOPKINS GIVES HIS VERSION OF
THE ST. GEORGES SOCIETY INCIDENT
To the Editor OF The Tribune.
Sir: Permit me few lines with reference to
a recent letter in your columns from Mr. Gold
win Smith attacking me upon an article IN the
November Forum" l have no desire TO discuss
the arguments advanced, but wish to explain
briefly a curious statement contained In the fol-
lowing paragraph: "Mr. Hopkins attempted
during my absence from the country, to blast
the social character Of political opponent by
getting me expelled from benevolent society.
The organization in question was 81. Georges
Society, a body Of Engshmen banded to-
gether for the common cause OF charity and
the lending Of a helping hand to English immi-
grants. etc. Mr. Goodwin Smith had at one
time contributed to its funds, and had been
candidate for president, but was defeated on ac-
count Of his annexation views His contribu-
tons ceased thereafter. During the last year
or two however greatly to the dissatisfaction
of a majority of the members-and the society
numbers thousand men, some or whom
are the public and social leaders Of Toronto
Mr.. Goodwin Smith used his life membership
when in the States and addressing English so
cieties there. to indicate that the loyal Canadian
organizations were in sympathy with his views
Consequently, i introduced IL ItSoiuNi'i pup
ported by many Of the leading men in the
society, politely requesting his resignation on
the ground Of views being held unsuited to
membership in body of loyal EngnShineh
Ultimately this was modified To an expression
OF regret that any member of the society should
hold and express such opinions. AT later
date Mr.. Goodwin Smith resigned. and every one
satisfied.
There was no ATTEMPT at blasting the distin-
gushed authors social character. nor was there
hi T.. Nc h,if ~ fffh
private individual. but 81 Georges society
being a benevolent organization, dld object 10
having its name dragged into an international
discussion OF a question which itS members uh-
hesitatingly condemned - much for matter
which might easily b. misunderstood II not cX-
planned. As 10 tho imputaton ~ treason VIII
only say that II Mr. Goodwin Smith wishes 10
mix himself mp In controversies ana srhciles
which become a portion Of party charges during
a hot campasn. he cannot expect 70 escape WIFI
out the usual consequences.
While every one IN Canada admires the culture
and literary ability If NJ. Goodwin smith ana
no one more than myself. and whil" a certain
halo Of respect rests around the beauilul old
fashioned English residence In the heart "i a
busy city when the distinguished student OF III
craturc has made his home Yet CanadlahS are
well aware how litile practical knowledge ne ha'
~ their thoughts and tendencies. and how
much injury he has ~ times done t. thelr
most cherished aspirations. Mr. G'ldwin
Smith lives I'm his library surrounded ny
companions ~ the dead past. and 10y few ialtn-
mi ucrsonal admirers II the present, but though
his hand may Tull The threads ~ history II H,u.
,.,,s on IN. pulse ~ living public opinion. with
out adding anything further. VIII mercy s1y
that my article IN The Forum expressed III.
onInion which believe % be that OF
the great mass q our people Irs'rdi'ns;
annexation. and was written from the POM
- view ~ one who has had the lr'Ni-
10. - mixing with and knowing Canadians
- every class and section. on the'e grounds me
conclusions must rest or fall. and not "a being
mere personal views Let me say als2 'n ,..t u,
one admires Tho genuine greatness oi me .nl',a
cfateg more than / do. and It Is this greatness
,th c,noda should strive 10 copy and emulate
WIN j. CASTELL HOPKINS.
Toronto. Dec. %. 1895