The Express.
London, England, 1861-12-11 00:00:00

1

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LONDON, WADNEEDAY, DEC. 11.

WHEN the Great Powers of Europe agreed in
1856 not to draw the sword against one another in
future before seeking the good offices of some
neighbour for the settlement of their differences,
they made a step in the path of civilisation which
was applauded by the entire world. The work
mainly of Lord CLARENDON and Lord PALMICBSTOS,
it was instantly hailed by the Earl of Deasy as
conferring endless honour upon the Conference of
Paris, and by Mr. Gtiosroxr, then out of office,
as a great triumph on behalf of civilisation and
humanity. We have not arrived at that stage of
our difference with America when the principle of
arbitration becomes applicable. It may be
hoped that we shall not arrive at it.
It would be far more honourable to both countries
if the pees= t cause of dispute were disposed of
by their mutual good sense and right feeling than
if recouzse were had to strangers, and we see
nothing in the present state of affairs to forbid
the expectation of such an issue of the communi-
cations which are now taking place between the
two Governments. The road to a peaceful set-
Unmet appears clearer than it did. A week ago
people were seriously debating whether the Go-
vernment of the United States had not sought a
quarrel with England, and whether Captain
WILIER was acting under its orders. No doubt
any longer trate on that point. Captain
WILKE% acted on his own responsibility
after puzzling and confusing his brain with
books on international law. And hitherto his
Government has not adopted hie act. We have
no further information, and the good relations
between the two countries must still be regarded
as most seriously compromised. But it is satiate°.
tory to know that the fairness and good feeling
of the British Government towards the Americans
are equal to the firinnees of its resolution to main-
tain the just rights of the country and the honour
of its flag. Thus both in respect of the manage-1
ment of this particular difficulty, and in the'
principles its members recognised Ave years ago
as those which should prevail in the adjustment of
international disputes, the course of the British
Government fulfils the requirements of the most
advanced state of public morality.
Such being the character of the organised,
responsible, and authenticated action of the nation,
it is interesting to inquire whether the epontsineonal
manifestation of public' feeling at this conjuncture
exhibits an equal progress in our mode of con-
ducting disputes with other states. The Press,
through which the opinion of the country finds ex-
pression with a facility which is without example,
has been unusually self-reflective on this °ounce,
and gives the verdict in our favour. And on the
whole it is right. It takes credit for moderation.
This fact itself marks an advance which is not

inconsiderable. Moderation is now acknowledged
to be not a weakness, nor even simply • virtue ;
it is seen to ho a sign and source of strength.
It is • false philosophy which would represent the
instinct of national resentment man evil pension to
be deplored and if possible effaced. It it • natural
passion with its appropriate end. To restrain its
indulgence until reflection has drown that the
struggling feeling is natural as well an just, and
until reason has prescribed its path, is to exercise
moderation. Wo Wiese we may honestly affirm
that our people have displayed this quality
during the last fortnight in a degree never
before witnessed immediately after a great
provocation. We most needs speak generally;
individual instances of violent Language, end
also of the studious malevolence which is infi-
nitely more discreditable than violence, may, as
we all know, be found. Party passions and clam
hatreds, attaching themselves to the representative
character which the United States necessarily
holds in the world, have intiamed the language of
writers who, in treating this question, are thinking
more about universal suffrage than the Trent.
But a wide survey of the recorded opinion of the
country will justify the claim we have made.
There has been no shrinking from patriotic
sacrifice ; the prompt action of the Government,
both diplomatic and belligerent, has been
everywhere approved. And, on the other
hand, there has been a general recognition of
the special and peculiar reasons which make a
magnanimous and conciliatory policy • duty.
Moderation is the prerogative of the string.
Our dominions, our exploits, our undoubted
strength ent:tle us to the exercise of this virtue.
Our sailors are eager and our ships ready to set
sail, therefore we can act with perfect freedom,
without fear of being misunderstood. The nation
fuels this, and, therefore, without abating one jot
of the demands it makes—not for itself alone, but
for all uentral Powers and on behalf of the free-
dom of the sea—it can calmly leave the manner of
their presentation to the Government.

This spectrick of calmness rind self-possession
raises our country immensely in the estimation of
foreign nations. Already we see it recogniscd
throughout Eurve. We are not much loved on
the Continent, but our neighbour* have a quick
eye for the qualities which command respect.
And for ns and our children, whatever the issue of
this controversy, it must in time to come be a
matter for complacent reflection that in a season
of excitement, sarieved in that interest which as
• nation we cherish most, we did not forget what
was due to ourselves, to the ties of kindred, and
to the great interests of freedom in the Western
World.

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