The Sun.
London, England, 1860-07-28 00:00:00

" GOD SAYE THE QUEEN."

NEW YORK, July 7.—Among the festivities of
the 4th there was an incident, at once delicate and
appropriate, which marks the larger growth of our
national spirit. It was the introduction of the
British loyal melody with our own national airs
upon the chimes of Trinity. " Hail Columbia,"
swaggerer as he is, never looked so well as when
he strutted up Broadway to the music of the sweet
bells, with " God Save the Queen" hanging like a
lady on his arm, and a flock of sparkling little
" Yankee Doodles" skipping after. We shall not
be accused of a want of patriotism if we echo the
wish, "Long life to the thrice noble lady, fair and
fruitful scion of a corrupt tree, whose beautiful
virtues have redeemed the name of Guelph from
execration." Such a Sovereign is not only a bles-
sing to the particular kingdom over which she
reigns, but to all others. If a single good deed in
a naughty world throws its beams afar, how wide
is the scope of eminent purity in high, places ! All
Europe is better for Queen Victoria, and even
sturdy Republicanism can gracefully do her homage,
for America is not above the benefit of her example.
Her spotless life, gentleness, steadfastness, solici-
tude for the interests of religion and public morals,
compassion for the evil-doer, firmness for law, and
Royal munificence may well justify the enthusiastic
love of her subjects and our hearty respect. If a
nation must be ruled by a woman, let it be by such
as she. The British nation knows, for it has had
other experiences. A bigot, who drenched the
land in the best blood of her subjects, and a
tyrant, made more false and capricious by
the perverted instincts of her sex, have
stamped dark records on the pages of English
history. We are not unmindful of the golden glory
of the Elizabethan age, nor of the regal qualities
of the Queen herself. Yet her sister was the truer
woman, and her sister's cruelties were more ex-
cusable than hers. Men must be ruled by strength
or gentleness. Not that strength is necessarily un-
gentle, or that gentleness must be weak ; but the
strength of a woman's gentleness is not in the sword,
handling which she is usually a tyrant. When the
example of a woman like Victoria—an example
never spotted by exceptions—goes before a people,
all the virtuous rejoice and take courage, while dis-
honour creeps and hides itself. The national tone
is advanced, and wickedness, although it be not
cured, is rebuked and silenced, so that the young
and unwary are saved from its influence. We said
that the incident which has occasioned these
thoughts marked the larger growth of our national
spirit. Fifty years ago we were on the eve of a
second war with England, and for many years after
its close a deeply-seated feeling of hostility pre-
vailed in this country. There are not wanting even
now demagogues who seek popular feeling by en-
couraging this narrow animosity. But we can well
afford to forget it. The mother country is far more
proud than jealous of our growing strength, and
with reason ; for, beset by enenies, to whom could
she look for aid in extremity as to us ? Respected
by this great nation, from which we separated our-
selves 84 years ago, and growing in resources and
power, we have more to fear from within than from
without; for the development of resources disen-
gages many interests which are liable to collision.
This we have found to be true in our history, and
for the fraternal adjustment of these interests we
should be chiefly solicitous.—New York Paper.

THE MAILS.