The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1853-07-07
LETTER FROa THE EDITOR.

LONDON, June H. 1853
Mrs Stowe has been welcomed here cor
daily by all classes of Englishmen, especially
by some Of the aristocracy American sojourn-
err, except those thoroughly imbued with the
Anti-Slavery sentiment have stood aloof, in
disapprobaton. Their nationality has been
touched they feel for the honor Of their coun-
try | can fully understand this feeling. The
further go from my country the more love
IT. It's people and institutions the more jealous
/ become for its rights; the more concerned
that il should stand where know it ought to
stand, IN the judgment of mankind and that
the Democratic Principle it has embodied in
It's political and social forms, shall suffer no
dsparagement through its delinquencies.
There are Americans here, who, while admi-
ring the genius Of Mrs Stowe, and conceding to
her thorough honesty of purpose are under
tho impression that she has brought Americans
and American institutions into dsrepute; but
| am sure, from the observations that have
been able to make, that their views in this re-
speot are much exaggerated.
The Anti.Slavery movement in England
originally was chiefly sustained by portion
Of the Society of Friends, by leading members
Of the religious bodies generally, and by few
Of the nobility actuated by humane motives.
By wel-timed agencies, they so worked upon
the British People as to generate an over
whclming public sentiment against Slavery,
leading to its overthrow in the West Indies
Alter that little Of r practical character re-
manned to be accomplished except the protec-
ton of the newly-acquired rights of the en-
lranchised, and the enforcement of the national
policy against the slave trade. But these OBJ.
Jects were so remote from the everyday life
and thoughts Of the People, that Popular ex-
element died away and the Anti-Savery
movement limited in its practical scope be-
came confined to few technical Aboltionists,
who still sought to keep up an interest in the
public mind, by nstituting various moral agen-
ces against Slavery existing beyond the bounds
of British jurisdiction.
Mrs Stoves great work was hailed by them
as a potential auxiliary. A book of genius, a
thrilling narrative, of great dramatic power
novel IN its theme singularly American in
character but touching with a master hand
the springs of human sympathy everywhere it
al once took possession of the public mind and
the result was, a re-awakening of the Anti
Slavery sentiment.
HOW dd this affect the state of feeling to-
wards our country,
ne zeal of the members of the Anti-Slavery
society was OF course greatly stimulated, but
their views of America were scarcely changed
Those who felt literally disposed towards us
before, are still liberal, discriminating be-
tween the country and the evil which af,iets a
portion of it. They who were preiudiced be-
fore are no more prejudiced now.
Those members of the Aristocracy who were
formerly aiding in the Ant-Slayery movement
and are generally interested in schemes for the
improvement of the poor and the laboring
classes, have been deeply moved by Mrs Stoves
work, and are anxious TO do what they can,