Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1855-03-23

This paper has been the consistent apologst of Mr.
Soue throughout the succession of troubles and diff
fcules which attended his residence at the Court of
Madrid. We neither mistrusted the wisdom of his
appointment, censured his conduct during his So
journ abroad. But the publication of the papers re-
latlve TO the Ostend Conference, and the abrupt
ignatlon OF Mr. Soule, have materially diminished our
confidence in his good faith and diplomatic discretion
and we are constrained to utter the first word of
untavorable criticism on his conduct
The correspondence touching the Conference at
Osend, has been already laid before our readers and
they are prepared either to confirm or 10 disapprove
our structures the conduct of our late Minister at
Madrid
The reply of Mr. Marcy to the joint note of Mes
srs. Buchanan, Mason and Soule is in our Judgment
paper of conspicuous ability. The line of policy
which 1t indicates touching relations with the
government of Spain, is precisely such as a states
man OF Mr. Marcy's conservative temper might be
expected TO recommend. He manifests an earnest
desire to acquire Cuba but by legitimate means and
without any breach of national faith
But it is said the despatch of Mr.. Marcy in reply
to the Osend Manifesto, exhibits a change in the
policy of the Administration towards Spain. This
allegation may be correct, and yet not impute any
blame TO the Administration Diplomacy is an ex-
perimenta science, and is not governed by fixed and
absolute laws. course of policy with reference to
particular object may be very wise under certain
conditions, and under other circumstances be simple
madness After it was discovered BY an unmistake
expression OI popular sentiment IN SpdlH THAT
the nation would not consent to relinquish its domn
ion over Cuba, was it sound policy still to urge a
proposition for its purchase MIR Marcy changed
his policy to meet this condition of things, and
the country will approve his course.
But Mr.. Soule was provoked 10 a resignation of
his commissions. If we except his own interpreta-
ton of his conduct, and look to Mr.. Marcy's dis
patch for the of his resignation, this step will
appear singuarly irrational and inexcusable Our
explanation of his is just this: he consous
that his mission failure and anxious to escape
the odum that must necessarily follow grievous
disappointment of popular expectation he resolved to
raise issue with the Administration, and thus Sc
cure to himself the support of the Opposition. If Mr.
Soule be not grossly misrepresented, he is lending
himself to the discontinued Democracy, and is abeEg
a factious war against the Administration to whose
generous confidence he is indebted for the highest
distinction to which he aspire This conduct
does not consist with conception of Mr.. Soue's
character however much it may confirm the deroga-
tory representations of his enemies.
MIR. Soule misconceives the temper of the public
mind, if he thinks to restore himself by upon
the Administration He can indulge no hope of favor
in the North, while the South, by whom he ha been
deservedy admired, will not support him in per-
sonal, vin;dictve quarrel with Administration,
which it is the interest of the south to sustain with
consistency and unreserved confidence.