Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1856-02-13
british and Am.rie.n Affairs.


The London Times, in its comments on the
Presidents Message, shows a most conciliatqy
disposition towards this country. Upon one sub
jeot which has lead to diplomatic correspon
dence, the Times makes the following just and
proper remarks:
"On the subject of British recruitment in the
United States,the President concludes his version
of the story with the statement that he had pres
ented case 10 our Government In order to secnre,
not only cessation of the wrong, but lis repara-
ton, and that the subject is still under discussion.
Ii is not denied that the wrong has ceased, and it
can hardly even be maintained that 1t was con-
summated by the effectual enlistment of a single
individual into the British service. The Presi-
dent, indeed, alledges that the attempt was obstn-
ately and Systematically continued even after the
official remonstrance against it; but that could only
! arise from the utter impossbilty of stopping at
once number of distant and independent proceed
ings, carried on without 50 much concert and plan
as is thought. However, the whole affair was
stopped before, as we have observed amy mischief
was done; and, what is more, reparalion was
made--reparation that would be thought ten times
more than sufficient by the digniied courts OF the
older world. On this side of the Atlantic, when
mistake has been made an apology is offered !;
and to reject that apology, and demand some fam
cful compensation for The supposed wrong, is
always set down to the sensitive jealousy of The
man who has his character, and position still TO
make. In fact, readinessio accept an apology is
here thought quite as much the mark OF gentle
man, nay, more SO, than qulckness TO resent an
indgnily. Every fellow has The latter, but 1t is
only the gentleman who has The former. We are
sure that there is not society of gentlemen IN
Europe who would not think a sufficient repara-
ton done in this instance when the wrong had
been slapped even betore actual accomplishment,
and its mprpprety admitted. What more Pres-
dent Pierce requires he DIES NOT say in his Message,
but,as The direct bearing off the United States Jaw
ON the point is now admitted land there is no chance
OF a British enlistment being again attempted in
the Union, any further PREPARATION dramatically
the United States Government must be something
more than the vlndicalion Of lis bonor respect to
its neutrality, and obedience TO its laws 1t is a
matter ON which we conceive the British Govern
ment will he guided by precedent. 1t will deal
with the United States as it would with France
or any other European court; and if,notwithstand-
ing, The United States should demand more, the
people oflhis country vii not submit to undeserved
and gratutous humiliatiou." ,,.-..,. 4..,..-..
WI, DuSudHdH taS pCCu iuStuCttu ny oUf
eminent to demand the recall Of Mr. Champion,
the British Minister, who was implicated in the
recruitment affair, but at the date Of the last ad
vices had notlaid the matter before the British
Cabinet In the mean lime the 0iscussions in the
lUHiied States Senate continue to Indicate a war
like spirit among our public men,, and war with
England appears now TO be the fixed policy Of the
-Freesoilers. This party seem determined to out
strip the President, and win all the laurels Sen
ator Foot, of Vermont, delivered speech on the
Ceatral America difficulty, a few days ago, and
surpassed Seward, even, in his zeal iorwar The
report says: gt7as 2 81 .eigel'
..He proposed direct Congressional declaration
Of our construction Of the treaty; aud of our pur-
pose to enforce the obligations resulting from that
construction. II that prove unavaing, and after
negotiation shall have been exhausted, he would
entertain proposition similar to that suggested
the other day by Mir. Seward. to let England have
official and formal notice that she must withdra W
from her Central American possessions by given
day. If she still holds out, and dsregards all our
summons, he would have her removed by farce of
arms. Let England understand that we are in
earnest about This, and that il is moi $40 40 or
fight and then backing down to 49o. Ii war
comes, let it come; we shall stand justified both
by God and man."