The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1857-04-25
Lord napaer's speech at tho 81. Georges
Dinner.

Dinner
The speech Of the aew British Minister, at the
st. Georges dinner, seems to have created
generally favorable impression 1t is regarded as
frank and satisfactory exposition Of the policy
which is for the future to guide the government
of Greet Britain in Its relations with this country,
and it Is remarkable for the care which is taken
to avoid wounding even by phrase the susceptl-
bilities Of the American people Both in matter
and aannsr Il = just sach speech e. WAS 10 he
espestei etpn nainister Of Lord hsPlers popv-
lar tondsnsiss. tacaed ~ sAs iberul character Of
his INSTRUCTIONS or these it may be said that no
envoy has ever before been accredited by Great
Britain to another government to whose discre-
ton and prudence more has been con6ded than to
Lord Napier. He Is indebted for this latitude of
powers Of course more 10 the political necessities
ofAis mission than 10 his own merits, but the fact
of q diplomat "a young as he ia being selected
to exercise it is in itself the highest compli-
meat which could be paid him. Thus far
his conduct since bis arrival in this country has
fully justified the choice that has been made. In
his personal relations with all classes Lord
Napier has won general esteem by the simplicity
and afability Of bis manners Until this dinner
however. we have had no fair opportunity of
judging OF his political abilities, or of the full
measure OF his Instructions 1t is gratifying To
find that neither disappoint the just expectations
Of the American people, and that we have
amongst US British minister whose want of judy
ment or temper is not likely 10 throw obstacles in
the way Of the new and enlightened policy which
Great Britain appears determined carry out to.
wards this county
The two principal points made by Lord Napier
in HE speech cover all the grounds on which SD.
prehension existed as TO the character of the
new relations which Il Ia the object of Lord Pal.
meraon TO establish between the two countries
In the face Of the repugnance which the Ameri-
can people entertain TO entanglng alliances
1t became necessary for the new Minister to
find come phrase which would describe
accurately the intimate Friendship which il IL his
mission to promote without insolring ties Of
more formal and embarrassing nature The word
cooperation" which he 20 happily bit upon
conveys meaning which. while IL implies some
thing more than . mere cordial understanding,
yet leaves full liberty Of action 20 those between
whom II exists Such cooperation in all that
Is really great and noble-in all that IL calcu-
hated 10 promote the liberties and happiness OF
mankind-tbe American people will be glad to
give. In such bond Of mutual good feeling and
support the two great representative nations OF
the Anglo|5aIon race can pursue easily the same
path. The aims which they will have in COM
L. Iii Il r.
and jealouies II this be the meaning which
Lord Napier and bis government attach TO the
word cooperation" then we can promise them,
on the part Of the American people, that they
shall have no onuse 10 regret seeking our cid for
such objects and In such spirit
The feature, however, IN this speech which
will afford the most unqualified qualification both
here and In England Is the recognition which II
makes Of the policy Of the principle frst enun-
ciated In Parliament by Mr.. DEseli, that II is for
the interest Of Great Britain that the people Of
this country tbould extend their dominion as far
M possible over this continent The expansion
of the United States is one of the most powerful
agents of The development Of British commerce,
and Lord Napier only speaks the sentiments Of
his countrymen generally when he expr sscs in
another form this apborism. The conviction Of
its truth has II must be admitted, forccd itseif
rather late on the minds of British statesmcn;
bsit. tardJ en- II its recognition, IL cannot fell to
be attended ~,th ihe happist resulte 10 tte peace
and wen being Of the world In the face Of such
conviction and recognized policy, there IL no
longer any fear that questions Of territorial
misunderstanding or that bugbcar, the political
equilibrium Of States, will lead to any serious
difBculty between the two countries Whilst
Great Britain feels that her own interests lie In
the extension Of her conqutsts in Asia, abe now
virtually Acknowledges by the mouth Of her re-
preventative thai 10 US belongs the future supre-
macy Of this condoent With such bases for an
understanding, there Is but little fear that the
mission Of Lord Napier will be an cminentiy
slccetefyl orc.