New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1861-12-23
TIE ENGLISH QUESTION.

I Though the news from Europe by the America
and Arago continues warl.ke, we do not think
/ il ia therefore necessarily alarming. The
preparations making by the British Govern
ment do not seem any more than ordinary
prudence would dictate, supposing war to be
possible, while undoubtedly those preparations
are more or lees exaggerated. The tone of
the press, and especially of The Times, is
evidently moderated, and the acknowledgment
made that much may depend upon contingent
cies. In such state of the question every
days delay is gain, as with time comes re-
Election, reflection may lead TO negotiation, and
negotiation to a return of iendly-or, at least,
peaceul-feelng. Two events, moreover, out
tide of England, may admonish her that sober
consideration, rather than popular indignation,
Lad better BE- her counselor in this matter.
One is the indication given by great American
meeting in Dublin, that war with this country
might prove to be Ireland's opportunity, which
she would be sure not to neglect; tho other
indication is the uncertain position Of France.
The fret report was that Louis Napoleon had
offered himself as mediator; the second is that
France IL to remain neutral in the event Of
war; Thesfrst may be true; the last is very
improbable. An American war would involve
half Europe. Louis Napoleon could not, if he
would, stand By an idle spectator. lie might
seize an occasion TO humble England; he
would DO very likely, if we made him the
offer, to accept an opportunity to fill an empty
H.. poti fariN az
England and in favor of French goods exported
to this country for ten or fifteen years to come.
England can no more keep these facts and
possibilities out of sight than We can, nor can
they be without their influence.
The indications thus are peaceful. Even the
is in the same direction. The probability is
that his return has no reference whatever to
public affairs, other than bis interest in our own
at home; but that he comes because the object
Of lis visit abroad the restoration OF his health
ia accomplished. If, however, it has any other
meaning, it probably has no reference to war
measures. lie might return to aid by his
counsels a restoration of amicable relations,
especially if he bring with him the assur-
ance, from his own observation, that the Brit.
ISL Government has come to her sober second
thought upon the subject. But the mere prog
pcct of war in the course of month or two
would not be likely to hurry him in getting
back to biz own country,
The Indications Of things at Washington,
moreover, seem 10 have n peaceful bearing,
i In IL several sippn "a supeiul
arrived with dispatches for Lord Lyons, and
&C. great was his haste to put them in the
bands Of the British Minister, that he could
not wait for the ordinary accommodation OF
travel, but took special train for Washington
But bis violent hurry does not seem to have
been shared in either by Lord Lyons or Mr..
Seward. His LOrdship waits some hours be-
fore he communicates with the Secretary OF
State and even then, instead of presenting an
phimdtum Of his Government, asks the Secre-
tary when it vii! be agreeable to receive q
Communication. To this Mr.. Seward replies
that be is not yet ready to give due considera.
ton to the subject and that he Will let his Lord
ship know when he is. This certainly does not
look alarming, but, on the contrary, suggests
the possibility of state Of things the opposite
OF warlike. Waiting, in itself, implies that no
positive, hostile alternative has been presented
by the British Government and that diplomacy
is as yet by no means out of the question. OF
course, We know here 10 more than our
neighbors, but the facts of the case suggest to
US the probability Of On understanding between
Lord Lyons and Mr.. Seward which does not
appear on tue face Of the public report. 1t