Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1861-05-21
TUEsDAy. MAY FL, 1851.
ENGLAND AND OUR COUNTRY.

The British government ana press 40 noC
speak of the trouble in this country with such
frank and helpful good will toward our gov
eminent as many of us expected. They do
not declare against us; but they doubt hest
tate, misunderstood, and speak more gently
of the treason breeding barbarism of our
southern states than is satisfactory to fair
minded persons who understand it. Tins
provokes some comment. Many who expect
ed from that quarter very earnest aud active
sympathy with the loyal states, in this trouble
cannot understand the uncertain tone OF the
oracles OF British opinion and some OF our
exchanges are discussing the probability OF
,airtrr Rritaif, provoked by her IN
reference with measures that may be en-
Moved by our government to suppress rebel
lion, such as the blockade
We have nothing to fear from Great britain F;
and there is nothing in the present tone OF the
English press or ministers that should surprise
lis. 1t is not the custom Of the English gov
eminent to be frank and downright in such
cases. Where NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. ques-
lions of freedom, are involved, its diplomacy
is always cold, cloudy, and more or less dis
couraging TO the earnest supporters of liberty
When the victories of freedom are won, and
proclamation of sympathy will cost her moth
ing England will hurry to the jubilee and be
very lavish of her favors AT the beginning
of the late war in Italy, the English govern
ment and the London Times seemed so little
friendly to the cause of the oppressed Italians
that surprise was general, and indignation III
Italy SO great, that Englishmen residing or
travelling there were made uncomfortable, but
this same England was loudest in derounclng
the unexpected treaty of Villafranca, and then
foremost in acknowledging Victor Emanuel as
liking of Italy"
No matter what party or class of men may
be in power, this characteristic of British dl-
plomacy never fails to appear. 1t is sure to
betray or disappoint any party of freedom on
the continent which it may promise to help,
and quite as sure to disappoint and amaze
whatever despotic dynasty may feel sure OF
its friendship. "Peridi0us Albion" has been
reality to the French and others on the con-
trent; but "perfidy" is too strong word TO
apply TO this failing of our English friends
Itwould be nearer the mark to say, cold, halt
ing, selfish laundering Albion. John Bull
means well, but is apt to be surly and grumble
when he should be frank and manly, and to
stand hesi'ating and calculating when he
should decide. At present he is concerned
about cotton, and he may be calculating
whether it would be possible for him TO make
something handsome by recognizing thai
Southern Confederacy." He understands a:
well as the sharpest of his neighbors, tina
English public sentiment will not allow him Il
fraternize with the king OF Dahomy and be
come the ally of slave barbarism against civil
ization, but this does not make him amiable
nor withhold him from calculating the gain
that might arise from such misbehavior. HC
,.u.; a bod he seems. but he has fault,
cSpim frank mantle tations of his friendship.
Eee5Isat Britain will not interfere with tht
polics, Of our government in such way as t.
provoke war English public sentiment i.
very earnestly on the side of our loyal states
and no drilling whatever could turn it in tho
other direction, for England is neither bar
barous country, nor blind and stupid despot
ism. So far as relates to the question at issue
in this conflict public sentiment there anC
here is the same But, if it were otherwise
Great Britain would have much to lose and
nothing to gain by becoming hostile to our
government. 1t would destroy the commerce
and character of that nation, and bring to its
business something infinitely worse than a
temporary lack of cotton. Moreover, such in
reference and war would fill the loyal states OF
this Unionswith infinite and eternal hatred OF
the very name of Great Britain and, thereat
ter, We should eagerly give our countenance
and aid to any power that should un.
dertake to bring her down to the low
est places of humiliation. English states
ment are wise enough to understand this, and
the nation that lives in perpetual apprehension
of being assailed and broken down by league
Of the continental powers, headed by France
and Russia, is not likely to become mad
enough to wantorly transform its best friends
in irreconcable enemies.
We shall have no trouble with England
When we consider it carefully, all she has
said, thus far, seems substantially on our side.
Surliness, Misrepresentation, ignorance, and
self conceit are not lacking but it is plain
enough that the conviction and feeling are on
our side, and we may rely upon it that the in.
fuence of the British nation will be
with us against the reasonable slave barbar
ism with which we are at war. 1t can not be
otherwise.
TEXTS