American citizen. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1851-1863, 1861-08-17
The Contrast.


North America is now the stage of grand
events IN the history of mankind; and all the
rest of the world is the auditorium crowded
with interested spectators of what is here
performed. As the actors in this large dra-
ma OF reality, we perform for our own ad
vantage and with view to the favor of our
fellow-men of other nationalities. We court
'he favor OF the spectator powers of the old
world, SO Tar as we can conciliate it without
derogating from our own dignity and from
the conservation of our rights and interests
as they are involved by proper respect for
our political independence and mutual
commercial dependence. Therefore. it is
cause for the profoundest qualification to the
patriot that we have the applause of the
most eminent and illastrious of the foreign
spectators Of our deeds in this struggle. The
patriot may we'll feel the most earnest and
unqualified pride in the spectacle of modera-
ton, dignity and wisdom which have charac-
terIzed the progress of orr young Confeder-
acy- Never was new power and nation
born OF the troubled womb Of Revolution
amid less apparent throes Of popular violence.
dIsintegration, turmoil and disaster. We
came forth full grown and vigorous into ma
tionai existence, and, without the baptism
OF bloodshed, stood out a new nation in full
proportion-the largest exponent the world
has yet seen of the capacity of man for self
government, the grandest triumph of de-
mocracy and republican institutions. Blood
shed is following after the fact of our crea-
ton, but it was not necessity of our popu-
lar revolution. 1t is forced upon us by a
cause not integral, but altogether external.
The spectacle which our rise and progress
presents to the eyes of the world is not lost
upon them-especially as it is placed in
strong contrast with that exhibited by our
enemies. The government of the Confeder-
Hcy, dignified, wise and moderate, calming
and directing the popullr elements of confu-
sion IN the midst of a great revolution, and
controlling public affairs with the farthest
and most unerring sagacity, has been and is
in contrast with the rabid, disjointed and
short-sigbted administration of the United
States. Holding the reins of Government
well in hand, our high officials direct the
car Of State with certainty and precision,
while the wild and crazy career of the Fede-
raj Government is causing but ruin and dis
sster to itself in its mad progress to defeat
and disgrace.
What wonder that We have the respect of
the great powers of Europe, while the North
is to them in this matter a aaauUais s,get, in
deed; a wild and wicked subject for consid-
Grafton, which they know what to do with,
or what to make Of; to be hapdled gingerly
by their Governments as having some ven
omous capacity in its hostility which it is
well to beware of; but having nothing about
it which will induce respect by reason of
good estimation? What wonder that Lin
coin and his men are the marks of plentiful
shafts of satire and ridicule among the peo-
pie, their writers and speakers; while Davis
and his administration extort the worthy re-
spect due to wisdom, bravery, dignity and
moderation.
Our national status among the powers of
the earth is abundantly foreshadowed So
is that of the North.--JIobae Id. d Reg.