Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1861-12-19
Prospect Of War with England.

The last news from England, as We antci-
patcd, creates an intense excitement through
out the country, and the columns Of the press
TEEN with opinions in regard to the probable
issue Of the controversy between the two coun-
tries, but now, so far as we have yet seen. advise
the restitution of Mason and Sida under any
threat or menace made by England. The New
York Herad thinks there is no need of getting
excited over the news. 1t says:-
All this excitement has been produced in
Enga I'd by the agitation the cotton merchants,
The politicians aud manufacturers in want of the
raw material, demanding instant reparation for
this alleged outrage to the British flag; and
the government. feeling the necessity Of doing
something in consequence of the pressure Of the
tory party upon them, have taken the strong
position reported in this news. Every one who
understands the relations of the British govern.
mcnt TO the people will at once see the reason
tuv this diplomatic move But on carefully
reading over the opinions of the leading Eug.
fish newspapers, it is manifest that they have n
very bad case, and that it will be very difficult
thing for them to establish their right in the
eyes Of the world. The right of beigerents to
board ncutraIs has been conceded by England
Tor more than century, and it is part Of her
maritime code, insisted upon by her for years I;
aud so patent is this fact that the Louden Post
and London Times had already decided the mat
ter in our favor, although the latter Journal said
that this event called for new code.
The continental Powers of Europe, including
France and Russia will exult over this trans
action with undisguised pleasure. 1t is telling
blow at the prestige Of England absoluism on
ths sea, aud hence the indignation in London,
Liverpool and Ma, chester, The United States
government, in assuming the responsibility at,
Nched to this Mason and Slde.l seizure, at this
crisis Of continental domestic war, cannot he
weak or doubtful Of the issue AID such will be
the general opinion Of Europe We dare say
that essentially we shall command the respect
of the sober second thought Of England herself
We incline to thing that her sagacious states
men will soon realiz, the fact that Eugland's
only route to our Southern cation fields leads
through tho city of Washington, and that it is
than TO risk the possible Europeun consequences
Of intervention TO achieve our destruction, how
ever desirable This may be- in view Of the future
control of the affairs Of North America.
Meantime We are confident that this Mason
Silei affair, without intorruping our relations
u peace with En- gland, will have "a great moral
effect in favor Of our government aud our cause
throughout the European continent; but if
England is determined, in s. i'c of her own code
and long practice, to make demands uron this
government such as are Indicated Ivy tie Lon
don Observer, she must of course assume all
the responsibility Of a war lclween the two ma
items. 1t will not probably enter the mind Of
single American for a moment, even after
reading the news in our coIumos to-day, that
Mason and Sdell will lc surrendered TO the
English government,