The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1861-12-27
Tho Steamer Trent Affair.

At the time of writing this, Thursday
morning, nothing definite has been arrived at
in the settlement Of the question of the cap
ture of Slidell and Mason on board an Eng.
lish steamer, now pending Lord Lyons had
the first interview with Secretary Seward on
the subject last Saturday, also another ON
Monday, and it appears from high authority
that the several meetings have been friendly
in their character and satisfactory in their
results. A dispatch FROM Washington to the
New York Tribune on Monday, says
thus far. only the President and Secretary
Seward have handled this delicate affair in
the American interest. The last regular Cab
met meeting was adjourned by note from
Mr.. Lincoln, to avoid the risk Of u general
and premature discussion, which might estab-
lish policy.
Ii is probable that the action of the State
Department has already practically deter-
mined the conduct Of the Government. To-
morrow meeting Of the Cabinet will be
held, at which our relations with England
will be thoroughly discussed.
Public expectation has anticipated from
Mr.. Lincoln an offer 10 leave this difficulty Ia
the decision of an umpire to DO selected by
England herself, from one Of the four great
European Powers, If the opportunity TO make
this offer is allowed him. Buff the altcrna-
tive of a war or surrender of the rebel
emissiries be forced ON us, it is expected that
the President will himself assume all the re-
sponsibility, and deliberately make his choice,
H., LII h., fn
evacuate Fort Sumter after thoughtful delays.
Surrender, in preference to war, is without
doubt the choice Of many influential persons
here, and it is Pressed upon Mr.. Lincoln by
both civilians and military men, high in posi-
ton. Hence the persistent assertion by
several Of our contemporaries, which we again
pronounce untrue, that this conclusion to
surrender without consideration has already
been arrived at. The President will be-
governed in his decision by his determination
10 crush the rebellion"
The late arrivals from Europe seem to ex-
hibit some abatement OF the war spirit in
England, although extensive preparations for
war were going ON briskly. The complaint
of the British Government, according to the
London Times, does not rest upon any denial
Of our right to risit and search her ships for
contraband Of war, but upon the fact that
Capt. Wilkes chose to execute on he spot
,chd, he beiered 20 Be me iac instead Of taking
the vessel into port and submitting the case
to the action Of duly authorized courts of
law. But whatever the nature of England's
demands upon our Government, the general
tone Of the New York press and the WASH
ington correspondents would seem to show
that the Mason and Slidell affair will be am
icably adjusted, and that we shall not be bur
dened with another war.
While it may DO possibly true that Eng
lands instructions to Lord Lyons are "per
emptory," and that the Administration at
Washington is so far determined TO avoid
another war by compromise or concession,
vet all outside Of the circle Of those who ad-
inisister the government are evidently IN the
dark on the subject, and wemay give as much
or as little credenee to their spcculations as
We deem proper until we have new or more
authoritative light ON the subject. From the
best information we can gather, we incline to
the belief that the matter will be settled
either by diplomacy, or else it win be sub
mittcd to the decision Of some common
arbiter-a mixed commission, a mediatinS
sovereign, or whatever authority may be
agreed upon.