Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1861-11-29
London, Oct. %. 1861

London, Oct. %, 1861.
Will you permit me TO say a word or
two of English feeling about America. =
You read the English papers as well as I,
but you know that the papers are not al
ways an accurate reflection of public opiu-
ion. Allow me then to report the popu-
lar opinion as find it expressed among
the common people.
1t is an almost universal feeling of sor-
row, and almost of indignation, at the war.
"Eyerything was going on so WE'LL" they
say, land now you spoil it all, and put
back America hundred years. We can
sell our goods-we can't get your cotton. Ev-
erybedy suffers and mob dy is benefited. :"
The Abclitionists are disguised, because
the Government must be bound by the
Constitution. But the great majority of
Englishmen prefer cotton, manufactures
and commerce to philanthropy.
And, strange as it may seem to you,
there is no doubt of the fact that three
fourths of the people here have no SYM
pathy with the North. Why, it is hard
to tell Perhaps it is generous feeling
toward the weaker party. Free trade and
cotton may have their share in it. The
fact is unmistakable And there is strong
and increasing demand for some action on
the part of the Government. which will
open the Southern ports or end the war.
The papers. with few exceptions, de-
clare that England is SO pledged to non-in-
terVention that it cannot be done. Eng
land is too moral--too law-abidina. But
they have great hopes il their 'snoble al
y" the Emepror of the French. He is
not so scrupulcus They hope he may be
the catspaw to bring some of those cotton
bags cut Of the fire of Uncle Sans batter
les. He has cotton factories which must
stop, populations which must be fed, COM
merce which must not be ruined for the
DRY. All English eyes are turned on the
Emperor. Let him but open the door,
and John Bull will gladly walk in.
The factories are working two-thirds
time. In month more it will be half
time. In another month one third, or
close altogether. And winter is almost
here, with famine prospect in Ireland -
Cotton is promised from India, China, E.
gypt, &C., and it may come in time, such
as they can send; but it will take five,
perhaps ten years, to supply the existing,
as well as the increasing demand Mean
time, it is question of bread to five mil
lions of Engliishmen, and nearly as many
on the Continent. Tk ey must be strong
err scruplus than are common to politicians
that will keep England and France
from some interference in the war with
America
The first stcr, I predict, will be formal
recognition Of the Confederate States
In that France will take tie lead, or the
two Governments will act in conjunction.
This may come any day. A powerful
fleet, English, French and Spanish, is near
ly ready to sail for the Gulf of Mexico
Its ostensibe destination is Vera Cruz,
but it will be equally convenient to New
Orleans, Mobile, or any of the Southern
seaports.
If remember, Mr. Seward, in his letter
to Mr. Dayton, said that any recognition of
Southern independence on the part of any
European Power would be considered a
cause of war by the United States Gov
eminent. There is no scruple here about
such a recognition. It would not be con-
sdered an act IF Intervention. 1t is a
mere question of time and policy. But
such recognition would be of no use in
opening the cotton ports, unless followed
by a breaking Of the blockade, and it will
therefore be only preliminary proceeding.
Some pretext will then be found for break
ing the blockade. I have had no CONVEX
sation with Palmerston or Russell on this
subject, but l can feel growing indicna-
tion here against this war. zee Bull
Run caricatured as the Fror;sispiece of a
Yankee gallope in a mise store window.
An honorable and revered clergyman, who
has the least possible interest in politics,
told me that he and all his acquaintance
we're perfectly delighted with the repulse
of the Northern troops On that OCCASION
The Government would be sustained, |
am confident, in any hostile action to the
North, and necessary to the interests Of
British commerce.
The English people do not like slavery.
They have in fact sentimental adherence
of it-but they do none the less desire
such products of slave labor as are neees-
sary to their commercial prosperity. And
they are fully persuaded that the restora-
ton of the Union and the Constitution
would strengthen Slavery. They think it
foolish to divide the Union, and more fool
ish to fight about it. AS to t wo Repub-
lies or COME derations in place of one,
they have no objection, particularly as they
hope one of them will favor free trade, as
half a loaf is better than no bread. Such
is my faithful report Of British feeling, as
exhibited in all sorts of places, and by ali
sorts of people, Everybody is interested
about America The omnibus driver in
quires about the war; the grocer gives
you bis opinion. l have not asked the
muffin man, but have no doubt that bis
mind is made up on the question.
And when John Bull has made up his
mind, it is no use talking. The street
boys sing and whistle Dixie. John knew
it would never last, bless ye! He always
said it would blow up somehow. He is
very sorry, but not bit disappointed but
then they mustn't interfere with the bust
ness and bread of whole nations, bless We !!
Sc John drinks bis ale, and has entire faith
that his Government will do what is right
about it.
Personally John minds his own business.
The Op1v tbipo he orrrn blac ot ic taxoc