Daily Nashville patriot. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1860-1862, 1861-12-25
s. Behold how Brightly Breaks the
Morntng!O
NASHVILLE, Dec. Esd, 1861


NASHVILLE, Dec. Esd, 1861.
MEssRs EDrrRoRs. This is the joyful e1-
clamation of those whe imagine they can
foresee a speedy, and satisfactory solution of
our national difficulties, In the present hos
tile attitude of England, towards the United
States. To such as view our troubles from
their standpoint, this is truly an intimation OF
approaching good, and would be glad to
fiatter myself that their opinions are well
founded. The sacrifices to which our people
have already submitted are bringing about
an anxious desire for an honorable termina-
ton of hostilities. Every true patriot is
now urging on the war, with sll his energy,
having his eye mainly upon this happy con
summation. I know OF no class--except
perhaps, the heartless Spectators in army
stores-which would not hail with delight
the close of the war. Hence the unfeigned
pleasure with which this towering rage Of John
Bull is observed. But, in my Judgment, We
have little reason to congratulate ourselves.
on this account. There are but two courses
left the Washington Administration. Eng
lend has forced an issue, and they are COM
PEELED either to restore our Commissioners, or
refuse to do so. / offer few thoughts on
the probable consequences Of both these lines
of policy.
And first would greatly prefer, that the
United States would back down from her
position, and offer full and satisfactory re-
paration to the British flag. Isay this, in
the belief that such a course would profit as
in many ways, whilst the opposite would
tend to evil, and evil only. Consider the
should he restore Mason and Siidell. The
government he represents would be BUNDLED
in the eyes of all nations, and what little of
prestige 1t may chance to have would be
completely overthrow. The boasting Of its
cabinet, and the taunting Of its press would
be re ortsd upon 1t, and its avenues to the
friendship of other powers would be closed
up, effectually. But more than this !; the
masses OF the North, stung by the disgrace
of their country, would cease to furnish any
substantial support to the army, and proba'
| bly, set up such wall of disaffection, as to
| shake their Executive in bis seat /: thus Grip.
pling all hts efforts at Southern subjugation
Our Commissioners too, backed by the force
of all these circumstances, would exert q
double influence on the courts to which
they are sent. Those distinguished gentle.
men might possibly succeed in their diplo.
macy, under these auspices, when their mis-.
sions would have otherwise proved hardly SO
satisfactory.
These are some Of my reasons for desiring
what most people are not anxlou. to see ]
mean continued amicable relat ons between
the United States and ''perHdious Albion
But, let Us view the foreign relations of the
Union, in the other light which mentioned
What will result from their refusal to deliver
Mason and Siidell and salute the flag of Eng.
land A war will most certainly ensue. II
this should happen 1t will be, In my judg.
ment, most serious calamity to our young
and struggling Confederacy. / hope sh all
not meet harsh or hasty condemnation. I,
will be no wrong to glance at the condition
OF affairs as they at present exist in Europe.
Those who have observed the drift of events,
and read the opinions or English etatesmen
quite recently expressed, will observe per.
feet understanding and community of action
between that nation and France. This il
| trne of Spain in less degree. The Mexican
Intervention is In proof Of this. Now, as has
been maintained during our whole war these
two nations, with Holland. will follow Eng.
land. All Intelligent men know that if the
Queen bat raises her scepter to make the old
Union respect her. the Gear, with Austria al
bis heels, will make ample preparation to
resist such motion In this direction, and thus
the whole cirilized world will be drawn into
our quarrel. But 1t may be said; Victoria
10 no party to sur trouble, since she 10 only
avenginS herself admit the objection In
Its full force. and still claim. that It will be