Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1862-08-26
v ORC S T f R /:
TUESDAY. AUGUST 30. 1861.

people of our northern states as the refuse
and scum of Europe" and claimed the peo-
pie of the south as 'Englishmen" and the on
" people on this continent fit for association
with Englishmen. His speech has been de-
nounced here, and it is denounced in London
by the Daily News; and yet the speech was
thoroughly English" 1t actually represents
more of the people OF Great Britain than are
represented by the London News, and does
more to show us the feeling actually preva-
lent in that country
We have heretofore misled ourselves in re-
gard to the British people. We have always
over-estimated their intelligence and social
value. We have inconsiderately taken few
intelligent and excellent persons as specimens
of the whole mass We have entertained ex-
travagant notions of the extent and value Of
their civilization, and therefore expected from
them what was beyond any possibility of their
social or political condition. In Great Britain
a few hundred thousand intelligent, capable
people are associated with millions who are
ignorant and degraded. A portion of the cul
tivated people are liberal and noble in charac
ter, while the rest are narrow minded, AFRO
giant, besotted aristocrats, or fawning pension
ers and hirelings of the aristocracy. John
Bright does not represent Great Britain;
he represents merely small minority of the
British people. Great Britain is represented
by the London Times.
In time past, when the outbreak of our
southern rebellion was not dreamed of, the
London Times and the whole class in Great
Britain whom it represents were lofti-
ly self righteous on the slavery ques-
ton. Their lectures on american slavery
were endless, and monopolized most of
the eloquence, wit, and logic of which
they were capable. 1t was conven-
lent theme for the arrogant governing
class in England who never neglect an occa-
sion to bring discredit upon republican insti-
tutions. Earnest men in this country mis-
took their character and believed them sin
cere. 1t is now very easy to see what
they meant and form just estimate of their
criticisms. Their anti-slavery talk was foul
hypocrisy, of no more value and no more
es in favor of slavery and the shareholders
rebellion. 1t is nowise likely that anybody
on this side of the Atlantic will hereaf-
ter mistake them for philanthropists or
patrons of national virtue; and while we re-
cognize and do justice to the few earnest and
undetermined people in that country, shall
find it impossible to see much more in the
general character of Great Britain that arts
tocratic arrogance, selfshness, and hypocrisy.
combined with ignorance, servility, and deg
radiation in the masses of the people.
1t is preposterous to expect a high and no.
BILE style OF character from governing class
like that in Great Britain. They are always
controlled by arrogance sefishness, and ha-
tired offree institutions and not until their Pc
culiar institution is crushed and the nationrises
to higher style of civilization than it has yet
dreamed of, will that nation be able to win a
reputation for noble behevior. 1t is partly
our own fault that the ignoble behavior of
Great Britain has created among us such
feeling of disappointment. With the history
of British rule in Ireland, India, and China,
before us, we had no right to mistake the
character of those who have done such things
Such misapprehension was inexcusable; and
the extreme sensitiveness to British opinion
that has accompanied it was folly of which
we cannot be too much ashamed. 1t will be
different hereafter We shall never again
make similar mistake in regard to that coun-
try.
There is no likelihood that Great Britain
will now venture to interfere in our affairs;
but she is mean and treacherous and would
not hesitate to stab us in the dark should there
be an opportunity. Could she move France
to interfere against us, without seeming to
have hand in the matter herself, she would
do it readily; but her own ships will not be
in hurry to blockade our harbors. A year
ago it might have been different; but she
knows very well that her wooden navy
could not now venture into our waters on
such an errand without the certainty of de-
Structon; and, besides, she has much more
faculty for lofty hypocrisy than for daring en-
terprises. When we have crushed the rebel
lion and restored the Union, this contemplate
Great Britain will fawn and cringe to win our
favor and be accepted as our friend; hut the
fawning and cringing will be in vain.