Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1862-08-01

offensive. and it is more of human nature 10
think of that which is offensive rather than
that which is gratifying. (lIear)
~ ,eg3ef that this debate has been brought
on, and earnestly hope the house riH teace
the future in the hands Qfhte government, con-
tent as | believe the country is, with the
mast. | do not ask this as Il matter of con-
fidence in the government of the day, be-
cause think that whatever party be in office
a question of such delicacy and immense i'm
portance should be left in the hands of the
executive to deal with For it is not one
which the house by resolution pointing out
a specific cause can take upon itself 4 rcSpon-
sihility which properly belongs to the govern
ment. The motion points to two thingS-the
mediation and acknowledgment. The right
honorable gentleman has ably laid it down,
and do not dispute that we should be per-
fectly justified if we saw fit to acknowledge
the independence of the southern states pro-
v.ded only that that independence had been in
the words which he used, firmly and perma-
nently established.
II quite concur that the fact of our ac-
knowlcdging that independence would give
to the northern states no cause of offence to-
wards this country; but the case of the South
American republics was very different to this.
These were not acknowledged until the lapse
of fifteen years, although they had practically
achieved their independence, and it was
quite clear Spain could not re-eStabliSh her
dominion over them; but is this the case now !?
! Only fortnight ago it was doubtful whether
| the federals or the confederates had possess
sion of Richmond. 1t was but a few days ago
that the whole course of the Mississippi was
believed to be in the hands of the federals. l
know that New Orleans was, and that Charles
ton possibly might be captured; and l con-
tend that whatever opinion we may have OF
| the recent battles, and of the determination of
sthe south to fight to the last for its independ-
ence, that practically the contest has not yet
assumed q character to Justify this country in
| assuming that the independence of the south is
| fully established. Some imagine that the ac-
| acknowledgement of the south would establish a
| different position between it and this country.
! 1t would do no such thing, unless followed up
! by active interference, although neutrality is
| perfectly compatible with acknowledgment.
| The right honorable gentleman opposite
| said that the concession of belligerent rights
| was a step towards acknowledgment. | can
not admit that. No one can be insensible for
a moment to the vast importance to this coun-
try of speedy termination of the war. We
| all know the privations and suffering which Il
large portion Of the people now are undergo
| ing in consequence of this unfortunate war {;
but vi lllG Quiet IL HIS DGSn wei Sdlu DN
the honorable member for Bradford that any
attempt to put an end to the war by active
| and violent interference would only produce
| still greater prvations There is no instance
in history of Il contest of such magnitude as
that now going on between two nations of the
same people. There is said to be nearly
million men in arms on one side and the 9TH
er, and their mutual irritation and exaspera-
ton is admitted by all; and is this a moment
at which Il successful offer of mediation is
| likely to be made to either party?
81 wish to guard myself against any ex
| preston of opinion as to the future. This war
| has been so contrary to every experience, that
he would be bold man who would venture
to prophesy the state of affairs a month in adj
vance. The country, believe, is of opinion
, that the conduct of the government has been
wise and prudent. We shall be happy at any
time, if an opportunity presents reasonable
| prospect of doing so with success, to assist in
putting an end to this desolating war. l
think it had better be left in the hands of the
government to judge of the occasion as it
arises. 1t is on this account that | do not
enter into the discussion as to the right of
either side; for if at any time we shall be
able to offer our good.offices, it can only be as
impartial parties committed to no opinion in
favor Of either side, hut only anxious to pro-
mote a settlement as consistent as possible
with the interest and the feelings of both par
| ties He therefore hoped that the motion
would be withdrawn.