Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1862-01-16
From the London Herald, DERBY or


At the commencement of the message the President
refers to foreign countries generally in terms which
cannot regard dgnfed and which appear to mex
cusable. It is first ntimaed that the dsloyal citi
of the Union may have invoked foreign aid and in
tervention. The term "disl0yal is manifesy inappl-
cable 10 any OF the members Of confederation OF
States. 1t begs the whole constitutional question at
issue between North and South. We have next an
acuar statement Of the probable motives and conduct
of fereg nations that might be thus invoked " Ma
tons thus tempted to interfere not always able to
resist the councils of seeming expedency and
GUS ambition although measures ado under such in
huences seldom fail to be unfortunate and injurious to
those adopting them" Mr. Lincoln now makes Jump
from the position that such assistance may have been
asked, to the statement that it has been asked. The
disloyal citizens of the United States who have offered
the ruin of country in return for the aid and COM
fort which they have invoked abroad have received less
patronage and encouragement than they probably ex-
pected." Aud why not? No feeling of Justice or
of international obligations, seems can possibly
influence the decision of these foreign All that
they think OF is their immediate interest. 10
that they may be expected to throw overheard all
moral and social obligations. What else can possibly
be implied in the following sentence, in which it is
amey sought to transfer to the South the odium Of the
sur that is cast upon the honour of the European ma
ti0ns If it just to that foreign nations
in this case dsc4rdDg all moral social aud treaty OBJ
legations, would set sorely and selh5hy tor the most
speedy restoration OF commerce. including especially the
acquisition Of cotton, those nations appear yet
to have their way to their object more directly
clearly through The destruction than through the pres
ervation of the Union.'
This snetring if not insulting language can only be
understood TO apply to France and England. They
may divide the compliment between them, and we arr
not therefore, surprised at the indignant remarks which
have been elected from the press in Paris by the pas
sages which we have quoted from Mr.. Lincoins mes
sage The intention disclosed by the government
| in n mt hpnU f1nfU
France, that the providence OF American prosperity
may feel an interest Ia sustaining it," is Likely t
add the good feeling of neighbours tor the North
Government. That government, having already IA
more on its hands than it manage seems madly
bent upon irritating all the world, and driving it, wheth
er it will or no, TO espouse the Southern side of th
| quarrel.
These statements incorrect, and these inference
unfair We do not believe that the South has petit
toned for the aid OF any forei On nation. Mr. Davis
has stated the contrary and he knows that unless th
North should determine going to war with England
or France any trust 10 either would be hopeless Fo,
ourselves, early declared neutral position and
in any respect we have departed from our programme
it has been in favor of the North. We have recogniz
ed an effective blockade, which has crippled Southern
cOmmerce-a recognition at variance with the law 0
nations Immense quantities of rifles and munitions O
war have been shipped from England to the North
while similar supplies to the South have been seized up
on by Federal cruisers. We have not recogniz d tn,
government OF the South. although, as de facto gov
eminent, At has had fair claim to acknowledge
mcnt. The South might argue toat we have departed
from our neutrality in cases where it was difficult t.
maintain it. Generally our government has acted ~
to its light, and been as impartial it can. If th
James Adger has been allowed to ret in our ports
IN its turn has the Nashville If the Confederate cap
tain had seized upon General Scott while passenger il
the Dover packet, of should have demaude,
his immediate restitution. No other course was ope
to US when heard that four Southern gentlemen ha
been forcbly abducted from the mail steamer Trent
newspaper articles votes OF Congress- and reports of th
Navy Department Notwithstanding. Mr.. Lincoln wi
have to choose between prompt surrender of bis cap
tlves and the alternative OF war, which will annhiat
America on the sea, and do her some mischief on th
land and at the time settle forever the great CUES
| ton of secession.