The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1863-03-27
A Voice from England.

The notion of late 30 much dwclt upon
by the advocates of she American Confede-
racy, of q restoration Of the Union, with
the omission of New England, is 30 wild and
absurd that it must be regarded hereafter
rs one of tho most desperate shifts Of los
ing cause. The idea may have its attractions
for imaginative people who like dwelling
upon new and marvellous speculations; but
those who desire to form rational expccta.
tions, grounded on facts, may DO satisfied by
little consideration that, Of oil issues OF the
controversy, none is SO utterly improbable as
that New England should DO "left out in tho
cold," while the Middle and Western States
join interests with the South.
New England stands distinguished from
the rest Of the Republic by the homogene-
business of its population, and its consequent
preservation Of the principles on which the
Republic was founded and of the traditions
Of popular self.government, as understood in
the early days of American independence.
New England is also distinguished by its re-
llgious and intellectual superiority, carried
steadily on to prc-eminence from the old colo.
nial days till now. In considering the ele-
mcnts of the present question, therefore, we
must speak lirst Of the Yankees proper, whose
nickname is now applied to the whole pop
ulation of the Free States.
The New Englanders are tho pride and
strong reliance of tho American nation
There Isl good deal of jcalousyof them, and
no. a little envy Of their moral power in the
Republic; but, whenever the real greatness
of tho nation, and its splendid prospects
have been boasted of. the substantial mate
rial of the national pride and hope has been
tho mind and character Of New England.
The power of that section has not been
concentrated within its own bounds. All
over the Union, the intellectual and moral
progress has been carried on by New England.
ers, and not little of the material develop
ment also. Everywhere, the churches and
schools have depended on the piety and learn
ing of New England clergy and teachers,
and the men who have introduced new arts
or improved old, Who have introduced indus.
try into the wilds, and established civiliza.
ton in tho blrbaric regions, of the vast Re-
public, have been Yankees. The migration
OF New England citizens to other parts Of
the Union has been % great us to operate
upon the mind of tho country moro than any
other influence, however prodigious, tho an.
nual immigration from tho Old World may
at any time have been. Not less than %
per cent. Of the citizens of Connecticut and
Vermont have spread themselves over other
States-a larger proportion than even Vir-
ginia and the Carolinas, impoverished as they
are by slavery have sent forth. If their total
population Is taken into account. Wherever
they go, these New Englandcrs lead society
in all its departments, and especially in those
of religion. education, and tho higher arts
of life. This being understood throughout
the country, We may imagine the proud
laugh with which tho Yankees proper receive
the proposal to exclude them from the Union
to bo formed when the pro-slayery demo-
cratic party obtains the ascendcncy in the
North. They know very we'll that they will
not choose to be excluded, in the first place
and next, that the nation will not part with
them. They are the salt of the Republic as
the slavcholding portion is its corruption,
and all good and enlightened citizens will do
them honor accordingly IN tho day of settle
ment of the present controversy.
In computing the forces OF the other native
clements, IL must be remembered that the
New England settlers have almost oil with
drawn from tho slave States They would
not have been allowed to remain If they had
desired it, but they began to go North as
soon as Secession became certain. Those who
could not carry their property with them
went without 1t, and those who could not get
away in comfort before tho war began have
since fed, in such plight as might happen.
Such as could not escape form now strong
Union element. in Texas, Arkansas, and else
where. t..
The rest of tho native population Of the
North has overy reason to dread Southern
ascendancy, except that section Of tho COM
mercial world which is in the service Of the
Slave Power. That section makes such n
noise us the Democratic party in the scaboard
States that we need not describe it. It's over
bearing. lawless and prosecuting spirit, its
audacity and political ignorance, its corrup-
ton and intrigue, mark itas the tool and
creature of :he Slave Power, distinct from
Southern rowdyism only by its residence on
tho wrong aide Of the frontier, and its deeper
political guilt on that ground. The North
has submitted to far too much encroachment
from this body Of unworthy citizens; but
they are not quite able to decide the destinies
Of the Republic. As for the strength Of the
party in the West on which the hope Of pun.
ishipg New England isbuilt, the case is moro
complicated than careless readers and listen.
cp suppose. ~
There arc great commercial cities in tho
West; but their commerce has nm asricul-
tural basis. The decision of tho future lies