The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1863-12-21
steamer New EnsIana-A Friendly Spirit.


We are informed that before the steamer New
England LEFT St. John on her last trip from
that city, Capt. Field discovered indications
sufficient TO awaken suspicious In his mind that
attempts might be made to duplicate the Ches-
apeakc affair on board his boat, and he is too
wise and too cautious man orgo to sea In
the face of such fear, however slight Its ae-
tuai foundation, without taking all needful
steps TO protect himself and the owners of his
vessel. There Is good reason to suppose that
large numbers Of men who sympathize with
the rebel cause in this country-Inany OF them,
perhaps, refugees ffem those portions of the
south now under federal authority-find their
way TO st. John on account Of the facilities
there afforded to take passage to Bermuda
with view to run the blockade. We can
therefore account for large rebel element in
our sister city Of the Province, without aspers-
ing or duplicating the character Of her better
classes Of business men and citizens. Though
st. John furnishes mary evidences OF an I'M
friendly spirit toward our people and their
cause, we have reason TO believe that her best
men, her most respectable merchants, aud
those who administer the government of the
city, have very little sympathy for such
spirit; that, so far as her own legitimate pop
uiation is concerned, the spirit referred TO Is
confined almost exclusively to decayed or
dccsying aristocracy and to the lowest dress
Of society. The great middle interest, the men
Of activity, and enterprise, the men of bust
ness are disposed to regard US with friendly
feelings, and to conduct towards US as kind
neighbors.
But TO return 10 the case Of the New Eng
land and her efficient commander. Capt.
Field communicated his suspicious to the au-
tiorities of the city--his suspicious that he
should be troubled with class OF unwelcone
passengers who would take passage only to
consumnate some evil purpose. 1t Is refreshing
70 know that he found instant and active
sympathy on the part Of Mayor WOODWARD,
and Judge GILBERT Of the Police Court, who
pledged him all the aid In thier power to pro-
tsct him aud bis vessel against any such dan.
ger as, be apprehended. Before the time for
the New England 10 sail an efficient police
those going on board, ready to lay embargo
upon any suspicious persons who might at
Tempt take passage, and require them to
give an account OF themselves. Just before
the steamer was ready to leave, lot OF suspi-
cious looking men were seen approaching, but
when they caught sight OF the police they
yer, prudently changed their course and did
not attezupt TO go on board. The boat started,
the passengers were very soon looked after,
end no suspicious looking persons being dis
covered, she proceeded on her way to this
city, having very quiet and pleasant time
Of II.
1t Is possible that no evil designs upon the
vessel existed at St. John; II Is possible that
Capt. Fields suspicious were simply irnssina-
~ aud grcuudless, bu. tho prompt sympathy
exhibited by the apthoritisSof the city & mons
the less gratifying, and calls for nous the less
Of grateful acknowledgment % the part pi