The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1863-01-29
nuii Run Russell ON Americau
Affair

OF Washington and George tho Third in the
@nd Of spirits The ghost OF King George
remarks, "Well, Mr. Washington, what do you
think Of your fine republic now? En- What
dye think? What dye think? En-" To which
the ghost of Washington replies, "Humphl" In
TINS intended sarcasm upon this country Punch
admirably depicts the spirit with which all
English tourists write about America Instead
OF taking an honest pride in our progress and
IN the Anglo-Saxon blood to which we owe our
vitality, these prejudced Britishers neglect no
opportunity to ridicule and depreciate us, for
getful that when they injure US they also injure
their own country. AT the end of every insult
ing paragraph and malignant sneer comes. the
inquiry, "What do you think of your fine repab
&c now? Eli? What do you thinL?'-a If Eng
lishmen never could forgive the Americans for
having resented outrage, tyranny and injustice
by rebellng against the British crown and be-
coming independent OF the British governments
English travellers in America should constant
~ remember the old proverb about tho Stiffness
of that bird which betouls its own nest. Among
all the nations of the earth the English govern
ment had no other friend IS sincere and hearty
as the United States up to the time that official
acts endorsed the absurd jealousies Of Eng
lish tourists and convinced us that pre-
judice against this country was recog
nized English Characteristic Dickens, with
his oaricatures; Miss Martineau, with
her philosophical absurdities; Fanny Kemble,
with her insulting ridicule; Marryatt, with
IF thn otnr;
upon him by our practical jokers; Mrs. Troll
lope with her ill-bred criticisms upon our hospi-
talities, and Grantley Berkeley, with his palpa-
bic Munchausenisms, have each done all they
could, in their way, to disgust Americans with
the presence Of a British tourist. TO enter
our private houses, enjoy our dinners
receive our attentions, and then repay
our kindnesses by publishing full partcu-
lars Of the deficiencies in toilet manners,
customs and refinement of their hosts, with
especially impudent remarks upon the ladies Of
our families, is not at all inconsistent with the
character Of gentleman or lady in England
If we object to such gross rudeness and imperti-
hence. these writers retaliate by dissertations
upon our national vanity. But if an American or
a Frenchman happens to follow the example Of
these English gentlemen and ladies, and com
ments upon the social habits aud observances
Of the English. with what splendid fury do the
British critics resent such violations Of the
usagos of society. Are the English tourists,
then, exceptions to the general rule. Are they
such insolent and unmanly savages that we must
expect them to fling dirt at us if we do them
favor? If so, then all Americans should make
it law as unalterable as those of the Medes
and Persians to admit no travelling Englishman
into society without first exacting solemn
pledge that he will write no ''Diary' and pub
lsh no book about this country.
These remarks are most apropos Of the case
of Bull Run Russell; for he is by long odds the
worst Of his class. His connection with the
London Times gave him facilities which no other
foreigner could have obtained, and he has used
those facilities to do the country oil the injury
and to give his entertainers all the abuse in his
power. As striking instance of this we recall
his observations in regard to the widow Of
Senator Douglas. After informing us that the
Senator "died Of bad whiskey," he reports that
''the enormously wealthy community Of which
Douglas was the idol was permitting his widow
to live in state not far removed from penu-
ry This statement Russell makes the text
Of lecture upon the base ingratitude Of the
American people which reads well in connec
ton with our recent account of the munifi
cent gift just presented to General Mcclellan.
OF Mrs. Lincoln Russell tells the following
story:--"I was little tickled by an account
little French gentleman gave me Of a dis
tiuguished lady, who sent for him to give
French lessons, in order that she might become
equal to her high position in mastering the diff
iiculties of the courtly tongue. The master
went to the house and stated his terms to
lady whom he saw there but as she m1rclanded
good deal over small matters of cents, he
never supposed he was dealing with the great
lady, and therefore made small reduction in
his terms which encouraged the enemy to re-
new the assault, till he stood firmly on three
shlings lesson, at which point the lady left
him, with the intimation that she would consider
the matter and let him know" How Queen
Victoria will thank Russell FOR this Intelligence.
Aud how much did she pay, pray, for her
French lessons Here j. companion picture
OF President Lincoln:-"Thc event Of the day
wa, Che APPEARANCE Of the President in the ave.
nue. in a sui Of black and parcel in his hand.
walking, umbrelsess, in the rain. Mrs. Lin
coin has returned, aud the worthy Executive
will no longer be obliged to so browsing
round as he says, among his friends at dinner
time" These items do Russell credit.
or General Mcclellan, who received Russell
very kindly we are told that 1.-THE General con-
sumes tobacco largely, and not only smokes
scgars but INDUCES in the more naked beauties
81 guid.r General Mcclellan, says Russell,
sees 20 doubt of ultimate success, in military
l,ont Of view, provided the politicians keep
quiet an;s~-chsrming men as they are-cease to
NEEDLE wi,s things they don't understand"
h.et AS he