The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1865-03-18
SATURDAY MORNING. MARCH IS, 1865.

The altered tone of both the English
and Yankee newspapers, when they
speak of each others respective country,
is the most remarkable incident connect
, ed with journalism in these latter days.
Before this war had revealed the strength
Of the United States-while they were
still entre-the language held by the
London Times with regard to them was
always slight, often sneering, and, on
some occasions, absolutely insulting On
one occasion, it spoke of the ease with
which, Britain had throttled "the North
ern giant" Russia, and intimated that it
could, at the same time, with all the ease
imaginable, administer castigation to
Jonathan. Even after the war had &C
tually commenced on this side Of the
Atlantic, while the parties were marshall.
ing their forces and preparing for the
mighty conflict that was SO shortly to
ensue, the Times INDUCED its satirical
vein, without stint, at the expense of
the combatants. After the battle of
Manassas it told the Yanls lsees that they
had mistaken their calling; that they
never could be great military nation,
how great soever might be their aspira-
tons after military fame; that "war
was not in their line of business" and
that, to excel, they must take to solnc~
thing else. When Messrs. Mason and
Slidell were practically seized on British
vessel upon the high seas, by ship be.
longing to the United States, the tone of
the Times was, beyond measure, bold,
insolent and defiant.
At the same time, the Yankee press
was as obsequious and cringing as the
British press was arrogant and domi-
neering. Both are wonderfully altered
since that time The Yankee is now as'
loud and insulting as he was formerly
meek and submissive. The change has
not taken by surprise any person who
has been accustomed to study the policy
Of the British. That Government has
always been famous for dealing out what
it calls exemplary justice upon culprits
whom it believes unable to help them.
selves. Let not such hope to escape the
lash Of British vengeance. Greece, or
Brazil, or any of the little States on the
Continent-such as Denmark, for in
stance cannot hope to escape upon any
conceivable pretcxt whenever it may be
so unfortunate as to incur the wrath of
the British lion. 1ti is only strength that
secures impunity from that lnagnanimous
animal. Even now the New York Herald
is calling upon the British Queen to re-
woke her proclamation of neutrality
that is, we suppose, to take part with the
Yankees in their war upon this country.
We do not see why this should not be
done. 1t would be perfectly con-
sistent with the whole conduct of Great
Britain throughout the war. Should
Ambassador Adams choose to demand |
it, a good-natured, easy soul like Russell |
could hardly refuse so small a favor to
his. amiable ally, after having already
granted him so many others. He has
already placed Canada at his disposal
he has but to stretch out his hand to
grasp it. Why refuse anything, when
50 much has already been given, we ask
again?
We sometimes feel disposed to be
little astonished at the facility with which
Great Britain has been brought to play
second fiddle in this concert of the na-
tons. Who that lived a century, or
even half century ago, would have be-
l'eved It possible that such thing Could /
ever happen. But We suppose it is with
governments as with individuals: the
greatest bullies are always the first to
'aocumb when real danger presents it.
self.