Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1868-09-23
Our Influence Abroad.

The rapidly increasing consideration in
which our country is held by foreign
tions cannot fail to be noticed, and with
pleasure, bv the most careless observer of
the signs Of the times. While it is contra
ry to the traditions or principles of our
government, and can never be for our best
interest, to mingle intimately either in their
policy or their quarrels. yet, as one of the
great family of nations, we must have much
in common with them. But few years ago
our policy and our institutions were scarcely
noticed abroad, or if noticed, only slight
ingly. Our army was a subject of derision :;
our diplomatists, in some cases, of contempt.
Our systems of state and national govern
ment were not understood. and the general
results of foreign observation and criticism
were decidedly unfavorable to the hopes of
the friends of republics abroad.
The course and results Of the war, the
forced withdrawal of the French from Mexi-
co, and the progress we have made in re-
turned the attention of foreigners to consider
the power and vitality that could do so much
in so brief time.
1t is fortunate too that we should have
been represented by men of such unusual
ability; the names of Adams, of Motley and
their co-workers are familiar to the world
Even far off China has felt the impulse, and
we see an embassy, headed by distinguish
ed American, seeking to establish recipro-
cal interest with the youngest civilization of
the world.
While all this cannot fail to be pleasing, it
is something more than the qualification of
our national desire to hear the eagle scream
abroad. The better understanding of our in
situations will have direct and beneficial
interest on commerce. American enter
prise, now well known, will be allowed
more impartial field for its development
A stronger, more intelligent class of immi-
grafton will be drawn to our shores and our
resources from this source already so fruitful
will UNNECESSARILY be increased. The fippant
jibes of tourists, mingling grains of truth
with mountains of Misrepresentation, have
forever lost their influence.
In England especially, do we begin to see
an overwhelming influence exerted by our ex-
ample. The party of Conversation has SO
largely extended the right of suffrage that the
ballot is in the reach OF every Industrious
hand. Old laws, old customs stronger than
laws, are giving way before the wave which
rolls out from this continent and the parent
is receiving lessons from the child.
The recent appointment of Mr.. Reverdy
johnson as minister to that country has cal
led out much comment on his predecess IT,
on himself and on the country he represents
He has received the most hearty welcome
everywhere. Only the other day when Mr..
Roebuck, the distinguished champion of the
confederacy ventured to indulge in some filings
after the old style, almost the whole English
press denounced his conduct in unmista kabe
terms. The honorable gentleman has so eff
fectually been battered that he has published
a complete withdrawal of all his offensive in
situations. Yet his speech was expressive
of what, but short time ago, was the SEN
timent OF majority of his countrymen. They
are not tickle race, and if their opinions
have changed. they have been driven to it by
the logic of necessity.
If SO much has been accomplished already,
what we not hope in the future? We do not
wish meanly to court their favor, but we
should not be SO proudly Independent as to
forget our best interests.