The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1869-05-25
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THE BRITISH EXCITEMENT.
From the NJ Y. Tribune
No doubt can now be entertained that Eng
hsh sentiment, both public and private, is in
sscrsciv cvcited with respect to the American
Accusations arising out of the international de-
hate on the Alabama claims. The singular note
Af alarm uttered by a man in the friendly posi-
lion of Goldwin Smith signlhes In9ch as 10 the
extremity and the error of English feeling on
that subject One tone of indignation or lament
Teryades the English press. There Is a CLEAN of
src i'm the public expressions OF Engllshmen.
STbose who we're friendly to Us during the war
resent the formidable charges made by Mr.
Sumner Men who are ordinarily conservative
rs TO any disposition on the part OF England to
display bcgerent feeling to strong antagO-
mist are now prone to say disagreeable things of
America. Throughout English society there is
a unanimity of tone and temper with regard to
The question of the hour. Messrs. Sumner and
Chandler may take whatever credit they please
40 themselves for having once thoroughly un-
settled not easily eXcitable nation.
Nothing occurs however, in the present tenn
per of English opinion whichneed move us from
our self-pOssession. We are amused while we
regret that the English should be so far reused
out of their old habit of equanimity to look
upon the possibility of early war; and to fancy
5hat the Englishmen on these shores are about to
leave in general stampede. At the same time
we cannot easily bring ourselves TO- mourn over
Englands wrath, or quite deplore the prOyOca-
1ion which some of us appear to have given her.
We have regrets that the matter between the
nations has not been settled in Il friendly and
equitable way, it surely could have been,
without vast crcumloCuton, or a process of
never-ending dinners. But we cannot say that
fhe recent manifestations of our brethren across
the water excite us to downright repentance. On
the contrary, we trust that in the Ofense some
what unduly taken by them out of the moral
statement of our claims by Mr. Sumner, the irri-
tation is wholesome and remedial. Englishmen
may feel angered at our complacency, but after
having disclamed any disposition TO further
expend ourselves on the Alabama question,
either in war or money, they will understand
us when we say that we have no compunctious
Visitngs respecting the future relations of the
two countries.
Never before were the relations of two great
and kindred countries so thoroughly discussed
rs now. 1t is from this fact that we hope for
the growth of a more just and enlightened
feeling between them. But that result is not to
be brought out by anything but the reverse of
that habit of diplomatic AFFECTION pursued by
MIR. Reverdy johnson. Mr. Summers earnest
views are the natural reaction after the delay
in the settlement OF our claims and the in
glorious career of our late Minister. 1t is
from position as a moralist rather than as
statesman that Mr.. Sumner directs his philip
pic against England and in the ear of the
world. His charge is that nation speaking
our own tongue, and protesting the same ab-
horrence of slavery, was willing TO bctay us
for gold and for slavery. This is the amount of
it morally, and it would not be out of the natural
fitness of things if Englishmen feelngly under
stood it. Nations in their great aggregate are
not distinguished for acts of signal unselfshncss,
and doubtless our own is not an exception to
that rule. For that reason it is no business of
ours to hold our national contemporary TO any
abstract rule of right, and we could not. if we
would, make the moral accusation of Mr.. Sum-
ner's speech the basis of Il violent demand.
This truth the English public fail to perceive
and it will be some time before they are brought
to know that the tempers of the two nations
have undergone a change with respect TO the
question at issue. 1t is now England which i:
susceptible and sensitive, and America which is
complacent and self-possessed.
We do not marvel that the British press now
especially discuss Canada as one of the points
threatened by the speech of Mr.. Sumner. The
speech of eXMinister Gait, pledgng Canada tC
hostility to the United States upon the present
issue, even were England out of the question
has been warmly approved. The possibility Of
our taking Canada in the case of war has beer
looked in the face-the possibility of war ha.
been accepted. Few words are needed in
answer. We do not desire war; we do not neet
Canada. Before making war, we shall have
made sure that we could not do better by peace
When we take Canada it will in all probability
be gift. Both in respect to Canada and u
England, we can afford to bide our time.