New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1885-08-05
Grant IN TIE ABBEY.

Nothing more significant has occurred for
many wears than the solemn services held yes
terday in Westminster Abbey in honor of
General Grant. 1t is not solely as generous
and friendly international manifestation, or as
a tribute to the personal merits of the deceased
soldier. that this event must be viewed. 1t is
no doubt both an act OF friendship and OF
homage to worth, but it has far larger ana
deeper meaning. For we must seek i'll 1t an
answer to the question, What are the iniiu-
ences which have so changed public opinion IN
England toward the United States that the
most sacred spot on British soil-the shrine OF
her departed great ones, the goal OF many
lofty ambition-is thrown open now to the
celebration of the obsequics of an American
whom, twenty years ago, that same public
regarded with deep disfavOr, as the represent
alive of a civilization abhorrent to them
That the change has taken place is certain.
That this Republic occupies to-day wholly
different aspect in the English mind from that
of twenty years ago is certain; and IT is OF
great interest to trace the causes of the meta
mOrphosis.
In the first place, it may safely be affirmed
that at the time Of the rebellion the English
people knew little about us. What little they
did know consisted for the most part in the
assimilation of such prejudices and exaggera-
tions as Mrs. Trollopc and Dickens had pub
lished. The press for the most part took its
cue from the upper classes, and they sympa-
thized with the South, which they thought
represented the arstocratic element and
feeling. The mercantile classes of England
viewed the North as business rival, and were
glad of her peril with a selfish gladness. SO
misrepresentation was easy and popular
prejudice ran high. The real causes OF the war
were however, little understood at that time.
After it was over when the stability OF the
Union was assured; when the governmental
experiment which all the Old World rulers
regarded with jealousy and dislike had proved
the adamantine firmness of its foundations by
passing through trial which would have
wrecked any European systematic real
importance of the American Republic first
became recognized. Thenceforth it took its
position unquestioned in the front rank of
nations. ThencefOrth it was power mighty to
aid Liberalism and Democracy throughout the
world.
At that time the English Liberals, instructed
by John Bright and a few clear sighted men of
like views began to understand that the North,
i'm conquering secession and slavery, in CONSOLE
dating the Union anew, in vndicating the
persistence and vitality of the democratic
principle had advanced the cause of freedom
| everywhere, had discouraged if not paralyzed
absOutism and all its congeners, and had made
possible reforms which, had the South sue
ceeded, must have been delayed perhaps half a
| century. Slowly but surely the sturdy sense of
| the English mind absorbed these new ideas.
The process was presently quickcned by the
| more rapid means of communication between
| the countries The tourist the traveller, the
| investigating member of Parliament, all came
| to us. and our citizens passed over TO them.
Then the products OF the American press.
| bearing American IDEAS found their way 10
| Europe more abundantly, and they helped the
change onward. General Grants own world
| tour was an important aid, for it compelled
| the rediscussion of many points which had
been dismissed with hasty and inaccurate
| Judgments. Nor can the influence of American
success be ignored. During the past quarter
| of a century tho advance of tho United States
has been such as TO command tho admiration OF