Year: 1863

The first light, as We believe, that vii
break through theenveloping clouds of thi:
tremendous revolution will dawn where the
sun emerges+scross the Atlantic. u


1t will come in the shape of combined
movement by foreign nations in favor of four
recognition as an independent Power. Not
the most remote star Of hope, we think
glimmers above the horizon of our hemis-
phere to fash solitary ray of light across
the murky expanse. The situation of the
two combatants, and the Overwhelming is.
sue at stake between them, forbids that
there should be any. The issue is nothing
less than one of national life and death, in
which defeat involves to one party bank
ruptcy and ruin more overwhelming than
ever overlook nation, and to the other a
debasing enslavement more intolerable than
the most abject serf ever endured. In such
a dilemma how can the combatants ever
settle peaceP 1t is with settled convlc-
tion Of the impracticability of any other ad-
justment that we say, look to the East for
light. Our soldiers have done and are still
doing all that can be done on the field. Vic.
tory after victory crowns our arms. But
where is the hope of conquerlng peace
from nation which the moment it grants
it upon our terms, seals its own destruction2
We do not mean by this view Of the case
to disparage the heroism Of our troops and
the skill of our generals. Far from it. 1t
is to their noble achievements we shall
have to point as evidence Of our ability to
maintain our independence when we ask
from foreign Powers to recognize US as wor-
thy the precious boon.


rhe idea we would convey is simply that
valor and arms have done and are doing
craftsmanship and a diplomacy must come
to their rescue and support. t is evident
the counsels of the camp have transcended
in ability, up to this time, the counsels OF
the Cabinet. The willy Prime Minister OF
the Lincoln government appreciates, we
fear, better than our chief councillors do
the telling influence of diplomatic strategy
in this war.


What is in the way of our recognition by
foreign Powers? Does any one know? Our
best hope for deliverance from this appa-
rently interminable conflict is, as we be-
lisve in that direction, and makes this
vital, most absorbing question. Werepeat,
why are we not recognized by the leading
Powers of Europe2 If our representatives
abroad do not know, they have been sent
on their mission to but little purpose. If
they do know, of course the secret has been
communicated to the Sanhedrim at Rich
mond, and we would respectfully ask
Of them to out with it to the people. ls the
institution Of slavery the great stumbling
block to our independence? This is an
enormous question, we admit, to deal with,
but beyond the cope Of broad and far-slght-
ed statesmanship. At least, it would not
damage our cause to compromise our dlgnl'
ty to know what are the views and notions
of the transatlantic world as to the most
reasonable and practicable plan OF settling
the issue, if issue it is, between US


The issue between the North and the
South is one to be settled only by the aroi-
trament of arms; let us try and settle that
between the South and Europe on the to-
renslc arena. The settlement of the latter,
we believe, will make the former foregone
conclusion