Foreign nations.
Since the last hope has faded away of recognition by foreign nations, the
South has exhibited tenfold energy and determination.
Nations, she has at last discovered, do not recognize anything but their own interests.
It is true, there are sometimes sympathies between nations, which, when it does not cost them anything, they indulge with pleasure.
There has always been in the
South a great admiration of
France and her
Emperor, and if not of the
English Government, at least of its people, sentiments, which have been heartily reciprocated during the present war. But, beyond this inexpensive friendship, we may look around the world in vain for encouragement.
The hourly increasing distresses in the manufacturing districts of
England and
France have no effect upon the policy of their Governments.
With the demonstrated fact of a paper blockade in their possession, they look unmoved upon the widening gulf of want and bankruptcy beneath their feet, when a word might cause it to disappear forever.
Whilst, however, all this is true, it ought not to affect our sentiments towards the people of those countries.
It would be puerile, and indicate a want of proper self-respect, to withdraw now the good opinion we have entertained of the
French and
English, because their Governments pursue a certain line of policy.
We must allow to nations the prerogative of judging for themselves what are their own interests; and, whilst we may regret that they cannot see them as we do, it is unreasonable to denounce them for their decision.
There is no knight errantry among Governments, and we cannot expect them to come lance in hand to our relief, as if we were some forlorn damsel, standing in awful need of their protection.
We ought ourselves to disdain to occupy such a position, and to blush that such a though had ever been permitted to enter our minds.
We are well satisfied that the sympathies of both the
French and
English people are with the
South, nor should we be surprised it the
French Government shares to a greater extent than is imagined the sympathies of the people.
Napoleon III, is undoubtedly the first states man of the age, the greatest man new living, and one whose clear and comprehensive eye can discern at a glance the benefits which
France may derive from a wise use of the present opportunity.
He is not only a statesman, but a man of great practical sense, who has done more for the development of French enterprise, in both commerce and manufactures, than any of his predecessors. --But he is taciturn and circumspect, and we must give solid proof, not only in the devotion of our people, but in the energy of its Government and its attention to practical details, that our affairs are conducted in a manner to insure ultimate success, before we can demand as of right the entire confidence of the world.
With all the channels of communication with the outer world blocked up, and no sources of intelligence to foreign Governments but those which are inimical to us in the highest degree, we should not expect foreign nations to act without great circumspection and such a survey of the whole ground as will save them from the peril of compromising those interests of their peoples which they are bound to promote.
That those interests, if intelligently understood, would demand their intervention, we have not the shadow of a doubt, but we see no reason at present to expect that it will be tendered, nor would we have our countrymen depend upon it in any way, nor, at the same time, be impatient and offended because it is not offered.
