The Daily Dispatch: June 3, 1864., [Electronic resource]

George Sala on the Beast.

‘ There are few more curious subjects for speculation than that involved in the probable reception which would be met with by the political refugees whom the chances of this contest may force long, to seek an asylum in Great Britain. We have been, from time immemorial, accustomed to extend a frank hospitality to exits of every shade of creed and party. The dethroned tyrant and the escaped have been equally welcome. Louts Philippe or Louis Napoleon; Metternich or Mezzini; Kossuth or Jean de Bourbont Charles the Tenth or Clausidies; it is all one to us. We should be happy to harbor Souleque; we should be happy to see Juarez; and if His Hollness the Pope turned up some fine morning at Exeter Hall would leave its card upon him to strive to convert him. Abraham Lincoln in condon would be a lien, and Mr Beresford Hope, the Marquie of Bath, and Lord Robert Ceell would be proline of civilities to Jefferson Davis. But how would it be if Benjamin F Butler came among us ? Would there be one spot of English, or French, or Italian ground where he could find rest for the sole of his shot ? I seem to hear the managers of the Grand Hotel and the Louvre saying they were very sorry, but they had not a single bed left, and hundreds of guests vowing that they would pack up and leave immediately if Butler were harbored. I seem to see the waiters at table d'hotes and cafes turning away from him. I seem to hear the whole European continent crying out that Benjamin F Butler is a pariah and an outlaw.

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