Later from Europe.
European advices to the 17th have been received. The London Times of 16th says that an influential deputation from the Society for obtaining the Cessation of Hostilities in America waited on the Premier the previous day, for the purpose of urging her Majesty's Government to take steps to bring about peace between the belligerents. Among the deputation were the Marquis of Clanricarde, the Bishop of Chichester, Lord Alfred Churchill, M P, Admiral Anson, etc. The deputation having been introduced, the Rev F W Tremlett submitted to the Premier that a very large number of letters which the Society had received, etc., indicated that a strong and increasing feeling exists in the country that Her Majesty's Government should, if possible, avail itself of its friendly relations with the Federal authorities to bring about a cessation of hostilities in America; that looking upon the restoration of the Union as impossible, and the independence of the Southern Confederacy as virtually un fuit acconipli, any prolongation of the war could only result in mutual slaughter, etc. Lord Palmerston, in reply, said that two facts were abundantly clear, viz: that the war was cruelly destructive to the Americans themselves, and the inconvenience caused by it was excessive. The question remained whether the Government had any rational ground for supposing that the Federal Government would listen to any proposals of mediation at the present moment. There was an old couplet-- ‘ They who in quarrels interposeWill oft wipe a bloody nose.
’ [Laughter.] He was not afraid of a bloody nose; but he feared that premature efforts would only have the effect of exasperating the North, and making it more difficult, when the passions were a little calmed, to effect the object all must have in view. The Government was led to think, from all accounts that reached them, that this was not the moment at which any mediatory proposals could be usefully made. Each party was equally confident of ultimate success, and the North especially jealous of interference. If, however, at any future time reasonable ground could be shown for supposing that friendly suggestions would be listened to, her Majesty's Government would be happy to use their efforts to arrive at such a desirable result as that of terminating this unhappy war. Admiral Anson, the Chairman or the Society, having thanked his lordship for his courtesy, the deputation withdrew.
