032

LIFE OF COBDEN.

[omAP

1865. that the misery and depopulation of Ireland has sprung
&r. 60. from centuries of oppression and outrageous injustice on
the part of England, follow the Irish to America, and mstead
 of frankly acknowledging that they have grounds of
resentment towards us, fasten their quarrel on the Americans
who have given them an asylum !
“Shall I confess the thought that troubles me in copnexion
 with this subject? Ihave seen with disgust the
altered tone with which America has been treated since she
was believed to have committed suicide or something like
it. In our diplomacy, our press, and with our public
speakers, all hastened to kick the dead lion. Now in &
few months everybody will know that the North will
triumph, and what troubles me is lest I should live to se
our ruling class—which can understand and respect powe”
better than any other class—grovel once more, and more
basely than before, to the giant of democracy. This would
not only inspire me with disgust and indignation, but with
shame and humiliation. I think I see signs that it i8
coming. The T%mes is less insolent and Lord Palmerston
is more civil.”
“March 15. (To Mr. Bright.)—I have read through the
whole of the debate on Monday. The alteration of ton
is very remarkable. It is clear that the homage which was
refused to justice and humanity will be freely given to success.
 No part of your speech was to me more acceptable
than where you threw in the parenthetical reflection that
the sacrifices of the North were not to put Bourbons on the
throne of France or to keep the Turk in Europe. Still, do
not let us deceive ourselves. There will be a back reckoning:
It is all very well to talk of future peace and goodwill,
but the Americans will feel that they have a substantial
wrong to redress with this country. In international 18%
if there be such a thing) a nation is a unit, and the whole 18