step,
and a strong link in a chain of ultimate recognition.

5. The Crown ministers early sought and obtained an understanding with
France for mutual action: an understanding palpably hostile to the
United States and tantalizingly acknowledged by open diplomacy.

6. The British ministry construed strictly as against the Washington
government, but liberally as toward that of Jeff Davis, in regard to all
arising complications.

7. The British government palpably permitted purchases and shipments of
contraband articles by Southern emissaries, but exercised the utmost
vigilance when the United States agents entered the market for similar
purposes.

8. The action of Lord Russell respecting the proposition to abolish
privateering was covertly insulting. It asked to interpolate a new
condition as between France and England of the one part and the United
States of the other; and a condition conceived in a spirit of liberality
toward Jeff Davisdom, and promulgated in a meddlesome mood toward the
United States government.

9. The tone of Lord Lyons was a more permissible manifestation of
British spleen than the higher functionaries at home displayed, yet none
the more acrid. This appears in all his letters and dispatches
respecting blockade, privateering, the arrest of spies, and the
detention of British subjects, or the seizure of prizes. It is
especially offensive in the letter to Mr. Seward which drew forth a
diplomatic rebuke upon a dictation by English law authority regarding
constitutional construction.

10. The correspondence of the State Department was conducted by Mr.
Seward (as was well said by the N.Y. Evening Post, Dec. 21) with great
skill and adroitness. It was also firm in the defence of our national
honor and rights. His rhetoric was always measured by the dignified,
tasteful, and cautious rules of international intercourse. Its entire
tone in correspondence was earnest but restrained, and in style fully
equaling his best, and most ornate efforts.

What are Mr. Seward's views in the 'Past' respecting England and the
emergency of a war with her, is a question now much mooted. It can be
readily answered by reference to a speech made at a St. Patrick's Day
dinner whilst he was Governor. 'Gentlemen, the English are in many
respects a wise as they are a great and powerful nation. They have
obtained an empire and ascendancy such as Rome once enjoyed. As the
Tiber once bore, the Thames now bears the tribute of