"
The _Times_ was disinclined, for once, to moralize, and was cautious in
comment:
"Ever since he found himself firmly established in his
office, and the first effervescence of national feeling had
begun to subside, we have had no great reason to complain of
the conduct of Mr. Lincoln towards England. His tone has been
less exacting, his language has been less offensive and, due
allowance being made for the immense difficulties of his
situation, we could have parted with Mr. Lincoln, had such
been the pleasure of the American people, without any vestige
of ill-will or ill-feeling. He has done as regards this
country what the necessities of his situation demanded from
him, and he has done no more[1240]."
This was to tread gently; but more exactly and more boldly the real
reaction of the press was indicated by _Punch's_ cartoon of a phoenix,
bearing the grim and forceful face of Lincoln, rising from the ashes
where lay the embers of all that of old time had gone to make up the
_liberties_ of America[1241].
During the months immediately preceding Lincoln's re-election English
friends of the South had largely remained inactive. Constantly twitted
that at the chief stronghold of the _Southern Independence Association_,
Manchester, they did not dare to hold a meeting in the great Free Trade
Hall[1242], they tried ticket meetings in smaller halls, but even there
met with opposition from those who attended.
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