and libels upon the character of our people and the institutions and policy of our Government.”—­He then discovered that abolitionism began, in England, and that “she keeps her missionaries perambulating this country, delivering lectures and scattering abroad incendiary publications, designed to excite prejudices, hate, and strife between the different sections of the Union.”—­He then, with Illinois truthfulness, hints at Uncle Tom’s Cabin, as though it were English literature, and which, he says, “is designed to stir up treason and insurrection around his—­Mr. Butler’s—­fireside,” &c.—­He returns to the charge, and asserts, with equal accuracy, “Millions are being expended to distribute Uncle Tom’s Cabin throughout the world, with the view of combining the fanaticism, ignorance, and hatred of all the nations of the earth in a common crusade against the peculiar institutions of the State and section of this Union represented by the senator from South Carolina.”  One might almost imagine that the copy of Webster’s Dictionary, which Mr. Douglas has in his library—­if he possess such a thing—­has omitted an old English word, spelt T R U T H.

But the point I wish to call the reader’s especial attention to, is, that the little senator’s rabid rhapsody was received with shouts of gallery applause, which, as I have before observed, is an exhibition of sentiment not allowed in the Senate to either members of Congress or gallery.  Yet, so thoroughly had he expressed the feelings of the said rowdies, that they could not resist the unlawful burst of approval.  Mr. Butler of course replied to his absurd arguments; but my object is not discussion.  I only allude to the subject at all for the purpose of proving my previous assertion, that within the walls of Congress itself, elements calculated to engender feelings of animosity towards Great Britain are to be found at work.  It is this deep-seated consciousness of guilt that makes that portion of the citizens of the Republic so sensitive with regard to the observations which proceed from this country.  Americans like Mr. Butler, who maintain the dignity of their country without descending to paltry popularity-hunting calumny, can afford to read any criticisms which may come from across the water with as much calmness as American remarks are read here.  Such men have no accusing conscience gnawing at their vitals.  If the population of the two countries were fed upon Judge Douglas’s venomous diet, ere long, like the Kilkenny cats, nothing but the tails would be left.

I have felt it imperative to make these remarks, that my countrymen may understand why they so constantly find the strongest symptoms of hostility to England in a certain class of American writers.  Even in the text-books for children, you can detect the same animus working.  Miss Willard, in her History of the United States, narrates that six Indian chiefs came to Colonel Washington, the grandfather of the founder of the Republic, to treat for peace.