Mr. Seward (aside).  But the future will care for itself.  We deal with the ‘Now.’ ‘There is “Yet” in that word “Hereafter."’ Great Britain has already acted on the assumption that the Confederate States (so called) are de facto a self-sustaining power.  After long forbearance, designed to soothe discontent and avert the need of civil war, the land and naval forces of the United States have been put in motion to repress insurrection.  The true character of the pretended new state is revealed.  It is seen to be a power existing in pronunciamento only.  It has obtained no forts that were not betrayed into its hands or seized in breach of trust.  It commands not a single port, nor one highway from its pretended capital by land.

Mr. Adams.  Her Majesty’s proclamation and the language of her ministers in both houses have raised insurgents to the level of a belligerent state.

Lord Russell.  I think more stress is laid upon these events than they deserve.  It was a necessity to define the course of the government in regard to the participation of the subjects of Great Britain in the impending conflict.  The legal officers were consulted.  They said war de facto existed.  Seven States were in open resistance.

Mr. Adams.  But your action was very rapid.  The new administration had been but sixty days in office.  All departments were demoralized.  The British government then takes the initiative, and decides practically it is a struggle of two sides, just as the country commenced to develop its power to cope with the rebellion.  It considered the South a marine power before it had exhibited a single privateer on the ocean.  The Greeks at the time of recognition had ‘covered the sea with cruisers.’

Lord Russell (smiling yet more blandly).  I cite you the case of the Fillmore government towards Kossuth and Hungary.  Was not an agent sent to the latter country with a view to recognition?

Mr. Seward (aside).  The proclamation, unmodified and unexplained, leaves us no alternative but to regard the government of Great Britain as questioning our free exercise of all the rights of self-defence guaranteed to us by our Constitution, and the laws of nature and of nations, to suppress insurrection.  But now as to the propositions sent, viz. (1.) Privateering abolished. (2.) Neutral flag covers enemy’s goods except contraband of war. (3.) Neutral goods safe under enemy’s flag, with same exception. (4.) Effective blockades.

Mr. Adams (aside to Mr. Seward).  It is to be agreed to, if there be received a written declaration by Great Britain, to accompany the signature of her minister,—­’Her Majesty does not intend thereby to undertake any engagement which shall have any bearing, direct or indirect, on the internal differences now prevailing in the United States.’