ey
were duly thankful. Especially disconcerting was Slidell's refusal to
permit the citation of Mocquard's note in proof of Roebuck's assertions.
Mason wrote:

"I have your note of 29th ult. You will see in the papers of
to-day the debate in the House last night, at which I was
present, and will have seen what in the H.L. Lord Russell
said in reply to Lord Campbell. Thus the French affair
remains in a 'muss,' unless the Emperor will show his hand
_on paper_, we shall never know what he really means, or
derive any benefit from his private and individual
revelations. As things now stand before the public, there can
be but one opinion, i.e., that he holds one language in
private communications, though 'with liberty to divulge,'
and another to his ambassador here. The debate is adjourned
to to-morrow night, when Lindsay will give in his
explanation. It would be uncivil to say that I have no
confidence in the Emperor, but certainly what has come from
him so far can invite only distrust[1092]."

As in Parliament, so in the public press, immediate recognition of the
Confederacy received little support. The _Times_, while sympathetic with
the purpose was against Roebuck's motion, considering it of no value
unless backed up by force; to this the _Times_ was decidedly
opposed[1093]. Of like opinion was the _Economist_, declaring that
premature recognition was a justifiable ground for a declaration of war
by the North[1094]. July 2, Roebuck asked when the debate was to be
renewed and was told that must wait on Palmerston's recovery and return
to the House. Bright pressed for an immediate decision. Layard
reaffirmed very positively that no communication had been received from
France and disclosed that Napoleon's alleged complaint of a British
revelation to Seward of French overtures was a myth, since the document
in question had been printed in the _Moniteur_, thus attracting Seward's
attention[1095]. Thus Roebuck was further discredited. July 4, Spence
wrote strongly urging the withdrawal of the motion:

"I have a letter from an eminent member of the House and
great friend of the South urging the danger of carrying Mr.
Roebuck's motion to a vote. It is plain it will be defeated
by a great majority and the effect of this will encourage the
North and distress our friends. It will also strengthen the
minority of the Cabinet i