r rumours of some new move
by Napoleon. Being undeceived[1171] he gave a ready ear to other
rumours, received privately through Delane of the _Times_, that an
important Southern victory would soon be forthcoming[1172]. Donoughmore,
the herald of this glad news also wrote:

"Our political prospects here are still very uncertain. The
Conference on the Danish question will either make or mar
the Government. If they can patch up a peace they will remain
in office. If they fail, out they go[1173]."

Here was early expressed the real hope of one faction of extreme
Southern friends in the Danish question. But Lindsay had not yet made
clear where he stood on a possible use of a European situation to affect
the cause of the South. Now, as always, he was the principal confidant
and friend of Mason in England, but he was on ordinary political
questions not in sympathy with Tory principles or measures. He was soon
disgusted with the apathy of the London Independence Association and
threatened to resign membership if this organization, started with much
trumpeting of intended activity, did not come out boldly in a public
demand for the recognition of the South[1174]. He had already let it be
known that another motion would be made in Parliament for mediation and
recognition and was indignant that the Association did not at once
declare its adherence. Evidently there were internal difficulties.
Lindsay wrote Mason that he retained membership only to prevent a break
up of the Association and had at last succeeded in securing a meeting of
the Executive Committee when his proposed parliamentary resolution would
be considered. The Manchester Association was much more alert and ready
to support him. "The question is quite ripe _for fresh agitation_ and
from experience I find that that agitation _must_ be started by a debate
in Parliament. No notice is taken of lectures or speeches in the
provinces[1175]."

Before any move was made in Parliament letters to the newspapers began
anew to urge that the Ministry should be pressed to offer mediation in
America. They met with little favourable response. The _Times_, at the
very end of Lindsay's effort, explained its indifference, and recited
the situation of October-November, 1862, stating that the question had
then been decided once for all. It declared that Great Britain had "no
moral right to interfere" and added that to attempt to do so would
result in filling "the Nort