with another war with us scarcely
less horrible[1279]." Governmental circles, however, belittled the
agitation. Burnley, temporarily representing England at Washington, was
assured by Seward, and so reported, that all these rumours of a foreign
war were of Southern origin, had in fact been actually elaborated at the
Hampton Roads Conference, but were perfectly understood by the North as
but part of the Southern game, and that the Southern offer had been
flatly refused[1280]. In a parliamentary debate in the Commons on March
13, arising out of governmental estimates for military expenditures in
Canada, opportunity was given for a discussion of relations with
America. A few Members gave voice to the fear of war, but the general
tone of the debate was one of confidence in the continuance of peaceful
relations. Bright, in a vigorous and witty speech, threw right and left
criticisms of Parliament, the Press, and individuals, not sparing
members of the Government, but expressed the utmost confidence in the
pacific policy of Lincoln. As one known to be in close touch with
America his words carried weight[1281]. Palmerston gave assurances that
the present relations between the two Governments were perfectly
friendly and satisfactory. The effect of the debate, reported Adams, was
to quiet the panic[1282], yet at the same time England was now awake to
and somewhat alarmed by, America's "prodigious development of physical
power during the war." To quiet this, Adams recommended "prudence and
moderation in tone[1283]."

Thus the actual cessation of hostilities in America and the possible
effect of this event on foreign relations had been for some time
anticipated and estimated in Great Britain[1284]. The news of Lee's
surrender, therefore, caused no great surprise since the _Times_ and
other papers had been preparing the public for it[1285]. Newspaper
comment on the event followed closely that of the _Times_, rendering
honour to the militant qualities of the South and to Lee, but writing
_finis_ to the war:

"Such is the end of the great army which, organized by the
extraordinary genius of one man, aided by several other
commanders of eminent ability, has done such wonders in this
war. Not even the Grand Army of Napoleon himself could count
a series of more brilliant victories than the force which,
raised chiefly from the high-spirited population of Virginia,
has defeated so many invasions of the