istance as essential. This was due to
the knowledge already at hand through a telegram from Napier at St.
Petersburg, November 8, that Russia would refuse[823]. But in the answer
to France it is the attitude of Russia that becomes an important reason
for British refusal as, indeed, it was the basis for harmonious decision
within the British Cabinet. This is not to say that had Russia acceded
England also would have done so, for the weight of Cabinet opinion,
adroitly encouraged by Palmerston, was against Russell and the result
reached was that which the Premier wished. More important in his view
than any other matter was the preservation of a united Ministry and at
the conclusion of the American debate even Gladstone could write: "As to
the state of matters generally in the Cabinet, I have never seen it
smoother[824]."

Public opinion in England in the main heartily supported the Cabinet
decision. Hammond described it as "almost universal in this country
against interference[825]," an estimate justified if the more important
journals are taken into account but not true of all. The _Times_ of
November 13 declared:

"We are convinced that the present is not the moment for
these strong measures. There is now great reason to hope that
by means of their own internal action the Americans may
themselves settle their own affairs even sooner than Europe
could settle them for them. We have waited so long that it
would be unpardonable in us to lose the merit of our
self-denial at such a moment as this.... We quite agree with
Mr. Cobden that it would be cheaper to keep all Lancashire on
turtle and venison than to plunge into a desperate war with
the Northern States of America, even with all Europe at our
back. In a good cause, and as a necessity forced upon us in
defence of our honour, or of our rightful interests, we are
as ready to fight as we ever were; but we do not see our duty
or our interest in going blindfold into an adventure such as
this. We very much doubt, more over, whether, if Virginia
belonged to France as Canada belongs to England, the Emperor
of the French would be so active in beating up for recruits
in this American mediation league."

This was followed up two days later by an assertion that no English
statesman had at any time contemplated an offer of mediation made in
such a way as to lead to actual conflict with the U