Slavery[958]?" His
position and his skill in presentation made him a valuable ally to
the North.

Thus British anti-slavery circles, previously on the defensive, became
aroused and enthusiastic when Lincoln's January 1, 1863, proclamation
made good his pledge of the previous September: other elements of
opinion, and in all classes, were strengthened in like measure, and
everywhere the first expression of fear of a servile insurrection
largely disappeared. In truth, pro-Northern England went to such
lengths in its support of emancipation as to astound and alarm the
_Saturday Review_, which called these demonstrations a "carnival of
cant[959]." More neutral minds were perplexed over the practical
difficulties and might well agree with Schleiden who wrote in January,
1863, quoting Machiavelli: "What is more difficult, to make free men
slaves, or slaves free[960]?" But by the end of January the popular
approval of emancipation was in full swing. On the evening of the
twenty-ninth there took place in London at Exeter Hall, a great mass
meeting unprecedented in attendance and enthusiasm. The meeting had been
advertised for seven o'clock, but long before the hour arrived the hall
was jammed and the corridors filled. A second meeting was promptly
organized for the lower hall, but even so the people seeking admission
crowded Exeter Street and seriously impeded traffic in the Strand.
Outdoor meetings listened to reports of what was going on in the Hall
and cheered the speakers. The main address was made by the Rev. Newman
Hall, of Surrey Chapel. A few Southern sympathizers who attempted to
heckle the speakers were quickly shouted down[961].

The "carnival of cant," as the _Saturday Review_ termed it, was truly a
popular demonstration, stirred by anti-slavery leaders, but supported by
the working and non-enfranchised classes. Its first effect was to
restore courage and confidence to Northern supporters in the upper
classes. Bright had welcomed emancipation, yet with some misgivings. He
now joined in the movement and in a speech at Rochdale, February 3, on
"Slavery and Secession," gave full approval of Lincoln's efforts.

In 1862, shortly after the appearance of Spence's _American Union_,
which had been greeted with great interest in England and had influenced
largely upper-class attitude in favour of the South, Cairnes had
published his pamphlet, "Slave Power." This was a reasoned analysis of
the basis of slavery and a direct