Mr. Adams to Mr. Seward.
Sir: Owing to the delayed passage of the steamer Asia, I have only this morning received the despatches due this week. They embrace those numbered from 1112 to 1120, inclusive. There are, however, two numbered 1116, of different dates, one of the 7th and the other of the 10th instant. I shall take an early opportunity to communicate to her Majesty’s government the information transmitted with both the last named.
There is little to comment upon in the events of the last week. The season for what are here denominated extra-parliamentary utterances is now commencing. The most interesting speeches yet reported are those by Mr. Gladstone, Lord Stanley, the solicitor general, and Mr. Bernal Osborn. It is satisfactory to perceive that, in regard to the policy adopted towards the United States, the tone is uniform and settled. However these persons may differ in opinion on the questions involved in the struggle, they agree in the one point of the inexpediency of meddling with it. This appears to render it probable that the action of the government under any administration will continue much the same.
With regard to internal politics, there is growing more and more difficulty to perceive the shades of difference between existing parties. From the tenor of Lord Stanley’s views, it is very clear that the conservatism of the present day has ceased to represent the toryism of the last generation. On the other hand, the position of Lord Palmerston is the sole tie which holds back the progressive movement of the liberal leaders. A few days since he completed his eightieth year. He is still reported as tolerably hearty, so that he may be enabled to sustain the present condition of things during the remainder of the term of this Parliament, or, in other words, until May, 1866. After that time, as the latest’ date, the probability is that new combinations will develop themselves. Already preparations are making, on all sides, for an active canvass for seats in the new Parliament. The reaction caused by the struggle in America has spent itself for the present. But it is impossible to doubt that much effect may yet be produced on the result by the more or less favorable issue of our difficulties.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.