February 11, 1861; The Charleston Mercury
WASHINGTON, February 7, 1861.
A distinguished gentleman, just returned from a long sojourn abroad, says that the duty of the Southern Confederacy is to pay no earthly attention to the opinion of the foreign public. The South is universally despised at all the European Courts. Our people are regarded as among the lowest grades of humanity, grossly ignorant and brutal, and addicted to lawlessness and vice. This opinion, based upon the slanders of the Northern press, will never be changed until we have relieved ourselves from dependency upon the Northern papers, and proved the contrary by the establishment of a vigorous and polished literature; and, above all, by a brilliant feat of arms. We must first have our cause properly championed in a way to reach Europe, and inspire respect for our courage. There will be plenty of time to excite admiration for our culture.
The Postal Discontinuance Bill, which passed the House yesterday by a sweeping vote, and which will, no doubt, pass the Senate also, does not leave the Southern Confederacy entirely bereft of the delights of perusing Northern duos and Abolition journals. The mails will be carried to the border of the new Republic, and then handed over to ADAMS’ Express Company, or some other agency. If the ADAMS’ Company discover the same energy and promptness in carrying mail bags that they have heretofore displayed in transporting parcels, the change will be decidedly to the advantage of our people. Uncle Sam has never been noted for his speed as a mail agent, especially on the Southern and Southwestern routes. On three or four different occasions this winter, we have been for ten days at a time without a mail from Memphis and New Orleans. From the latter locality, I have been told that letters have never been known to come regularly for more than a few days in succession.
Touching the secret sessions of the Peace Congress, reports are discouraging for the Submissionists. The Republicans, it is stated, showed their anti compromise hand so plainly that even WM. C. RIVES had to take high Southern ground. Other statements, equally reliable, go to show that Mr. RIVES is on the side of the delay party, and against the prompt action which characterizes the position of Southern Rights men. The upshot will be a National Convention, and a saving of the Abolition and Border State Union, according to the new gospel of SEWARD and DOUGLAS.
Very many Northern manufacturers are here, in an agony of excitement about the Union. One of them – the largest maker of woolen goods in all the North – annoys WILSON, of Massachusetts, nearly to death with his importunate demands on him to save the Union. Large property holders are in trouble everywhere, and especially in this city. Two or three of them have gone entirely deranged in consequence of long continued anxiety about business; and the physicians say that there is a general tendency among large real estate owners here to mental depression and insanity.
SEVEN.