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.