Friends of the North quickly appreciated the situation and in strong speeches supported the neutrality policy of the Government.
Forster laid stress upon the danger of war and the strength of British emancipation sentiment as did Bright in what was, read to-day, the most powerful of all his parliamentary utterances on the American war.

In particular Bright voiced a general disbelief in the accuracy of Roebuck's report of his interview with Napoleon, called upon his "friend" Lindsay for his version[1090] of the affair, and concluded by recalling former speeches by Roebuck in which the latter had been fond of talking about the "perjured lips" of Napoleon.

Bright dilated upon the egotism and insolence of Roebuck in trying to represent the Emperor of France on the floor of the House of Commons.

The Emperor, he asserted, was in great danger of being too much represented in Parliament[1091].
The result of this first day's debate on June 30 was disconcerting to Southern friends.

It had been adjourned without a vote, for which they were duly thankful.