Hence as the war dragged on, the Ministry, pressed from various angles at home, ventured, with much uncertainty, upon a movement looking toward mediation.

Its desire was first of all for the restoration of world peace, nor can any other motive be discovered in Russell's manoeuvres.

This attempt, fortunately for America and, it may be believed, for the world, was blocked by cool heads within the Ministry itself.

There was quick and, as it proved, permanent readjustment of policy to the earlier decision not to meddle in the American crisis.
This very failure to meddle was cause of great complaint by both North and South, each expectant, from divergent reasons, of British sympathy and aid.

The very anger of the North at British "cold neutrality" is evidence of how little America, feeling the ties of race and sentiment, could have understood the mistaken view-point of diplomats like Stoeckl, who dwelt in realms of "reasons of state," unaffected by popular emotions.