In comparison with this, what would be the gain to be derived from any collision with the powers of Europe[1377] ?" It is strange that with so clearly-expressed a division of English opinion on American democracy few in America itself appreciated the significance of the British controversy.

J.M.Forbes, who had been on a special mission to England, wrote to Lincoln, on his return[1378]: "Our friends abroad see it! John Bright and his glorious band of English Republicans see that we are fighting for Democracy or (to get rid of the technical name) for liberal institutions; the Democrats and the liberals of the old world are as much and as heartily with us as any supporters we have on this side.
Our enemies too see it in the same light; the Aristocrats and the Despots of the old world see that our quarrel is that of the People against an Aristocracy[1379]." But there are few similar expressions and these few nearly always came from men who had been abroad and had thus come into direct contact with British political movements.

Meanwhile, Lee's retreat from Pennsylvania had produced a like retreat in the opinions on the failure of democracy earlier confidently held by the professedly neutral press.

In September, having arrived at the point by the usual process of gradually facing about, the _Times_ was bold enough to deny that England had any personal feeling or concern about democracy in America or that this had anything to do with English attitude on the war[1380].

Thenceforth neither the _Times_ nor any of the leading papers saw fit to revive with vigour the cry of "democracy's failure," no matter how persistent in proclaiming ultimate victory for the South.