The _Saturday Review_ was less sure that England should rejoice with the North.

British self-esteem had suffered some hard blows at the hands of the Democratic party in America, but at least England knew where Democrats stood, and could count on no more discourtesy or injustice than that inflicted in the past.

The Republican party, however, had no policy, except that of its leader, Seward, and from him might be expected extreme insolence[37].

This was a very early judgment of Seward, and one upon which the _Saturday Review_ preened itself later, as wholly justified.

The _Spectator_, the only one of the four journals thus far considered which ultimately remained constant in advocacy of the Northern cause, was at first lukewarm in comment, regarding the 1860 election, while fought on the slavery issue, as in reality a mere contest between parties for political power[38].
Such was the initial attitude of the English press.