He has the sagacity to perceive that the genius and
development of the graduates of Northern school-houses are totally
opposed to a military rule. Mr. Dicey cordially recognizes the
democratic idea which sanctifies our convulsion, and displays a careful
observation in noting "the self-restraint, the moderation, and the
patience of the American people in the conduct of the people's war." He
is not over-disturbed because this same people loved law and order more
than freedom itself, and with few murmurs committed high principles to
the championship of whatever petty men happened to represent them.
Indeed, one of the best sayings he reports is that of an old Polish
exile, who congratulates himself that there will be no saviours of
society, no fathers of their country, to be provided for when the war
is over.
Throughout these two volumes British readers may discern something more
than the barren facts of our struggle: they may catch glimpses of its
energy and movement; they may see it as reflected from the most generous
American minds.
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