THE members from the Southern States, the representatives of the Slave States, were invited by the representatives of the Free States to state candidly and frankly what were the terms they required, in order that they might continue peaceable in the Union; but from beginning to end there is not one syllable said about tariff or taxation. From the beginning to end there is not a grievance alleged but that which was connected with the maintenance of slavery.
This is a war to perpetuate and extend human slavery. It is a war not to defend slavery as it was left by their ancestors — I mean, a thing to be retained and to be apologised for, — it is a war to establish a slave empire, — a war in which slavery shall be made the cornerstone of the social system.
Well, I say, God pardon the men, who, in this year of grace 1863, should think that such a project as that could be crowned with success.
Précis
Richard Cobden, a veteran campaigner for free trade, objected to the way that British supporters of the Confederacy in America’s Civil War made out that the issue was freedom to trade, citing an American report showing that the Southern States themselves seemed concerned only with their right to legalise and extend slavery. (52 / 60 words)