" The article in the London "Times" was
eagerly reprinted in this country, was issued as a tract and sold by
the hundred, headed, "What they think of 'Uncle Tom' in England." If I
mistake not, a strong effort will be made to pervert the public mind
of England, and to do away the impression which the book has left.
For a time after it was issued it seemed to go by acclamation. From
quarters the most unexpected, from all political parties, came an
almost unbroken chorus of approbation. I was very much surprised,
knowing the explosive nature of the subject. It was not till the sale
had run to over a hundred thousand copies that reaction began, and the
reaction was led off by the London "Times." Instantly, as by a
preconcerted signal, all papers of a certain class began to abuse; and
some who had at first issued articles entirely commendatory, now
issued others equally depreciatory. Religious papers, notably the "New
York Observer," came out and denounced the book as _anti-
Christian_, anti-evangelical, resorting even to personal slander on
the author as a means of diverting attention from the work.
All this has a meaning, but I think it comes too late. I can think of
no reason why it was not tried sooner, excepting that God had intended
that the cause should have a hearing. It is strange that they should
have waited so long for the political effect of a book which they
might have foreseen at first; but not strange that they should, now
they _do_ see what it is doing, attempt to root it up.
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