The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1847-06-15
Our Foreign Relation s-Scixurc OF American
Vessels-The Governments OF Spain and
Brazil.


There has been for some time past an unplea-
SAINT feeling existing on the part of the govern
nent of Brazil towards that of the Uniled States,
and recent events have shown that the Brazilian
government have determined to place all the re-
strictions possible upon our commerce, for the
purpose of gratifying any prejudice the acts of
our Minister, near that government, may have
created in the discharge of his official duty.
An American whale ship has been seized, and
was at the last accounts in the possession of the
authorities in Rio Janeiro, for being engaged as
was represented, in taking in wood, water, and
provisions, at port having no custom house.
where American vessels had been forbid touch
ing. 1t is said that the government of Brazil
Rurposely prohibited American vessels from
touching at those ports, in consequence of the
slight rupture with the United States, and re-
moved facilities which our vessels have for so
many years enjoyed, upon the most shallow pre-
text. We are, however, not so sure of this.
We are waiting anxiously TO see how far this
thing will be carried, or what will be the result
of what has already been done. 1t would be we'll
for our government to wait patiently and watch
closely the policy of the Brazls, and if possible
cement stronger than ever the bonds which here
tofore bound US together. Our new envoy, who
will leave in few days for Rio Janeiro, may be
more agreeable to the government of that en-
pire, and he may be able to renew the amicable
relations which have existed, and place both
countries in a position of much importance to
each other. Our commerce with Brazil is ra-
pidly increasing, we are the largest consumers
of her principal products, and we place less re-
strictions upon the admission of her staples into
our ports, than any other nation under heavens
a. al L
PEELED to submit to greater restrictions upon our
export trade with Brazil than any other country,
and have gone on, year after year, with the hope
that some of them would be removed but thus
far we have looked in vain. Under all the dis
advantages, we have steadily pushed our trade
with that country; and it now appears that our
vessels are confscated while in the pursuit of
custom which our commercial marine has for
quarter of century enjoyed, without the slightest
obstruction.
We know not how far the government of Bra
iii intends pushing this business, but it would be
we'll to calmly consider its course before the re-
sponsibility is assumed. There is no nation in
existence we have more anxiety to be at peace
with than Brazil, but there never was a more
dangerous time to wrong us. II has, heretofore,
been done with impunity, it can never be done
SO again. The war fever runs high in this coun-
try, and il would be well not to give cause for
any increase.
Since the arrival of the Hibernia, and the re-
ceipt of intelligence relative to the capture of the
bark Carmelite, there has been considerable ex-
eltement in commercial circles, and the legality
of the capture, under the law Of nations, has
been much questioned The opinion of indi-
viduals upon the subject is matter of secon-
dairy importance we look to the government,
and the construction it puts upon the affair.
1t appears to us as clear q case of piracy as
ever came under our notice, and there is no other
name to give it. The government have no doubt
taken such measures as will ensure speedy set
Element of the matter. The government of Spain
cannot recognise This transaction in any other
light, and it must appear SO plain as to bring
about an immediate release Of the vessel seized |
To prevent any more captures, our naval force is
TO be increased on foreign stations; the steam
frigate Princeton will sail in few days for the |
TO cruise for privateers and
pirates.
There is a decision about the present govern
ment, which is gratifying TO see. Since the
time Of General Jackson, there has been an
apathy on the part Of the government relative to
our foreign relations, and the rights of our cti-
zens in foreign countries, which has done vast
deal Of injury abroad, and we are pleased to see a
change. We make ourselves feared and respect.
ID abroad by such a course, and we trust it will
not be abandoned. ! We know our rights, and can
them