The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1850-09-13
The BOasted Hrisish NAVY


attentions of an American gentleman residing in
London, to present our readers with true survey
OF the British navy, and with q list of the naval
losses OF Great Britain in lSl2-l5. To the latter
we alluded, as far our recollection served, on
the sixth of July last, though it appears that we
were far beneath the truth in the reference then
made TO the destruction of English shipping dur
ing our last war with England The public were
surprised at the document connected with the
English marine, because it threw so much light
upon what has been hitherto uncertain and dark.
Little has been known in England or in the United
States, of the sad havoc made among British yes.
sells during the last contes, between this and the
mother country.
Nearly one-fourth of the whole British tonnage
of that time, fell before the pro and energy of
cur marine: and, as Sir Charles Napier said, in a
speech in 1872, orders given to British officers
to run away from American ships when they
were even equal in guns and men. He himself,
be stated, had received such orders, though he
deemed it best to place them in the only fitting
position-the quarter gallery. However, the quar-
ter gallery, it appears, not the best place on all
occasions, for such orders, as may be seen by our
victories over superior strength and power on many
occasions. We have no ambition to boast; bu, so
ofthe seas-Britannia ruling the MAIN and so many
En9lishmen have been Dibdenized into the musical
belief that there is much "truth in poetry" par
tcularly with regard naval affairs that we must
be permitted, in very plain and selfsatisiied terms,
to express strong doubt of the beasted power and
efficiency of the British navy
Ii is all very fine for public servants, in the
shape of ministers, ambassadors, and diploma
into Il ln.~
each other, and to refer to the past with
agricultural exactude-planting the seeds for
crop of popularity; but take il that such efforts
are not quite SO satisfactory TO the people at large
as would be some sound information, of real
value to the nation The phrases of after-dinner
speeches always have vinous warmth, and the
sparkling qualities of champagne, with all the eier
vescence for which that liquid is celebrated-but it
is not food for great people. There is something
more solid desired Non. commtalsm may be
very safe path for minister TO tread in a foreign
county but where there are vas, national in
terests at stake ii would be better to abjure public
dinners, and devote the public's valuable time to
important questions affecting the great future of
this continent. We have vast deal too much
public speaking, and too little public action, par
tcularly while Palmerston is in power in England
minister to do there. TO check that pertinacous
Neptune Of politicians in his iDfracons upon the
peace of the ocean. Whenever he appears, it is
the signal for the most gloomy asprehensions
One hour cannot tell what another hour will
bring forth, what effect may not result from the
reckless political lbertinism Of that dangerous
man, as the acts with respect to the searching of
our ships, the burning Of Brazilian vessel of war,
the seizure of San Juan from Nicaragua, the az
gressions in Greece and the Chinese seas, and in
other parts of the world, too plainly evince.
Being satisfied, while the cause of such deeds
Continues in existence, that the peace of the world
will be threatened, We naturally inquire wha,
power there is behind the English Minister OF
Foreign Affairs to excite in him so vast spirit of
aggression, and bravery of the worlds opinion.
And what do We find The maa stands sur.
rounded by naval force inferior TO that of Russia
or France, in the midst of rotten ships, aud with
out being capable Of carrying out his designs
any very dangerous scale, il pushed to extremtes.
The "sreat navy" dwndles to a small force
the thousand ships of war are but the dreams Of
boastfu imagination, and the truth remarks but
very unequal and inefficient battery, when com.
pared with the naval force of other nations. This
being understood, We may demand, without any
rear, ndt no weak power on tns continent al least,
shall be subjected 60 any improper treatment at the
dicium Of Lord Palmerson; and if he chooses TO
provoke a difficulty, by his obstinate pertinacity
and agere ssion, he cannot expect that the United
States will view such conduct with indifference
The coercive principle of Great Britain is
ploded idea. II has no power to carry il out.
Abandon il, it must. The good sense Of English
men will acknowledge this, and, we doubt not,
will throw upon Lord Palmers,ons policy ali that
csnsure which his frequent acts call for so vehe-
mently. Under the guidance Of foregn minister
Of liberal and enlightened mind, England or the
United States would have nothing TO apprehend;
but the existence Of Lord Palmerston in the Br-
,ish cabine, will assuredly bring about, at no dis
tant day, serious troubles, II not ffehful war,
between 40 countries whose highest purpose and
privilege should be their own peace and that Of
the world. AZ effects succeed to causes,
so surely will the continuance Of Lord Palmersion
Ia power-for we have faith in his penitence, or
IN his judgmen,-excie the bitterest animosities,
and actual hosttics. How faT we may be pre-
pared for the sequel will be proved in the future
but while there IL a belief that the English foreign
minister will remain in office, we are warned, as
by the voice Of prophecy, to make every prepara-
ton to meet that boasted navy whose imaginary
greatness lss become the bug.bear of nations.