The southern press. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1851-01-29

nov. MI ANS AND lONSUL MATHEW AGAIN.
Our remarks on the correspondence between the
British consul for The Carolinas and Gov. Means,
were somewhat abruptly terminated on Saturday
for lack of time and room. The subject is OF
that interest that we may well renew its discus
sion. We still think its most important asp ct
is that upon which we laid stress on Saturday
viz; the opening of correspondence by the gov
eminent of Great Britain with All individual
State of this Union, and treating with il as
sovereign, independent power. Some hours OF
reflection have only served to Impress us with
the magnitude and Importance OF the principle
involved in this precedent, and before tracing
the consequences to which the admission OF
such principle may lead, it seems eminently
desirable to show, clearly and ncontroyerliblv
that it does pervade the orrespondence--tha'
| South Carolina is treated as an independent,
sovereignty by the representative of Great Brit
ain, and that in her response she places herself
upon that footing.
! OF this there Is no lack Of evidence, ~ will be
manifest on reference TO the letters of both par.
ties. 1t is found in the following expressions
---"1'he direct mode adopted by IT, Is. Ms Gov
eminent in this communication will, the under
signed hopes, be accepted as n further proof OF
consideration and good WILL" &c; the State OF
South Carolina has derived advantages from,
| the present liberal commercial intercourse with
| Great Britain y "other countries' than South
Carolina will strengthen the existing bGnds OF
commerce, of friendship, and Of mutual good
faith with kindred nafion;;" thus writes MIR.
Consul General Mathew, and Governor Means
is seven more explicit in his assumptions Of equal
| lily. He assures the consul that the State over
which he presides enteftaius 'no disposition to
do anything that might end to disturb The amic-
able relations noo erisiing bet,oeen The TWO
GOVERNMENTS !" "the law was not enacted as an
unnecessary restraint upon the seamcn claiming
Che protection of the flag ofany friendly poscer y
and Governor Means concludes his second "note'
with the usual diplomatic assurances of friendly
feelings toward the government he is address.
ing.
So that the diplomatic character Of the cor
respondence, as between two independent ma
TONS is placed beyond controversy. Equally
certain is it that the course pursued by the Bri-
fish governu ent--for the consul distinctly de-
clares that he isycting under "instruc ions" by
which the responsibility of the proceeding is
thrown upon the British cabinct-is unusual,
and we believe unparalleled as between friendly
nations Taken alone, the action of the British
government would seem to be designedly dis
respectful and insulting to the Government of
the United States. But to suppose this the
true intent of the proceeding would be unreal
sonable, seeing that in all negotiations between
the two countries very liberal and friendly
spirit has been evnced up TO the present time.
Nor, for now many years, have we had reason
to doubt the good faith Of Great Britain in her
intercourse with this Republic Her interests
have been and are identified with our own
Peace, so far as tie United States are considered,
ia her policy, as we verify believe it is her de-
sire, and never perhaps was such policy on her
part so entirely expedeut as 1t is at the present
time These facts taken into nccount-the
friendly disposition that has recently been rap
idly growing up between the two countries, and
The continuance Of such policy being ma'ifestly
the interest of Great Britain---we cannot per-
suade ourselves that anything disrespectfu or
insuI,ing to the Federal Government Of this
Union was designed by the British cabinet.
But a motive has been attributed to the Brit
sh government as prompting this correspon-
dence, which, were il the correct motive, would
make this action of Mr.. Mathew casus beHi,
almost without further parey or negotiation,
that Great Britain has anxiousy watched the
progress Of the rebellion in this country" ION
the part of South Carolina) and that this cores
pondence was an intentional recognition OF the
sovereignty per Sc of the Palmetto : tate--a Civ
ivy 10 Upf 'au ana CohiloIt ~ HSi 'litptu IT.
bellion." so that her threat OF secession may be
more easily carried into effect and the benefit of
her severance accruc TO England. We are sur
prised to find this boldly assumed in an infuen-
tial city Journal and must suppose it to have
been written without due reflection. For, il the
fret place, there has been no " rebellion" on the
part Of South Carolina or any other State. If
there has been, the Executive has been crimi-
nay neglected. of its duty, for il has suppressed
no rebellion, or even attempted the suppression
of any. Threats Of secession and notification
have been plentiful enough, but words do not
constitute rebellion, and declarations of given
purpose, to which are invariably attached hypo-
thetical conditions--remote, improbable and
vaguely defined cputingences--are not likely TO
be mistaken by experienced ST itesmen for actual
or even probable rebellion.
And, secondly, it is highly improbable that the
British government wonld select South Caro-
lima, one Of the smaller States Of the South
State that has imprisoned, without cause ard