The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1852-07-25
Seizure of an American Fishing vessel.

The fisheries question is fast taking shape The follow
Ing teegraphc despatch appears in the papers OF las
evening
Anericaa Ysssd Captwsd.
BALriNoRE, July 2t-2i p. m.-Ths st. Joha's tNsw
Brunswick) papers report tho seizure OF the American
schooner Hyadras. Of Luke, Maine in the Bay OF Fund
the 2)h by her Majsss ship Nette, and thar
she carried into ST. Johns.
The New Brunswick papers continent with considerable
feeling on Mr.. Webster's dispatches
We submit that the attitude in which the adminsts
ton stands in this business is humiiang II is stated
confidently, by those well informed in such matters that
the government has not single suitable armed vessel
TO send to the where these handed depts
dalions on American property are taking place. We
say depredalonsfor the statement is that this seizure
has been made in the Bayof Fandy where Mr. Everett,
despatch shows that England conceded to American
the right TO pursue their business The justifcaton-
preencefor the seizure made in those waters mol
stated But in view of the English concession in ls4|
to the rghtfu construction OF the treaty. the circum
stances Of respass the part of the American ship must
have been extraordinary indeed, if they give any ohs
character to the proceeding than that of sgan, out
rage on flag. We cannot but hope, however. thal
some explanation of this may yet be gvenl
which will allay the excitement in the public mind lh
otherwise it will surely produce. Be this as it NAV
the British gov eminent must be blind, indeed. not to perl
ceive that such measures, psndng negotations must
gravely and dsastrously complicate question in Itself
not free from difficulties
impossible to escape the conclusion that England
this business, is presumng upon what she knows b.
eves of the spirit and character of the administrator
Unfortunately she has but much ground TO do adj
administration which has recently found its proc
nation cited against it by the Foreign Secretary Of Great
Britain his justification for sending British cruises
to coast in order to execute for our neutraly
laws-an administration which has seen, without n|
monslrance, the British government seize and occsy
the principal port of Central America. in fragrant vio
ton Of solemn treaty made guard against such ou
rage-an administration which, within the past two
three years. has submitted or invited such proceeding
as these-ought not to be greatly astonsed when
the British government proceeding vsry summaray in t
matter of the fisheries even in the Bay OF Fundy h
but the natural sequel OF such evenisthe natural con
sequence OF policy towards foreign powers which
unworthy alike of the dignity ami the justice Of b.
American people.
1t is still painful to know that at thi, crisis ou
executive government is not in condition-is eas
in situaonto nterpose in the matter with prompinss
or effect, welldehberaied unity OF purpose Mr. Web
ser is away. and appears have taken the British min
lister with him. Aiihs moment Mr. Webster should BE- ha
IN his pIace at the council board of the Aeicsn cabinet
the state OF his health will not permit this then son,
other man should be acting in bis place Secretary
State. The people just would like to feel-ihe
wouli "breahe freer and DEEPER il they could feel tina
they have an executive government acting not by ,es
graphic communications between its leading members
bat acting with concert, with due deliberation and ar
ing, too, in-consutaon with Congress at the headqua
tiers Of government in Washington
BY what strange faiaiuy has il happened that when
ever an emergency has arisen which imperatively al
manded this administration to be al its post the coun
has first been obliged to hunt up iis leading member
We know that MIR. Webster is some six or seven hun
dred miles of in Massachusetts or New Hampshire WI
understand tha, Mr. Corwin is perhaps thousand mile
of in Ohio. Whether there is any one now acting n
Secretary OF the Navy. than we know-more ta
the country knows.
We much mistake the character OF the people al kE
United States il they will be willing just now t. Civ.
other wing administration the power 10 manage l,.
gravest public affairs after so very free-sndesy Nj
fashion.