The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1853-01-11


subjects extremely acceptable.
Three months ago we were reduced, by the recess
Of Parliament and the contradictory assertions of the
ministerial press, to considerable uncertainty on the
question Of the North American fisheries, and it did
not receive any satisfactory calculation in the state
ment with which Parliament was favored at its open
ing in November. We can now however, discern that
the estimate which then formed OF this transaction
was substantially correct. The proceedings OF the
Derby ministry did impress the American govern
ment with the belief that Great Britain intended to
enforce for the benefit OF her coonists, those prov
sions of the treaty of 1913, against which the Ameri
cans had long protested, and, though this impress
sion was afterwards removed it had certainly not
been conceived without reason. The difference Of
understanding as respects the terms OF the conven
ton, still remains unsettled; but it is gratifying to
observe that the two governments no longer enter
tain any dstrus Of each others intentions and that
the way has been paved by this transient error to
permanent adjustment Of the whole subject, on con-
ditons of reciprocal advantage. As far, therefore,
the fisheries concerned there is for
apprehending that the amity which should subsist
between Great Britain and America is in any danger
of interruption On the question of the Lobos
Islands, too the declarations Of the President
clear and candid as could be desired, apprising
us, indeed, in terms honorable to the American go
vernment, that 1.-THE temporary wrong which had
been Internationally done to Peru from want Of in.
formation, had been repaired by an unreserved ac-
acknowledgement OF her sovereignty
There are two other points on which the proceed.
ngs Of the Federal government viewed with consi
derable interest on this side Of the Atlantic-the
designs upon Cuba and the expedition to Japan. In
so far as plain Incorporating condemnation of
lawess aggression can be taken a pledge of for.
bearance, Mr.. Fillmore's observations the former
subject certainly assuring but we cannot remark
without regret that design which points to nothing
less than the territorial spolaton Of foreign state
in time Of peace, should be argued rather ques-
ton Of expedisncy than as a matter Of principle. In
Mr. Fillmore's estimate Of the results which would
probably ensue upon the annexation of Cuba to the
States Of the Union, we disposed to concur but
from such description of the case, it naturally fol-
lows that those who disbeieve in the consequences
thus predicted may see no further mpedment to
their own conclusions. Considering, too, the elabo
rate statement which has recently been issued,
ascbng the whole policy Of the Union in this respect
TO it, aprrehcn-ons Of foreign aggression upon
spanish rights, IL seems difficult to understand
how Mr. Fillmore could have seen anything
unconstitutional, impoIitic, or unavailing," in
proposal to set these and all other apprehensons at
rest forever by solemn compact on the part of the
suspected governments. France and England offered
to join the United States in a formal and collective
disclaimer Of all intentions TO obtain possession Of
Cuba, and in virtual guarantee Of the island 10 its
r'gbtful owners. This proposition the American
government declined, hut in 20 doing il undoubtedly