The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1854-04-16
The RIGHTS OF Neu,r.,s.


Had the position assumed by the British and
French governments at the outbreak Of the
last war been thoroughly understood in this
country-and had we on our side taken our
stand from the first on the principles we /
tended TO assert in the end--there can be no
doubt that an immense amount of bloodshed,
hardship and distress would have been spared
TO the American people. Both the calamities
of the war, and the injury sustained by our
trade our shipping and our manufactures
might have been averted or at least mitigated
10y an early acquaintance with the policy Of
foreign nations, and a determined pursuance Of
our own. Tie lesson we then learnt should
not be thrown away now.
The dangers OF ENHANCEMENT in foreign
quarrels were almost coeval with our birth as
nation. As early as 1898, serious attempts
were made to fit out privateers in this country
to cruise against British vessels. Wasbingtoas
wisdom averted the danger, and the celebrated
proclamation of the 18th April frustrated the
designs Of the French, and preserved the
United States in a proper position ofncutrality.
Our forbearance was Ill recompensed in Eng
land. Cur rights as neutrals were positively
denied, and within six months after Washing
toms proclamation our vessels trading to
France were seized, and our seamen impressed
Chief Justice Jay, who was sent to England
to demonstrate against these measures sue
cecded il negotiating q treaty Of neu-
trality, which was very reluctantly ac-
cepted by the American people. This was ma
turally regarded with disfavor 10y The French.
who fancied that the republic OF the United
States ought 10 have taken part with the repub
lie Of France and fresh depredations were com
mitted on American vessels by the French
cruisers. Chickering's continued to occur be-
tween the two nations during the whole Of
Washirgtcn's administration. Mr.. Monroe was
recalled from Paris ia consequence Of his want
of zeal in advocating The rights of the United
States and NJ. Adet the French minister at
Washington withdrew TO his own court. with
much theatrical display. Finally in 1907, Nj.
Pincl,ney was expelled from Paris, and the de-
predations Of the French cruisers became more
oppressive than ever.
1t is hardly possible to approve Of the policy
10y which Mr.. Adams and bis Cabinet, support
ed by federal majority in Congress agreed to
meet these measures. The act of 1897 (of
which our present act Of 1878 is mere trans
cript) was passed to prohibit privateering and
ENJOYS were sent to France to be insulted and
derided in every way. A declaration of war
backed by some of Pinckney's millions for
enee'-would have been more appropriate
and successful. The French continued to seize
all American vessels that had sailed from. Bril-
tish ports or that were laden with British goods.
In 1898. Congress passed timid act, by way
Of retaliation, suspending the commercial inter-
course between the United States and France:
and measures Of defence were taken on the ridi
culous belief that the French were about to
invade this country. Accident achieved
what the government had lacked the
energy TO attempt. Hostilities actually
commenced at sea- and several French vessels
were captured. Then France sought to nego-
tate Mr. Adams sent ENJOYS to Napoleon,
and treaty Of peace was concluded, without
STIMULATING indemnity for the French depreda-
tons on our trade and vessels.
The secret Of this prompt settlement Of the
ted by Mr.. Jefferson. Two years after his
Inauguration, war again broke out between
England and Frances and England again plr-
sued her old plan OF Selling our vessels AMI
impresaing our seamen. Instead 0: declaring
war. Congress prohibited the importation Oh
certain articles Of British growth ava manufac
turc. thus Furnishing this country 10 severely
th;ngs anxious ior peace with England: andhad
rol lived, lie would probably have attained Ills
olect. Mr. Canning was lgas .Fect.ha and
after many months os ncgotiation the pro,ocs
al treaty was abaslonod Greet Britain
would not give Up her claims % impress
british seamen serving on board American ye-
sols Tic bitter feeling between the two ny.
ton was increased hy the affair Of The Chosa-
poetc. Matters were brought 70 head by the
Berlin aad Milan DEGREES Of Napoleon, the o.
GcIs In council of be British government All
tie embargo la;d On on foreign trade ~ Con-
gross. Tho.e measures. which destroyed the
commerce Of an these countries and bore With
peculiar severity On tbc people Of the United
States ios,orca spirit ri hostility in the minds
Ct Americans against nc belligerents; and a.
Great Britain was far, better able to carry Lor
orders into eject thar France hor dccrccs, our
resentment was chiefly directed against the for
mer power. When Nr. Foster therefore distinctly
stated Of behalf Of tbc British government, that
"Great Britain could not admit a. true dc
claration Of public law Nat free ships make free
goods here was o large majority f.tho a.
ton in favor Of war. War was accordingly dc
ciarcd il u only % be regretted that it termi-