Lynchburg daily Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1852-1861, 1854-05-25
LYNCHBURG IIRGINIAN.
RIGHTS of Neutrals.


nicating in compliance with the resolution adop-
ted on the LIST insi., copies Of the correspondence
which has passed between this government and
foreign governments upon the subject Of the
rights accorded by declaration or otherwise to
neutrsls. and the rights claimed hs hellgerents
in the war pending between certain European
powers:
The first letter is from Her Britannia Males
tvs minister to Mr.. Marcy, dated March 81,
1854, in which be says
.Her Majesty. fire Queen of the United King
dom of Great Britain and ireland, and His Mar
esty,the Emperor OF the French being compel
led to take ur arms for the purpose of repellng
the aggression Of his Majesty the Emperor of
Russia apoa the Ottoman empire. aud being de-
sirous te lessen as much as possible the disas-
srous consequences 10 commerce resulting from
a state of warfare theif Naiesties have resolved.
for the present not TO authorize the issue Of let
1ers of mareue. In making this resolution
known-ahey think IL right to announce at the
same time the principles upon which they will be
guided in the course of this war with regard to
the navigation and commerce of neutrals. Her
Majesty, the Qaeen of the United Kingdom of
srest Britain and ireland, has accordingly pub
lshed Tire accompanying declaration, which is
identical sith that published by Ills Majesty the
Emperor of the French.
sts the exercise of theirrights belligerents, the
allied governments confidently Trust that the gov
.ernments Of countries which may remain neutral
during this war viii sincerely exert every effort
to enforce upon their subjects or citizens the ne
scessity of observing the strietest neutrality
Her Britannia Mnjesty's government eniertans
tthe confident hope that the L. States government
will receive with satisfaction the announcement
of tho resolutions thus taken in common by the
stxa aI uIlf II viii In
spirit of Just reciprocity, give orders that pri
'yateor under Russian eoors shall be equpped.or
victaaled, admitted with its prizes in the ports
of the U. 5. and, also. that the citizens of the
u. States shall vigorously abstain from taking
part in ornaments of this nature, or IN any other
measure opposed TO the duties off strict neutral
ity."
Here follows the declaration of the Queen on
the subject already published.
The next letter is from the Count de Sartiges
to Mr.. Marcy, making a communication in terms
similar to those on the part of Her Majestys
Minister.
.'Nr. Marcy replies to both Of them, dated A.
prl IL, 1854, that he has submitted these com
mnnioatons Ia the President, aud received his
direction to express TO Her Majesty's govern
ment his satisfaction that the principle that free
ships make free goods" which the United States
have so long and "strenuously contendcd for as
powers of Europe have oonourred, is to have a
qualified sanction by the practical observance Of
il in the present war, by both Great Britain and
France. two of the most powerful nations of Eu-
rope Notwithstanding the sincere qualification
which Her Maiesty's declaration has given Ia
the President, ii would have been enhanoedf the
rule alluded 10 had been announced as one winch
would be observed not only in the present,b but in
every future in which Great Britain shall be
a party. The unconditional sanction of the rnle
by the British and French governments, togeth-
er with the practical observance of il in The pres
ent 10, would cause it TO be henceforth reeog-
nized throughout the civilized world Il general
principle of international law.
"This government from its commencement has
labored for its recognition neutral right. 1t
has Incorporated il in many Of its treaties with
foreign powers France, Russia, Prussia, and
other nations have in various ways coneurred
with the United States in regarding il as n sound
and salutary principle in all respects, proper to
be incorporated into the law of nations. The
same consideration has induced her Britannia
Majesty, in concurrence with the Emperor of the
French TO present il as concession in the pres
ent war The desire to preserve the commerce
of neutrals from all unnecessary distractions
will, tits presumed, have equal weight with the
belligerents in any future war. and satisfy them
that the claims of the principal maritime powers
while neutras to have it recognized a rule of
international law. are well founded, and should
be no longer contested to settle the principle
that free ships make free goods except CON
traband of war,and preserve it from being aques-
ton under any circumstances The United
States are DESTROYS TO unite with other powers in
a declaration that il shall be observed by each
hereafter as rule of international law. The
,emption of the property of neutrals not contra
band from seizure and confseation, when laden
on board of an enemys yesses right now gen
orally regarded the law of nations. ! he Pres
ident il pleased to perceive from the declaration
of Her Britannia Majesty that the course 10 be
pursued by her cruisers will not bring it into
question in the present war.
"The Undersigned is directed by the President
It, state to Her Maiesty's Minister to this gov
ernment that the United States, while claiming
the full enjoyment of their rights as neutral
power, will observe the strictest neutrality to-
wards each and all the belligerents.
1.-The laws of the. country impose severe re-
strictons net only upon It's own citizens but up
all persons who may be residents within any
of the territories of the United States, against
equipPing priYateers, receiYing commissions or
enlisting therein. for the purpose of taking part
in any 1t is not appreheaded that there
will be any attempt TO violate the laws. but should
the just expectation of the President be disap
pointed, he will not fail in his duty TO all the
power with which he is invested to enforce ODE
.dience to them. Considerations of interest and
the obligations Of duty alike give assurance
that the citizens of the United States viii in no
way compromise the neutrality of their country
by participating in the contest in which the prin-
cipal powers of Europe now unhapply en-
gagged"
Next in the documents follow the British or
ders in council and letters from Mr.. Buchanan
ralatva 10 the euhiect and ranlias nv Mr. Marov