Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1854-05-06
wa,hlnEton, MAY 8. 1854.


|
Warrington, May 5. 1854.
TIE RIGHTS OF NEUTRALS-TnE UNITED STATES.
| Prom the London Times OF April 1871
At the very that declared, the 2sth
Of March, the Queen Of England and the Emperor of the
French gave the world striking proof that they intended
as far possible mitigate its evils. declaration was
simultaneously published in the of both Crowns to
the effect hat the neutral flag would be allowed trade
and the encmys property with the sole excep
tons OF trade TO bockadcd of trade in contraband
Of the conveyance OF the officers despSche, of
the enemy and il was added thu the enemys flag would
condemn neutral property and that letters of maque
would not at present be issued. This declaration. which
lie much considered by those who
ed in this subject ut home and abroad at disposed of
very large class of the which the legal profess
sion had already bestowed considerable attention. 1
amounts, in fact to complete revolution in the Law with
respect to ncutras administered by maritime
in former wars.
We aim, the principle that the neutral fig protects
the cnemys goods the French admit the corresponding
derogaton from their view Of the Law of nations that the
enem,s h,g is to condemn neutral property On I'll
Their side the greatest possible security is given the
neutral trade We insist this point because alrea
DIV perceive with regret that stempt made by
Of the anti Ergsh faction in the United States open
old sores, and to msrrpresent in the policy proclaim
cd by the British and French Governments the
| o the war at the when 81 large "A
cesson has been made by this country neutral
1t implies something than ignorance distort these
measures into cause of hostility The Americans APP
that they have adopted nation the principle that
free ships make free goods" 1t is they have don.
hy treaty with several States; hut in has
contrary maxim beer more sturdiy defended by legal
writer's or more strictly administered by the Admiralty
Courts.
Under the existing instructions established under the de-
caralon OF the 2slh of March, the right OF search will
strictly confined the search for coutrabaud of
the transport of which by neutral beligerent is Oh
vousy inconsistent with the neutral character and cous
'ues violation OF those very rights and obligations
which neutral States interested in defending
Accordingly the neutral States of Europe have already
responded these liberal OF the bell gerents by
strict PROHIBITIONS or the export of conrahand war,
aud by OF their readiness conform 10 rules
shch must be highly advantageous TO themselves Thu
Americans have the slightest ground OF apprehension
Or complaint for we cannot suppose tina, they will permit
the Russian \ cents who are actively employed in the
states TO avail themselves Of the liberties Of that country
against which has the undivided support OF every
iIee people in Europe.
This concession having been made by the maritime
powers, which will undoubtedly have during this the
command of the sea, il very difficult for them
10 stop at that point II the enemy have the benefit
OF trading through neurals wherever his ports Open
aud the neutral is TO carry only his trade with
the enemy, but the general trade which the begerents
can no longer pursue the position both of the enemy and
OF the neutrals would become favorable than that OF
the maritime Powers themselves If their subjects are pro
hibied under pain OF conGscatiou from following the
same course of commercial intercourse where it is open
Can be argued or maintained that neutral ship is to be
free TO Russian property all over the world
TO bring it British port but that British ship having
taken Russian produce on board in port but
the property OF neutral is liable seizure and condem
nation by British French cruiser and of prize?
1t cannot be intended to pursue system clearly in
furious 10 ourselves and TO make merchants
by way oil bringing the Gar TO reason. The very first
question that presents itself the declaration of war;
the means Of bringing British property already pur
chased and ready for shipment in Russian ports and
far concerned every facility which be given
without defeating the objects Of blockade, ought be
given for that object Practically believe the amount
OF this property not very large for almost all the hous
engaged in the Russian trade wisely refused their ad
vances last year, aud those who money 10 Russia
were perfectly of the risk they ran aud specuated
the chance Of high prices If they got their cargoes out
Moreover, it probable the Emperor of Russia will settle
the question Tor u bv an embargo he has already stop
ped the export OF grain from the Black Sea- and the Sea
OF Azo The beligeTents will probably DC able to an
swer these by yery close blockade and If the
Russian Government will let nothing out, shall take
to let nothing in.
But, apart from these direct measures of war which
necessary to curtai the OF the enemy our
next object ought TO be 10 touch lightly possible
those OF national interests which are vita
" affected 10y the For this purpose We canno,
doubt that the Government will adhere for as possible
% the enlarged principles Of commercial freedom which
have already raised the country pitch OF uuexampled
prosperity in peace, aud which may now mitigate and
of the widely felt evils OF state OF hos
,iies 1t not by fleets aud armies fields of bat
lie alone, that victories and the haTdships
endured.
To take homely view OF the subject the in.
reased prices Of raw MATERIAL the rise of Indirect taxa
ion the extinction OF some kinds Of Industry inter
with trade national trials as well as the peri
md the suffering Of great fights though they must b,
borne without enthusiasm, and overcome without glory
We trust however tina; III the present state of the worn
We NAV overcome these evils too great by lib
al policy. In former contests this Country has enieav-
red TO draw the restrictions aud pruhb ions Of war u
eir limit; change ~ equal magnitude ha.
ken place in the policy OF war 10 that of peace and
ne true o. ect of enlightened nation ought 70 be t.
airy hotllties with he least possible interference
With the rights the industry and the Commerce Of tn,
ople