The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1854-03-12

against their future rel clifton and particularly whether
our neutrality law, regards SPAIN ought to be repeal
ed or suspended.
Now, if we Gn erstand this resolution it pro-
poses first, 4 reference to a committee to Inquire
already. 1t proposes, secondly, to have that
committee report what measures all be taken
to procure pecuniary indemnity to the owners;
and thirdly, to repeal our laws for the preser-
walton Of ,ur neutrality as regar.s Spain, SO
that they may not furt-er interfere with the
"lone starr expeditions. Why, this is roaring
as gently as any sucking dove The govern
ment in the meanwhile, as it W uld SEEM is to
open negotiations for e sake of quieting the
public mind.
.Falibus defensoribus, tempus non ese.-
Non tall auxilo."
We are, however, gratifed to perceive that
the House afterwards evinced disposition to
come squarely up tie mark witt regard is
matter. On Friday resolution, calling upon
tie President for inf rmation respecting this
and all other recent outrages by Spanish officials
was unanimously ad pied, after which Mr. Dean
gave notice of his intention to introduce bill
repeating our neutrality laws, so far as they
apply to Spain. Let us hope that Congress will
act promptly aid vigor susly AID waste as little
time as possible in e discussi IN of res lutions.
The only resolution required is to resolve
that we will be men. This is the resolve we
would propose; and we know that it will be
,boIa III man py-
cepting always the abolitionists:-
Whereas the authorities Of the island of Cuba have,
without color of law right, seized the United States
steamer Black Warrior and con6scaed or taken posses
sen OF her cargo-therefore, be it
Resolved, That a commissioner be sent forthwith by
he President of the United States Havana to demand
immediate restitution of the said vessel and cargo with
ample indemnity to the parties interested
Resolved That in case such restoration and indemnity
are not complied with on demand the President Of the
United States be- and he is hereby authorized to issue
letters marque and reprsa to such public armed YES
sells of the United States he shall judge expedent,
against the public private vessels OF Spain or her sub
jects, orboth, as he may see fit.
This is the way in which, about two hundred
years ago, Oliver Cromwell negotiated with
Spain, when she was ten times m9re powerful,
vessel belonging to an English Quaker had been
captured and carried into Spanish port. The
Quaker applied to the "Lord Protector" for
redress, and after stating the case, was told by
him to return in one week. The Quaker, who
little suspected what forcible and prompt re-
dress was to be administered to him, according
ly waited upon Oliver, and, to his amazement,
was told that vessel had been sent out with
letters of marque and reprisal, aad that three
Spanish ships had been brought into the port Of
London, from the cargoes Of which he would
receive full indemnity. Spain submitted with
out show Of resistance and restored the Qua
ker his ship and cargo, with full indemnity. This
is the true policy Of our government in the pre-
sent case. All that the House of Representa-
tives has to do to place itself rectus in curia
at this time is to pass such resolve without
debate-then to take up the six steam frigate
bill of the Senate, and to amend it so that
six ships of the line shall also be forthwith con-
structed. There is no fear that the Senate will
chang fire" on such amendments. That body
seems inspired with something Of the spirit
which ought to pervade the great Council o.
State Let the House of Representatives imi-
tate its patriotic example.
One word as to the issuing of letters OF
marque and reprisal: 1t is not belligerent mea
sure, nor is it casus teli where it is justified
by the refusal Of the power who has seized
property belonging to the citizens of another
power to render just satisfaction. Vattel
says
Reprisals are used between nation and nation in order
to do themselves justice, when they cannot otherwise
obtain it. nation has taken possession Of what belongs
to another-if she refuses to pay debtto repair an
injury to give adequate satisfaction for 1.-THE latter
may seize something belonging to the other and apply
it to advantage till she has received ample salts
faction This Is the last remaining effort previous
commencement of open hostilities
Here is the true chart of our policy in this
emergency. The conduct Of the government in
rejecting or adopting it will decide our national
character and our sensibility or insensibility to
national wrong and insult The nation will not
be satisfied with less vigor.