Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1854-06-01
Sflist&llanp.
The Rights Of Neutrals.

! correspondence which has passed between this
government and foreign governments upon the
rights accorded, by declaration or otherwise,
TO neutrals, and the rights claimed by the bel
ligerents in the war pending between certain
European powers.
The first letter is from H. B. maiesty's
minister to Secretary Marcy dated April Gath,
1854, in which he says Her majesty the
queen Of the United Kingdom Of Great Brit
ain and Ireland, and his majesty the emperor
OF the French being compelled to take up
arms for the purpose of repelling the aggres-
sion of his majesty the emperor of Russia up
on the Ottoman empire, and, being desirous
to lessen as much as possible the disastrous
consequence resulting from state Of warfare,
their majestles have resolved for the present
not to authorize the issue of letters of maruuc.
In making this resolution known, they think
it right to announce at the same time the prin-
ciPles upon which they will be guided in the
course Of the war with regard to the naviga-
ton and commerce of neutrals. Her majesty
the queen Of the United Kingdom Of Great
Britain and ireland has accordingly published
the accompanying declaration, which is iden-
tical with that published by his majesty the
emperor of the French. In thus restricting
within these narrow limits the exercise of
their rights as belligerents, the allied govern
ments or countries which may remain neutral
during this war, will sincerely exert every eff
| IN anf ,o1- -.
the necessity Of observing the strictest neutral
lty Her Britannia majesty's government en-
tertains the confident hope that the United
States government will receive with satisfac-
| tion the announcement of the resolutions thus
taken, in common, by the two allied govern
ments, and that it will, in the spirit Of Just
reciprocity, give orders that no prlvateer in
Russian colors shall be equipped or victualed
or admitted with its prizes in the ports of the
United States and also that the citizens OF
the United States shall vigorously abstain
| from taking part in ornaments of this nature,
or in any other measure opposed to the duties
Of a strict neutrality
| (Iere follows the declaration of the queen
on the subject, already published.)
The next letter is from the Count de Sar-
tiges to Mr.. Marcy, making communication
| in terms similar to those on the part Of her
majestYs minister.
Secretary Marcy replies to both Of them,
dated April 18th, 1854, that he has submitted
their communications to the President, and re-
u
tvs government HE satisfaction that the prin-
clples, that free ships make free goods, which
| the United States have so long and strenuous
ly contended for neutral's right, and to
which some Of the leading powers Of Europe
have concurred in, TO have qualified sanction
by the practical observance Of it in the present
war by both Great Britain and France, two of
the most powerful nations Of Europe. Not
withstandng the sincere qualification which
| her majesty's declaration has given to the
President, it would have been enhanced if the
rule alluded to had been announced as one
which would be observed not only in the pres
ent, but in every war in which Great Britain
shall be party. The unconditional sanction
of this rule by the British and French govern
ments, together with the practical observance
of it in the present war, would cause it to be
henceforth recognized throughout the civilized
world as general principle Of international
law
This government from its commencement
has labored for its recognition as a neutral
right. 1t has incorporated it, in many Of its
treaties with foreign powers. France, Russia,
Prussia, and other nations have, in various
ways concurred with the United States, in
regarding it as sound and salutary principle,
in all respects proper to be Incorporated into
the law of nations. The same considerations
which has induced her Britannia majesty in
concurrence with the emperor Of the French
to present it is a concession in the present
war, the desire to preserve the commerce of
neutrals from all unnecessary restrictions
will, it is presumed, have equal weight with
the belligerents in any neutral war, and satis-
| fy them that the claims of the principal mara
time powers while neutrals are to have it
recognized as a rule Of International law, are
we'll founded, and should be no longer con-
tested. To settle the principle, that free ships
makes free goods, except articles contraband
of war, and to prevent it from being again
called in question from any quarter, or under
any circumstances, she, the United States, is
desirous to unite with other powers in dec
aration that it shall be observed by each here
after as rule of International law. The ex-
empton Of the property Of neutrals not con-
traband from seizure or confscatiOn when la
den on board an enemy's vessel, is right
now generally regarded by the law Of nations.
The President is pleased to perceive from the
declaration of her Britannia majesty, that the
course to be pursued by her cruisers will not
bring it into question in the present war. The
undersigned is directed to state to her maies-
tvs minister to this government, that the
United States, while claiming the full enjoy
ment Of their rights neutral power, will
observe the strictest neutrality towards each
and all the belligerents. The laws Of the
country impose severe restriction, not only
upon lis citizens, but upon all persons who
may be residents within any part Of the terri
tories OF the United States, equipplng prlva-
teers, receiving commissions, or enhstlng