Daily Davenport gazette. [volume] (Davenport, Iowa) 1854-1855, 1855-07-02
rRss sHrps AND FREE SEAS.


The last number Of the New York 7fi-
baas has the following reference to the
rights OF neutral ships, and the dangers 70
which they are exposed by the action Of the
present beliigerent parties in Europe. The
question is one which has always been OF
much interest TO the people and Govern
ment oil the United States. and we concur
ia the wish expressed BY the Tribans, that
the Government at Washington viii &C,
with the energy demanded by the circum-
stances. When we were, comparatively, a
feeble nation. we had to submit TO any i'm.
positions which the great nations Of the
earth chose to put upon US. But times are
differen, now from what they were during
the wars consequent on the French rev.
clu,ion. Then the Ord RS 10 Council, or
the Berlin and Milan DEGREES carried
Consideration to our commercial aud
~seaiaring men, aad their relations TO the
rulers o. she seas and Of tn. land, were like
those which one oil Bnrn's dogs said poor
folks held to fiea people,
..wAsie We mann stan, wi Sspeci humble,
An, hear il a, an fear an tFeinble."
But we now have lie right to congratu-
late our couatry me on the fact, that the
progress of history has totslly changed
the comparative power of the new and the
old world. Though we do not desire TO
keep up the same kind of standing army or
the same lighting marine, as those which
are ren.e-oa necessary by the monarchical
forsns Of eoFsraaens to which the people
of Earose see ft to submit. the actual
sirengta md Importance OF this country is
knowa 70 the queens, kings and prime min
listers Of Europe, and they would hesitate
much before enactine any ordinance which
had tendency TO cripple, retard or at all in
terfere with the lawful prosecution Of
American commerce.
We do not say these things for any rur-
pose of SELF loriicaiion there will be
enough OF that annual instaIlment in few
fdsys;-bu, we indulge in no improper de-
gree OF national pri de. when we rejoice that
times are not now with this country ashley
were at the commencement of the present
century. No American vessel would now
undertake to enter any port which was
hlcckaded according to the rules OF civilized
swarfare, but we believe none OF the belli-
Cerent parties are foolish enough TO risk a
collision with this country by interfering
:.
whh any of our vessels which may be en-
gagged in legitimate commerce on the
great highway Of nations. We have said
more than is necessary ae an introduction
to the short extract " hich we take from the
Tribune, but it is not improper to direct the
attention OF our readers to facts which show
the present situation and importance Of our
country. We quote from the Tribune:
.3y the letter Of cur Special Correspon-
dent at Paris il will be seen that the in
formal but well understood compact enter
ed into on the opening of the Eastern war
between all the Powers belhgerent and
acknowledgement, BY which the protection OF
honest Trade was guaranteed and alineutraI
ships conveying goods not contraband of
war deemed sacred, has been invaded by
some pioneers OF the British feet in the
Battle. The matter has, We rejoice to End
been taken up with promptitude by the A
mericsn Minister at Paris, and we have no
doubt the Government at Washington Will
display equal energy in requiring an ex-
planasion of what, as far as we are now
permitted to see, appears TO be direct
violation of good faith A little timely en-
ergy in matters OF this character saves a
multitude Of alter troubles. 1t is probable
that in the present batch of confis
ho American property has been numbered.
But in the next our dag may not be equally
fortunate; and much smaller matters thaE
the seizure, in violation Of direct compact,
of ships trading under neutral flag has led
20 most portehfous consequences.
II is possible that this liberty, like all
other liberties, mag be sometimes abused.
We heard for instance Il short time since
OF q Bosten brig having entered Russian
port under American col1rs, carrying a
large cargo emlnentiy eontraband OF war.
Vessels entering on such wild traffic do so
stfheir own risk and peril and are properly
subjected TO coniscation. But such an &C.
cssional hazardous exploit does not Justify
outrage upon honest bottoms carrying ON
an honeF' rade under the protection Of an
iriernatioAal agreement
,.. STEAMBOATS, BURNT.
l..