The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1855-11-28

questlOu WHICH,, III any pOiHt VI VicW, IL Coan-
paratively an abstraction? We do not mean
that the principle contended for is not pro-
per one; but we assert that as far as any dan
ger Of war is concerned, growing out of either
of the matters in dispute between the two
governments, it is completely out of the ques-
ton.
THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND THE BARK
MAuRY-TEN EMINENT MERCHANTS IN TIGHT
PLAcE-The Chamber of Commerce, of this
city, held meeting yesterday, of which we
give report elsewhere. Our readers will re-
member that terrible tempest was created in
the mind of the British Consul and several re-
spectacle natives of Albion, by the announce
ment that the the clipper bark Maury had been
fitted out at this port as a Russian privateer
Mr.. Consul Barclay informed his govern
ment of what he suspected to be the
facts in the case, and an unplea-
United States government and the British
Cabinet. Mr.. Barclays statements turned out
to pe anything but facts; but the diplomats
being rather slow, the matter has not yet been
settled. 1t will require great deal more red
tape and sealing wax to bring about the usual
delicious harmony between Downing street and
Washington.
While things are in this state, the eminent
mercantile gentlemen at the head Of the New
York Chamber Of Commerce become suddenly
impregnated with an idea-they think that
the character of New York merchants has been
impugned, and they set a committee Of ten OF
their most respectable members to whitewash it
The result of the labors of this Council OF
Ten goes to Europe today, and thus the mer.
chants are in indirect correspondence with the
British Cabinet.
1t seems to US that the ten eminent mer-
chants who have done this thing have INDUCED
in an unnecessary and somewhat dangerous
task. In the first place, no statesman or mer-
chant in Europe, who is acquainted with them,
would think for moment that they, or any
other Of the gentlemen of the Chamber of
charged against the owners of the Maury by
Mr.. Barclay. Secondly, the affair was mise
rable hoax, and there was no possible neces-
sity o.. any investigation. Thirdly, ten men
cannot vouch for the honesty of commercial
New York. There are always plenty of fill
clustering Spectators in every great city who
are ready to make money by any means, and
no committee can wipe this out. Finally,
the committee have interfered in the affairs of
the United States government, being probably
unaware of the fact that the following law is
still in force
Be enacted by the Senate and House of Representa-
tves Of the United states Of America 10 Congress assem-
b]ed That any PEREZ being citizen OF the United
States, whether he es actually resident abiding
within the United States in any foreign country shall
without the permission or authority Of the government
OF TIE United Saes directly indirectly commence
carry on any verbal written correspondence Inter
course with any foreign government or any officer
agent thereof with intent influence the
conduct of any foreign government, or Of any Off
agent thereof in relation to any disputes or
troyerses with the United States deea. the measures
Of the government of the United States any person.
being citizen a. or resident within the Urited states
and not duly authorized shall COUNSEL advise aid
sis in any such respondence with intent aforesaid
he or they shall be deemed guilty of high misdemeAnor,
having jurisdiction thereof shall be punished by fine
not exceeding five thousand dollars, and by imprson
men during term not less than six months, ICED
ing three years. Provided always, that nothing in this
act ntaned shall be construed 10 abridge right Of
me uniea s,aes 70 Apply oy them
the agents thereof for the redress Of any injuries in
relation to person or property which such individuals
may have sustained from such government any of its
agents, citizens subjects.
Approved Jan. 80 1899.
This law was passed in the time Of the elder
Adams, when there was great deal of trouble
in France, and 1t was intended to stop just
such movements as that of which our Cham
Der Of Commerce has just been guilty. 1t is
in full force now, and we tremble at the bare
probability of the incarceration of ten Of our
most respectable merchants. We hope that Mr..
Attorney General Cushing will let them off
easy this time, if they promise to do better in
future.