The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1855-03-04

Our VOLUNTEER DIPLoMATIsTs.-M. de Sar-
tiges, as we understand, has made an applica-
ton to the Department OF State in reference to
the proposed new treaty with France. That
application would have been pushed forward
with vigor, and might have led to practical
results, had it not been for the discussion of
the new tariff bill, which of course rendered it
proper for the French Minister to suspend pro-
ceediDgs until the future state of the law in this
country were determined. Asst is, now that the
new tariff has been laid aside for The present. M.
de Sartges will reopen the subject, and possibly
new commercial treaty with France may be
framed. 1t is needless to add that this consum-
nation is devoutly to be desired. The state of
our commercial relations with France has long
been equally injurious to both countries; and
while those with other nations have been con-
stantly remodelled and adapted to the wants Of
the age, has seemed incapable Of amendment or
moderpiZation.
Not the least striking of the circumstances
which have led at this late day to an inquiry
into the subject, has been the share taken in the
work by private citizen Of the United States
1t has long been customary tor our citizens,
when travelling abroad, to invest themselves
with diplomatic character, and to undertake
negotiations with foreign countries whenever
they thought any thing might be gained by
it. American citizens travelling in Europe
have constantly assumed to treat with foreign
powers not only on the minor matters of their
own individual rights, but on the graver ques-
tions of peace AM war. Thus, for instance, the
Chevaier Wikolf made treaty offensive and
defensive between the United States, France
and Eng and; if the triang formality OF a rati-
fcation here had not been withheld it is impos-
sble to say what great consequences might not
have resulted from 1t or what glory might not
have shone upon the head of it's volunteer ne
gotiator. In like manner the Chevalier Webb
being in England when the question of pri
vateers arose, walked over the head of Mr.
Buchanan and settled that matter entirely to
the satisfaction Of Lord Clarendon. He isnow,
even at home here, carrying on negotiations
with the British government which may re-
mltin some very startling Developments. So
also, few months ago, when the South was
convulsed with story that Cuba was to be
Africanized, and the Union at Washington
spent life of unspeakable misery in conse-
quence of the danger thence impending, re-
spectacle Virginia gentleman named Corbn
who lived in Paris sprung up all at once, aud
undertook to negotiate with Lord Howden to
save his beloved country. We need not add
that he was entirely successful; the letters are
still fresh in the public memory, and Cuba is
not Africanized or near it. In the same way
Mr.. James Phalen, the gentleman who is now
devoting himself to the patriotic task Of build
ing up the italian Opera in New York, under
took some time since to negotiate with the
French government in reference to our COM
mercial relations with France. He drew up a
memoir on the subject and wrote several let
ters-some of which have been sent us by our
correspondent and are published elsewhere
which were forwarded to the Emperor. Napo-
leon in his clear practical way at once discerned
the advantage to be gained by the adoption Of
Mr.. Phalen's suggestions; and accordingly the
instructions were sent to NJ. Sartiges, on which
as we stated, he has already begun to act.
Should the measure be carried thr sugb as we
have no doubt it will it will be another triumph
Of volunteer diplomacy.
However tho question arose, and by whatever
influences SO great reform was first brought
near practical solution, we have reason to be
grateful that such is the case With England
and many other countries we have treaties
enough France alone has hitherto been uuac-
countably neglected.
ANOTHER VETs-TuE COLLINS STEAMERS
TURNED ADRIFT.-The Ocean Mail Steamer az.
preparation bill, owing to the Collins amend
ment, was vetoed yesterday by the President,
after signing the ques ionabe bill of seven or
eight millions Of Texan indemnities. This
amounts virtually to the abandonment of the
Collins line, and to giving the field to the oppo.
sition Brit sh company Of the Cunard line.
This may be economy to Guthrie; but it strikes
us as very narrow, contracted and sixpenny
policy for this great and prosperous country.
Since the Mexican war nothing has occurred,
nothing has been done by US which has contri-
buted so much to the advantage of our COM
merce, our shipbuilders, and our character as
nation OF the greatest resources and highest
enterprise, as the building and successful com.
petition with England of these Collins steam
ers. Congress, approaching their services, and
the policy of sustaining them, voted the need
full supplies. Mr.. Pierce, rs If resolved to
eclipse the vetoes of General Jackson and John
Tyler put together, has thought proper to re.
verse the action of the two houses upon ques-
tion Of undoubted constitutionality aud expe-
diency. Well, Captain Ty Ter failed to secure
denomination upon his really excellent bank We