Grand River times. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1851-18??, 1855-10-17

TIE SOUND DUEs-WHAr ARE rHErg-
AS these dues may possibly soon give rise
to a serious dispute between the United States
and Denmark, it may be interesting to our
readers to know what they are, and the posi-
ton. that our Government now sustains to-
ward the Danish Government in relation
thereto
Thea Sound" is a narrow strait lying be-
tween the Island Of Zetland, belonging to the
Danes, and the Swedish coast, and gives en-
trance to the Baltic Sea- The fortress OF
iCronburg Castle commands the passage and
cxacts payment from all vessels entering
the Baltic; the ships Of Denmark have to
pay as well as foreign tonnage. .'' -".
England, France, Holland and Sweden,
pay duty of one per cent. on every cargo
entering the Baltic Other countries, nclud-
ing the United States, pay one and quart
er per cent; even Danish ships are taxed to
this rate. In the year 1926 treaty recog-
nizing this duty was concluded between the
United States and Denmark. This treaty,
however, according to one of its stipulations,
may be dissolved by either of the parties,
provided they give one years notice of their
intention. This notice has been given by
the United States, and hence the dispute.
The following article, from the London
Shipping Gazette, of Sept. 10th, exhibits the
prevailing opinion that exists on the part of
the British Government, in relation to the
position assumed by the United States in
regard to the payment Of the Sound Dues;
It is because we consider the United
States, previously to their notice to abrogate
their treaty with Denmark, to have taken all
means in their power to come to fair arrange
ment with the Danish government as to the
dues; because, year after year, they bore
with patience vacllation which they must
have seen through; because the United States
were always honest and earnest in their ne
gotiations, and Denmark was always insincere
in hers because the notice which the United
States have now given to Denmark, though
harsh and imperative is just and deserved;
it is for these reasons that we do not feel in
clined to step in to the rescue of Denmark
rather than justify the policy Of the cabinet
of Washington. The last thing Denmark
ought to have courted, if she wished to retain
the dues, was an agitation by such a power
as the United States as to the legality of
their imposition. Now the government Of
Washington has taken up the question, it
will not be suffered to rest until the claims
of Denmark are fairly sifted, and her right to
shackle the navigation and commerce of the
world proved or disproved beyond doubt
No middle course is open, and we hope no
compromise of the main question will be ac-
cepted. Let it once for all be ascertained
what are the claims or rights of Denmark, if
she has any.
The following despatch from New York,
Oct. 4th, in relation to the profered media
ton of the Car of Russia between our Gov
eminent and that of Denmark in relation to
" Sound Dues" may be of interest to our
readers:
The Washington correspondent of the Sun
says that the offer of Russia to mediate be-
tween the United States and Denmark, in
regard to the sound dues was made five
months ago by the Car who suggested that
our Government should purchase the Island
of st. Thomas, for the round sum of five mil
lions dollars in consideration Of which pur-
chase Denmark should waive the matter of
sound dues to American Commerce.