The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1855-09-23
THE ADMINISTRATION AND THE DANISH SOUND


THE ADMINISTRATION AND THE DANISH SOUND
DUES.
The initiative step taken by the administration in April
last for the purpose of putting end to the Sound dues
paid by vessels TO the Danish is attracting
good deal Of attention in Europe II is understood that
the Danish King has recently applied the French En-
for his interference in the matter but that the En-
peror has prudeny declined To understand this subject
correctly it will be recoectcd that 4 the Danish Sound Is
strait between the island OF Zetand belonging
10 the Danes and the Swedish coast and gives entrance 10
The Baltic The fortress of Cornburg castle commands
the passage and exacis payment from all vessels entering
The Battles the ships Of Denmark herself having pay as
well as foreign tonnage The origin Of this exaction is
that in ancient times Denmark undertook to build and
sustain certain lighthouses along the coast for which the
lianse-towns agreed 10 pay toll"
In the year 1926 government entered into treaty
with Denmark which recognised the right that govern
the Baltic This treaty. however provides that lis spu-
laons may be dissolved by either party upon giving
twelve months notice In April last government de-
trary exacton long enough and the requisite notice was
given to the Danish government.
It is hardly possible that there could be much contra
Of the taken by the administration We see that
the New York Tribune which seldom finds itself prepared
to give credit the administration anaes to the subject
in terms Of satisfaction 1t says that athe Sound duties
constitute niquitous imposition There is no valid
reason to sustain Denmark in levyng such tribute on
us, Other nations may continue pay this tribute II
they see tit but SO far as We concerned it should be
done away with at the earliest practicable day. and
trust that government Will continue resoluey in the
path on which It has entered with respect to this ques-
sion."
We observe also with pleasure that the Paris correspond
ent OF the Nooaa Inegeacer who is predisposedb
approve the foreign policy Of the administration alud
to this subject in terms Of qualified approval We quote
follows;
Seriously, this difficulty between the United States and
Denmark exciting attention in all the capitals
Its discussion has employed the pens the abe wr
tiers of tb press There to be but opinion
the unjust and character Of the tribute which
Denmark subjects the Of the world Enlightened
opinion and strong of iny dua national interest ATE
with all Europe. II there is any sympathy mani
tested with Denmark it is that which naturally attaches it,
self to the weaker party in contest with the strong quick
ened perhaps in this instance by instructive feeling
of uneasiness and apprehension at seeing the United
States interfere to settle alone and with high hand quet
ton which, notwithstanding its plain bearing upon universal
commerce. has been and is considered here proper for
European settlement and American acquesccnce rather than
the American settlement and European acquescepce which
in progress for there be hardly any doubt
when the Danish system of Sound tolls shall be abolished
to the United States by perempory refusal longer
submit to it, its abolition the the world viii sure
and speedily follow Well it must be Admitted that there
something in the position Of the United States with regard
to this question to excuse if not to justify this sensivene,
the part of European politicians and perhaps avoid
giving umbrage to European governments already but too
prone charge with arrogance and unscrupuousness
the employment of national power it would have been well
to leave for European settlement question which, upon
principle all European nations equally concerned with
ourselves and, money question, greatly
cerned Still, abstract justice is with and feel graft
fed and proud as an American in view Of the position the
United States occupy touching this tribute Of the Sound
toll"