The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1856-09-04
sss. an Interpretation .. hi. despatch Of Nj Marcys

assist an Interpretation Of this despatch Of Mr. Narcys
with reference 70 the abolition Of prvateering.
The claim OF America to . diplomatic position inde-
pendent OF the European system may be mere "smart
Mesa theory assumed to evade responsibilities II
prevailing in the Unona tone OF thought fostered by
circumstances and institutions One thing sure, that II
has ts sinister, II also has its bright eide The same
Independence OF custom which enables the American
statesman 70 fling oil the incubus OF traditional policy
also leads him TO adopt large and liberal tone in deal
ing with great international questions III only another
they should either wholly isolate themselves from
European Influences, or claim admission only on
their own terms. II their demands made
in q mere spirit Of arrogance they would Of
course be instantly rejected, because there but
few European nations which would not feel quite
equal to cope with the Americans, single handed
But when these views OF policy come in the guse OF
political philosophy, and aspire 70 initiate new interha
uonal law founded on the most modern principles OF
economic science, forced to listen 10 them with
respect and to give them their fair amount Of weight in
calculations.
Read by this light the theory laid down by Mr. Marcy
in his despatch pryateering, is perhaps destined 70
exercise most important influence on the future dest
of mankind. il embodies the alton Of great
principle, entirely in accordance with modern British
pocy and generally with tbs spirit OF the age. Mr.
he argued that peace must be the complement Of free
trade Ahoue il carrying out that theory, he assumed
attitude rdiculousy In advance OF public opinion
OF the practicable means at the disposal OF statesmen yet
It Is remarkable what strides have since been made and
in how short tine, towards the accomplishment Of his
dream.
The sudden stopping OF the Russian war by an appeal
the neral influence Of the various States OF Europe
the attempts Of the Congress Of Paris to effect settle
ment Of outstanding difficulties, in Italy and elsewhere
by friendly nterference-above ALL the resolution of the
Congress condemnatory Of privateerng-these all
steps the direction in which Mr. Golden and his friends
had gone far ahead. II has remained for the govern
Of the United Sstes to put the and get the
seal on these exerons the proposal embodied in this
despatch OF Mr. Marcy. The United States government
having been appealed to for their the resolution
Of the Paris Congress the subject Of prvaeeng have
req ined through Mr. Marcy, with still more important
a
pcaon Of the new code should stop at prvateering9
Why should any merchant ship found the high be
liable to capture whether by privateer or by regular
ship of Why-and here Is the true point issue
why should articles contraband Of be subject
seizure? This, it must be admitted is bold line Of
argument TO take but possible say that II is mis-
placed? Why, If you removing restrictions, should
any be permitted to conaue Why not sever for ever
trade from war leaving the traders TO 60 their way
peace and confring the ghng to those who have been
bred the profession2 This is the OF the Amer
government TO the appeal Of Europe. You ask US,
they say to give up right letters OF marque
Be so. But let us step further. Let us all pass
sefdeIying ordinance and bind each other henceorth
to regard all commerce as sacred
As has been ably shown, upon land this has already
been DONE Nay, more the principle has even been
risd out with degree Of hyper humanity In the
pride Of modern general TO compel h troops 10 respect
the property OF all persons not actually in the battle
array either SIDE Commanders vie with each other
in protecting the peaceful and combining the havoc
10 the beIlgerents. more striking proof OF this
could not been afforded than in the BON.
bardment OF Odessa during the late war. There the
most scrupuous care was taken to destroy public proper
only and TO preserve that OF individuals far pos
sible, from damage. II this be systematically done
land there can be no argument against The adoption OF
the principle sea. Indeed, there many rea
why the rule would apply with stronger force
in the latter may be urged that America is
liary interested the adoption Of such principle. she
is scarcely than England herself; for vast a3d
numerous though naval forces be- there h,s been
corresponding increase those Of other maritime Pc yers
and might find that our hands too full 70 FRO
vide conveys for our gigantic commerce On the Whole,
therefore, this proposition Of NJ Marcy deserves 70
regarded something better than ebulliton OF
gance, and Il may thus prove OF Lcscuabe advantage
mankind should American isolation and American pre-
tensions lead the erection OF another great landmark
the advance CT civilization