Lewistown gazette. [volume] (Lewistown, Pa.) 1843-1944, 1856-12-11

ment of local disputes growing out OF that
intercourse, have not yet been attended with
any results.
Soon after the commencement OF the late
war in Europe, this government submitted
to the consideration of all maritime nations,
two principles for the security of neutral
commerce one, that the neutral flag should
cover the enemies goods, except articles
contraband Of war and the other, that neu-
trail property on board merchant vessels of
belligerents should be exempt from condem-
nation, with the exception of contraband
articles. These were not presented as new
rules of international law; having been
generally claimed by neutrals, though not
always admitted by beligerents. One Of the
parties to the war-Russia--as well as sew
eral neutral powers, promptly acceded to
these propositions; and the two other bel
lgerents, Great Britain and France, having
consented to observe them for the present
occasion, a favorable opportunity seemed to
be presented for obtaining general recog-
milton of them both in Europe and America.
But Great Britain and France, in common
with most of the states of Europe, while for
bearing to reject, did not affrmatiyely act
upon the overtures of the United States.
While the question was in this position,
the representatives of Russia, France, Great
Britain, Austria, Prussia, Sardinia, and Tur-
key, assembled at Paris, took into considera-
ton the subject Of maratime rights, and put
forth Il declaration containing the two prin-
ciples which this government had submitted,
nearly two years before, to the consideration
of maratime powers, and adding thereto the
following propositions, " Privateering is and
remains abolished" and e" Bockades, in or
der 10 be binding, must be effective, that is
to say maintained by force, sufficient really
to prevent access TO the coast Of the enemy"
and to tie declaration thus composed Of four
points, two Of which had already been pro-
posel by the United States, this government
has been invited to accede by all the powers
represented at Paris, except Great Britain
and Turkey. To the last Of the two addition
al p0sitons-that in relation to blockades
there can certainly be no objection. 1t is
merely the definition of what shall constitute
the efectual investment Of blockaded place,
definition for which this government has
always contended, claiming indemnity losses
where a practical violation Of the rule thus
defined has been injurious to our commerce.
As to the remaining article Of the declara-
ton Of the conference of Paris, " that pri-
Watering is and remains abolished II GER
sented in the conference Of Paris, any but
liberal and philanthropic views in the attempt
to change the urquestionable rule of mara
time law in regard to priyateering. Their
proposition was doubtless intended to imply
approval of the principle that private proper
ty upon the ocean, although it might belong
to the citizens of a belligerent state, should
be exempted from capture and had that
proposition been so framed as to give full
effect to the principle, it would have received
my ready assent on behalf Of the United
States. But the measure proposed is made
quate to that purpose. 1t is true that if
adopted, private property upon the ocean
would be withdrawn from one mode of plum
der, but left exposed, meanwhile to another
mode, which could be used with increased
effectiveness. The aggressive capacity of
great naval powers would thereby be aug
mented, while the defensive ability of others
would be reduced. Though the surrender of
the means Of prosecuting hostiities by en-
plOylng privateers, as proposed by the con-
terence OF Paris, Is mutual IN terms, yet, in
practical effect, it would be the reliuqush-
ment of a right of little value to one class of
states, but of essential Importance to anoth-
er and a far larger class. 1t ought not to
have been anticipated that measure SO in
adequate to the accomplishment OF the pro-
posed object, and so unequal in its operation,
would receive the assent of all maratime
powers. Private property would be still left
to the depredations Of the public armed
cruisers.
| have expressed a readiness on the part
of this government to accede to all the prin-
ciplcs contained in the declaration of the
conference of Paris, provided that relating
to the abandonment Of privateering can be
so amended as to effect the object for which,
rs Is presumed, it was intended, the immu-
nifty of private property on the ocean from
hostile capture. To effect this object, it is
proposed to add to the declaration that
privateering is and remains abolished"
the following amendment. And that the
private property of subjects and citizens of a
belligerent on the high seas, shall be exempt
from seizure by the public armed vessels of
the other belligerent except it be contra
band" This amendment has been presented
not only to the powers which have asked our
assent to the declaration to abolish priya-
teering, but to all other maritime states.-
Thus far it has not been rejected by any,
and is favorably entertained by all which
have made any communication III reply.
Several Of the governments, regarding with
favor the proposition OF the United States,
have delayed defnitive action upon it, only
for the purpose of consulting with others,
parties to the conference of Paris | have
the satisfaction of stating, however, that the
Emperor of Russia has entirely and explicitly
approved Of that modification and will CO.
operate in endeayoring to obtain the assent
of other powers; and that assurances of a
similar purport have been received in relation
to the disposition of the Emperor Of the
French.
The present aspect Of this important sub
ject allows us to cherish the hope that
principle so humane in its character, so just
and equal in its operation, SO essential to
the prosperity of commercial nations, and so
consonant to the sentiments of this enlight-
ened period Of the world. will command the
appreciation Of all maritime powers, and thus
j Il : :.-L- Il