New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1856-04-19
FROM FLASHING TON.
THE BRITISH MISREPRESENTATION
LAW.
their efforts.

From Our Own Correspondent.
WASHINGTON, Thursday, April II, 1856.
There is foreshadOwing Of the answer Of the
British Government, to the demand for MIR. Cramp-
tons recall and the dismissal of the COnsuls. The
exposition of the American side Of the question.
and more than this the well understood termination
Of the Peace Conference at Paris-now fixed fact
have produced marvellous change of opinion
ard of policy. The probability is, that the poor Con-
sus will be made the scapegoats by admitting their
violation Of the neutrality laws and conceding oil
that has been required, far as they may be in-
yoved. Next, our right and jurisdiction, which
were at first contested, will be allowed, under
review Of the arguments and the practice. But 80
far as Mr. Champion is concerned, they viii
claim upon the basis of his socaled instructions to
Mr.. Barclay, that he never intened to violate the
municipal law, or to offend the national sovereignty
and hence shall be excepted from the penalty pro-
posed to be inflicted.
This is substantially the ground intended to be
taken; and it is not improbable that dispatches by
the Baltic, or by the succeeding steamer, may
bring an official overture to this effect. AT least
such an expectation was warranted by recent
intelligence. Still the Ministry, in view Of the
adjournment at Paris, may have concluded to
DELAY communication until the return of Lord
Clarendon. In that event, delay of few weeks
would necessarily occur.
What effect this altered tone on the other side
may occasion here cannot be positive indicated.
Division OF opinion IS anticipated, but c0nndent
belief is nevertheless entertained that the original
demand will be insisted upon. It was in the power
of England six months ago to have settled the
whole dispute by offering q reasonable apology
and the explanations which are now suggested.
But no such purpose was manifested, and instead
of it an offensive attitude was assumed, which re-
0uired the stern rebuke administered in the clos
ing letter of Mr.. Marcys correspondence. Under
these circumstances and in view of all the facts
which have been elected il is difficult to sec how
the Administration even with a desire to meet
England half way can retire from the position
which was taken after SO much deliberation. Yet
there is mode of insisting while protesting against
giving Ofense, and that course may Dc nnany
adopted.
In regard to the Central American question, a
convenient method of extrication has been found
designed to cover our cause OF exception, and
at the came time to save Great Britain from any
compromise of national honor. The practical
point in that controversy was made upon the col
onizatOn of the Bay Islands, in cOntravention OF
the Treaty of 1855 England has been and is still
engaged in negotiations with the State of Hon
duras for recession of these islands, stpulatlng
as condition of the surrender certain commercial
privileges and the establishment Of Ruatan as q
free port
No difficulty is apprehended in securing similar
advantages to the United States from Honduras;
and it is believed, if not known, that England Is
prepared to second the adoption of this policy. II
this plan should be carried out England would
then address herself to u.s. saying this obstacle to
satisfactory understanding between the two cOun-
tries had been removed, and therefore 1t ought no
longer to be allowed to remain, as source OF irr.
taton or anxiety. The response would be, in all
probability, equally frank and acceptable, If dis
Greet consels prevail, as they are now likely
do, and thus solution be obtained to a difficulty
which has seriously embarrassed the relations Of
both Governments.
After careful examination of the whole sub
iect, and conferences with the Inspectors 10 differ
emit parts of the country and the Secretary Of the
Treasury, the Committees on Commerce Of both
Houses have agreed upon bill to correct the prac-
tcal defects OF the present Steamboat law, and eI
tending its provisions to other classes OF vessels
propelled by steam. 1t will be reported in the
form which accompanies this letter, and deserves
to be scrutinzed with care before action shall be
taken in Congress. INDEX.