The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1856-03-11

rights conded to those branches Of the whose
duty yindeae the Law Of nations by bringing upon
its yolatos the reproach of the civilized world, and II
need be- the punishment OF Fs#.s #Hs
If the municipal law did not exist according to the
theory Of the gene and its employers, Great Britain
would be able buser here for recruits unrestrained
The begerent that would be aggreyed by our furnishing
soldiers to England would hardly be satisfied with the
answer that although soldiers had been obtained the mun
cpa law had not been violated and hence there was no
departure from neutrality. This however is the reply
that the IeIgener would make for this country when
suits it's purpose justify the illegal and unendy coz
duct of the British government 1t will soOp to sacrifice
the honor of the nation call that which is essential to
our independence "'aeaphysieal right"
We have read the correspondence this great question
with care and have found throughout the surprising
y able dispatches of Mr. Marcy that he has invariably laid
stress upon the injury done sovereign rights
1t is true the violation of the municipal code also
wrong done to the sovereignty of the country but Mr.
Marcy complained chiefly of the injury done to that por
ton of the law of nations to which the municipal code
does apply and which for its security upon the
good faith of nations In the despatch of the 9th of June
before alluded to- he says Besides being disregard OF
sovereign rights as an independent nation the proce-
uuic WAS " Clear ana IDHnHest lHitinBemcnt VI ou
laws" Here are two distinct grounds of complaint
1t is first avowed that sovereign rights under tie
protection of national law had been invaded; and
next that the municipal law passed for the very purpose
of vindcang these rights in certain wantony
dsregarded Even if satisfaction had been rendered for
the violation of the municipal law that would be very
imperfect atonement for the whole injury inflicted the
sovereign rights of the nation. If the United States
should insist upon redress for the wrong done to these
rights what security would that be against aggressons
committed under that comprehensive branch of public law
called the comfy of nations? That is living principle
of the code which regulates their intercourse and
sena to the honor and character Of nations IT,
rules Of social intercourse to the harmonious progress of
society In the imperfect state of human laws ii is not
possible to charge courts with the administration Of
either and it is the peculiar function of other branches OF
the government determine the kind and of
dress that their violation by foreign powers may demand
and this duty President Perces administration has de-
voted itself with signal ability and just appreciation of
what is due to nation In the instructions to Mr.
Buchanan of the 18th of july Mr. Marcy repeated with
newed earnesness the repugnance of this to
the proceedings of the British recruiting agents. and said
showed contempt for sovereign rights extremely Of
fensive to this government demanded its CESSATION and
satisfaction for what had been done. About this time
Lord Clarendon inditing the so-caed apology which
Lord Palmerston has had the hardihood say in the
House Of Lords ought to satisfy ten governments 1t will
be perceived from that apology what estimate his lordship
places American rights and American honor. Here is
the apology Lord Clarendon says she must express tie
regret of her Maestys the law of the Uni
ted States has been in any way innged by persons
ing with without any authority from them" and then
adds that any such infringement of the United
States entirely contrary to the wishes and the posi-
tive instructions of her Majestys government"
He then proceeds argue that the law has not been vi
oated but if has it done by volunteer and not au-
thor@ed agents.
In this alleged apology he overlooks entirely the CHIEF
grievance complained Of No alusiou whatever is made
TO the injury done sovereign rights The regret go
constantly insisted by Mr. Marcy has reference only
municipal law, and is offered in the law has
violated, But hs ordshp then attempts to show that In
his opinion violation it occurred and hence the con-
don which his regret has take effect fails and his
apology is reduced nothing This, however, ia what
Lord Pamerston said ought satisfy ten governments
like that of the United States.
1t very probable that the English regret
ted more that their agents and officers detected in
for the wrong done Their refusal thus far TO re-
spond the just and honorable demands of the United
States gives that their repentance was not sim
cere
Mr. Marcy has told them, in manner that cannot be
misunderstood, though it for long time unnotced
by Lord Clarendon, that "he British government seems
TO have forgotten that the United States had soUeye0n
rights well municipal laws which were entitled to
fts r. -.
"the officers employed by her Majesys government in
raising recruits fran the United States would of course
be cautioned TO avoid exposing themselves TO the penalties
prescribed by laws; but the United States had the
right to expect something than precautions to eyade
those penalties they had right to expect that the gov
eminent and officers Of Great Britain would regard the
policy indicated by these lava and respect our sovereign
rights as an independent and friendly power
is here declared that 1t is not only our lave but Il
their policy which England Is bound as n friendly nation
to respect
Our readers have doubt perused The -tempercd not
say offensive reply Of Lord Clarendon to this reasonable
demand. Il is in that angry which Lord Palmer
ston government has too often had the weakness 10 as
towards this country and berays its consciousness OF
being in the wrong and evnces obstinate persistence in
Withholding justice.
When the msstatemen Of the facts made Ia both houses
Of Parliament shall be corrected by the publication Of the
correspondence in England 1t will be seen whether the
British hat II,