The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1856-1888, 1858-07-08
The Foreign News.

We present in another column Il brief summary
of the news by the last mail. The tone of the
French papers when abiding to the French and
English alliance is quite belligerent, and the
English papers speak as Independently in regard
to France, showing that the popular feeling
is strongly against a further alliance, and
that it would not take any great misunderstood
ing to lead to an open rupture between the two
nations.
A serious question has Just arisen between the
United States and England in the matter of the
latter government claiming the right to overhaul
American merchantmen, suspected as slavers. 1t
is a thing that the American government will
never submit TO, and from the enforcement of
which the British government will probably re-
cede without creating further disturbance. In
relation to the present position of the three lead
ing powers, the San Francisco He: aid of the 18th
June SAYS:
1.-The singular attitude assumed by the English
government towards the United States, in again in
sisting on the right of search, invests the relative po-
sition of that country towards other powers with more
than usual interest. In the event of hostilities be-
tween the United States and England, it is of primary
importance 10 know how other European powers
stand affected towards thar country. Although our
exchanges contain nothing striking relative to the
understanding between England and France, yet, a
close scrutiny of what has been received, reveals an
active preparation for the worst on both sides.-
France is actively engaged in augmeuting her naval
force, while England is equally busy in perfecting
her seacoast defences, and increasing her military
garrisons, Strengthening her fleets, and seeking for
eign alliance. No less than f~fty-three vessels of diff
ferent rates are on the stocks in France, and in pro-
cess of construction Of this number seven are ships
of-the-line, and fifteen first class frigates-the re-
mainder being corvettes and bomb shirs. The French
government is also fastening on the work of adapting
all the sailing vessels of the navy to carry steam
power at the shortest notice, and Will soon be in pos
session of a fleet of $50 war steamers of a large class.
The transports connected with the service are about
being fitted up with steam power, and n large num-
Der of sailing frigates have been converted into steam
transports, for the rapid conveyance OF a great body
of soldiery at one time. In addition to these prepara-
tons, four other ports are being prepared as fast as
possible for naval rendezvous, like those of Cherbourg
and Toulon. All this looks like preparation for some
descent on the coasts Of another nation, to elect which
an overwhelming force and rapid movement will be
requisite. The inhabitants Of Cardiff, located on the
British Channel, have lately presented to their gov
ernment that a French vessel-of-war has been en-
ployed of their coast IN making q Typographical sur
vey of the coasts, with hostile intent, and this cir
substance has considerable increased the general idea
held by the English masses that an early war with
France is most likely to occur. The French press has
also been less restrained of late in their denunciations
of England, and INDUCES in IL degree of bitterness
fully reciprocated on the other side of the water. The
established censorship over the French journals is
evidence that the Emperor is well aware of their tone.
and gives his sanction to their fulminations. Acare-
full perusal Of the journals of the two countries will
satisfy the reader that latent enmity and confirmed
hate exist on both sides Of the channel, which re-
auires all the skill and nerve of the rulers 20 keep
from open hostilities. The commerce OF France is
not so extensive as to require the vast additions to
her naval force that are already in process of con-
struction, nor are the relations of that country to the
other powers of the globe in such a condition as to
require the immediate transportation of an immense
army to their shores England is the only power
with which she has any misunderstanding at all, ex-
cept the mere bagatelle in China, and very little
doubt exists that all these gigantic preparations are
intended for the sudden descent of an overwhelming
force on the coasts of England. tbs, however, quite
measures continue, we have little to fear from a war
with England. All her resources will be required TO
protect herself and retain her valuable colonial pos
sessions"