Polynesian., 1858-05-15
Neutral Rights, or Free Trade.

This subject is again being agitated in Congress;
ut from cursory glance at the debates, Il occurs
us that some of the members of the "congrega-
ID wisdom" do not take comprehensive view Of
he subject. II is a rule, we believe, established
usage, that the enemies goods may be seized
a neutral bottom. This is by no means univer-
Illy conceded, II Is true Ii Is not, for instance,
lie custom of the French. II is disputed by other
overnments, also, but still the weight of authority
GEMS to be IN its favor; and it is laid down by
ome of the best English and American writers.
ut 1t Is evident that If the rule be conceded, it
raTs after it the right of search; otherwise it
'ould be wholly imperative. In this way the
restest inconvenience arises to neutras, who are
able to be Overhauled by every cruiser they fall
Il with. Besides, the practice of search is made
cover for all sorts Of abuses, and must inevitably
aad to such losses, and excite so much irritation
feeling, as are incompatible with the mainten-
nee OF friendly relations between powers whose
ruisers and marine brought into such disa-
,reeabe relation. The right of search Is only
tied to be enforced by the strong the weak,
o nd cannot otherwise be maintained. Ii is one
.ganst which the American Government has al
Ways protested, and, after full experience of its
wills, successfully resisted.
Lord Clarendon, one of the British Plenpoten-
iaries to the Paris Conference last year, at
aeked for the surrender of an ancient practice,
which it was said would involve disastrous conse-
Iuences to the trade of Great Britain, and especi-
lily to her maritime interest and supremacy. Il
asserted there, and it is again asserted, that
he effects would be to throw the whole carrying
trade of Great Britain, time of war, into foreign
neutral hands, on account OF the security thus
afforded from seizure, the nigh rates Of insur-
ance that woald necessarily be charged on goods
conveyed under the British flag. But, of course,
this objection has regard to the proposition of
the late Secretary of State Mr.. Marcy, which. by
giving absolute security to private property aoat,
would render the Z" free ship, free goods" rule of
Importance. 1t goes quite behind the principle
embraced in that rule, and If adopted, would be
sufficient answer to all the arguments that have
been urged against the acknowledgment of neu-
trail rights by Great Britain. But Lord Clarendon
did not want for other arguments TO defend his
course. His reply to the Earl of Derby, and 9TH
ers of his assaiants, was both learned and lucid.
He showed that, though Great Britain had always
claimed the right of seizng enemy's goods
found u neutral vessel, yet very freeneRtly du-
ring the last three hundred years she had conceded
the principle of free ships, free goods, matter
OF treaty stipulation; and that, during much OF
the time this had been the habitual relation of the
Country to some foreign nations also, during the
Russian war; the right of seizure had been distinct
ly waived, and notice to that effect had been given
to neutral powers. Lord Clarendon seemed to
think that it was more than doubtful whether the
old practice conld ever Oe revived against great
maritime power, and if, as the price Of its concess-
ion. an exemption from the employment of priva-
teers could be obtalned-a measure eminently ia
vorable 10 British shipping interest-It was cheap
ly purchased. No doubt he was right. He had d
sharp eve to the interests of his countrymen;
though, how he could ever hope for the United
States to come into such an arrangement, is more
than we can understand.
We sincerely hope that the Government of the
United States will press the measure first proposed
by that great statesman, whose voice Is forever
hushed Mr.. Marcy can no longer forward it let,
then, MIR. Buchanan adopt it. Let maritime war
be asslmllated to the practice on land. True, as
Lord Pamerston says, private property is not al
ways respected on land and any very uniform
practice, in case of war cannot confidently be
looked for. But private property on land, and the
persons of non-beligerents are usually respected,
and such should ever be the rule, whether on land
or seal NeU York Shipping List.