The Council Bluffs nonpareil. [volume] (Council Bluffs [Iowa]) 1857-1867, 1858-05-29

the subject Of the late outrage committed
upon the schooner Mobile by the British
War steamer Styr. For many years past,
American vessels have, Mt times, been sub
jected to great Inconvenience, in conse-
quence of the assumption on the part Of the
British Government, of the right to. search
vessels, under certain circumstances. Long
and loud has this Government demonstrated
but with little effect. In the present in
stance, the case is of such an aggravated
character, that diplomatic generalities will
hardly prove potent enough to restore Un-
Gle Sam to his usual serenity. n.-. ).
From the statement Of the Captain Of the
Mobile, we gather, that when within 30
miles of Key West, that boat was boarded
by the officers of tho British war steamer
Stur. The first intimations the Mobile had
of any hostile intentions from the steamer,
was rifle bullet, which penetrated part of
her rigging. She was not even compli-
mented with the customary order to lie to
no blank shot was fred at her us prepara-
tory warning; but when within short dis
lance of the Cruiser, she received salvo Of
rife shots. which, luckily. did no other dam
age than riddle her mainsail. The Captain
statement of the occurrence is plain and
straightforward, and must convince all, of
wanton and malicious outrage on the part
of the British steamer. The n. Y. Times
says, it was, to all appearance, wanton ia
suit, and cannot be palliated or excused
Tn. American flag was flying from the No
bile at the time in plain view; there was
nothing suspicious about her; and she made
no attempt at conccalment, and no effort to
evade pursuit. The officer in command of
the Styr, cannot, certainly, plead ignorance
in defence of his conduct. After he had
boarded the Mobile, and without show Of
authority, had examined her papers, ne told
Capt. HOWE that he was acting under or
dcrs from his Government, to board Nil YES
sells passing up and down the Gulf. The
fact that other American ships have been
thus overhauled within the past few weeks,
and the further fact that the British feet on
tho American station has been augmented
recently by large addition of gun-boats,
prove that some prcconcerted schemes which
require further explanation, are being put
in execution.
We trust that the matter will be noticed
by our Government, without further delay.
In these outrages the British seem to be re-
asserting the pretended right of search, and
with greater assumption Of authority than
they ever eviuccd before. Their protenslons
cannot for moment be admitted. They
cannot be excused for such an act as the one
under consideration, even on the plea that
they are supprcssing the slave -trade, though
slaves should be ever so numerous on the
Cuban coast. The grievances, we are sat-
isfed, will be remedicl and atoned for as
soon as they are madc the subject of re-
monstrancc by our Government. There is
not man in the United States who would
dream of submitting for moment to such
outrageous and insulting pretensions.
1t will be seen by the following, that the
':powers that be" have determined to call
the British Lion to an account for his mis-
dcmeauors:
Secretary Cass to Mr.. Dallas, May 18th,
says when all the facts have been ascertain
ed, proper representations will be made
without delay to the Government of Her
Ma jestv against this search of American
vessels by the naval forces of another pow
or within the territorial jurisdiction of
Spain. The Government of the United
States is fully satisfied that the Government
Of that country will adopt the most efficient
means to protect our vessels resorting to
Spanish ports from lawless violence. Such
protection they arc entitled to, and if it is
not secured elsewhere, it must be found in
the power of our own country.
Mr.. Cass says he is not informed whether
any injury was sustained in consequence of
the proceedings against these vessels; if there
were, it is expected it will be made good by
the Spanish Government, or by means of its
nterccssions with the Government Of Great
Britain. These fragrant outragos against
the United States, he adds, have excited
deep feeling throughout the country, and
have attracted the attention Of both Houses
Of Congress. Their continuance cannot fail
to produce the most serious effects upon the
relations Of the two countries. The Presi-
dent confidently believes the British Naval
officers, in the adoption of these high hand
ed measures, have acted without authority,
and have mistaken the views of their Co
vernment; but it is not less due to the Unit
ed States that their conduct be disar owed,
and that Percmptory orders be issued to
prevent the recurrence of similar proceed
ings.
You will communicate to Earl Malmsburv
the reasonable expectation of the President
that this subject shall receive the mmedi-
ate attention of her Britanic Mnjcstv's Co.
vcrnmcnt, and that the officers who have
been guilty of these outrages shall DO held
properly responsible for their conduct, and
that where pecuniary losses have been sus-
TIMED. the interested parties shall receive
just consideration.