The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1858-06-24

Frcshm were rather nrmse while rates were without
change Of moment Tho chief engagements were made
70 liverpool combating OF wheat, mostly II 4d 4d,
In bulk and as 3D. in bags; cotton Q, 732d cheese, in
cabin, d 25s., and bacon n lis Cd.
Oar DinAcuIty with England - Our New
Forsasn Policy.
We learn from Washington that the right of
search question with England has been finally
settled upon q basis that will be found in ano-
Their column, and that the recent course of the
British cruisers has brought out two other inn
portant results One of these is the claim Of
Capt. Bartlett for the loss of his ship, the Cls-
rend0D, and the other that the State Depart
ment is already at work making up for Congress
tabular statement Of claims presented by our
citizens against foreign governments since 1915.
In settling the right Of search question Mr..
Buchanan has achieved great victory. Ever
since the first years of the present century this
subject has been one of constant discussion and
irritation between the United States and Eng.
land, and many efforts have been made to ar
range it, without success The first discussion
was begun by Mr.. Jefferson and the last great
diplomatic combat on it was between Mr..
Webster and Lord Ashburton. 1t will be
subject of congratulation everywhere that the
inviolability of ships upon the sea during
q time of peace is an admitted and settled point.
The claim Of Capt. Bartlett is side issue
from the great question of the right Of search.
It will be remembered that the Clarendon was
loading in the outer harbor of Sagua at the
time of the advent there of her Britannia
Majesty's steamer Buzzard in a belligerent atti-
tude and disposition. Owing to the hostile
proceedings of the Buzzard, the Spanish lighter
men refused to risk their lighters in the outer
harbor, and the lading and departure of the
Clarendon was thereby delayed. When she had
afterward completed her cargo she sailed, and
was soon after lost in a storm on Salt Cay
bank, about one days sail from Sagua. The
ground taken by the owners of the Clarendon
is, that had the hostile proceedings Of the Buz-
zard not taken place, the delay Of the ship
would not have occurred, and she would
thereby have been sooner despatched from
port, and far distant from the scene of danger
when the storm occurred in which she was lost.
1t is an open question whether the RESPONSE
bility for the loss can be traced home to the
British government through well established
principles of law; but it is question that
should be ventilated and settled. The question
turns upon that of q dereliction of voyage.
Had Captain Bartlett delayed, by his own act,
his arrival at the scene of his disaster until the
time of the storm that wrecked him-as, for in
stance going to succor some other vessel in dis
tress, and his own ship had been subsequently
lost-he would have vitiated his policy and lost
his insurance. In this case the dereliction of
voyage, or delay, was not voluntary with him,
but was caused by an arbitrary and illegal act
of power on the part of British officer; and
though this fact may save to Captain Bartlett
his insurance, the main question still remains
for why should the American underwriters have
a loss forced upon them by the illegal conduct
of aBritish officer, in the performance of an
act in no way necessary to the safety of
Great Britain or conducive to the peace of the
world' If the officer were to come within the
jurisdiction of our tribunals he would be sub
ject to suit and arrest; as the matter now stands
it can be settled only by the action of the two
governments As the main point of the aues-
ton is settled, we doubt not this side issue will
soon be determined
The other fact seems to be a cloud no bigger
than a mans hand, yet before it has passed
away it will create storm throughout the
length and breadth of the land. The musty
files of the State Department are to be over.
hauled, and the dead claims Of our citizens,
drowned in the stagnant pool of diplomacy,
are to be brought to light. We do not wonder
that the clerks of the department CON-
plain that they will lose their sum-
mer recreation, and that It will form
the largest report ever presented to Con-
gress. And yet not one in the hundred of
these claims has ever been redressed. One
great result of this publication Of the
shortcomings Of our circumlocution Office will
be to convince the people Of the truth of Pal
merston's standing twit against our ministers.
1t has often occurred that these, in discussing
important questions with him, have replied,
"But that is against the policy Of the American
government" Quick as thought always came
his ready answer, 4" What is your policy? Have
you policys ! have never been able to learn
what your policy is"
The presenting of this immense report at the
next session Of Congress win bring home TO the
minds Of the people the fact that in the dirty
squabble for petty Offices our public men have
completely neglected our interests abroad and
that in fact we have no foreign policy. But we
must have policy; and the urgency Of the ques-
lions now pressing upon us indicate that II
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