The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1859-12-27

Maritime fntercourse I'm Time or War
Action OF the Citizens OF Bremen.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE NEW YORK HERALD.
BRnN, Dec 8, 1859.
The international maritime laws are not In unison with
the demands Of modern times; although most nations
have by adopting the Paris declaration Of April 10 1885,
abolished privAteerng acknowledged the right Of neu
trails their Dag protecting enemys goods and their goods
being protected under enemys aag and have done away
with the nominal blockades, snl, Of general war
the mercantile navy and the property OF the citizens OF
the begerent nations remain exposed TO destruction by
the enemys cruisers by the privateers Of those ma
tons who, the United States OF America, have de-
clined ADOPT the above declaration unless further
and greater guarantee tor protection IN times OF war
should be ued the peace mariner returning home
may be captured and carried Into prison. aud eyen the
property Of the ncntras it be vessels pnrcnasea rom
belgereDts the broke out subject 20 con1s
cation, goods board Of an enemys vessel, Rl-
though not subject 70 capture, they are snoecl rum
OF litigation, proofs Of ownership &c
This Of things requires immediate redress for
immense amount OF property s exposed TO the danger
of destrncton breaks out, millions Of indus
trious people are tu their peaceabe occnpa
tom nay the possibility of war puts an end to the
enterprise and the blessings of an extended commerce,
and checks the extension OF wealth and civilization all
over the world.
large meeting Of Bremen citizens interested 10
navigation adopted unanimously the snbjoined
rcsolurons and chose he undersigned committee to
carry out to communicate the same TO their CO.
TO all whafever nation,
who are interested in the manner share these
opinions with the request to cause the adoption Of similar
measures
In conformity with these Instructions, the committee
hoping that you will be convinced Of the justice OF the
takes the liberty Of handing copy Of the
solutions (Iansla,ed into Epglish) and will feel exceed
ipgly Obliged TO you If you will take such steps as 10
bring this subject which Of the highest importance to
public discussion to call forth similar resolutions, and to
induce government TO take euch steps
equal safety TO private property on the high seas as
terra frsnG
United efforts will succeed in doing away with the
remnants Of past and bar barous ages the high pow
in congress convening will not close their
the unanimous voice Of the civilized world and will
gladly lend their band to abolish the capture Of private
property on the high seas. With high regard, sub
scribe ourselves, sir, very, respectfully, yours,
TEE COMMITTEE
Alex. Fritze, E Klugkist,
y. Konitzky, Dr. II Won Lengerke,
Fr. nj n 4ssienpors cai Il n Watchers
RESOLUTIONS OF MEETING HELD IN BREMEN ON THE
2D OF DECEMBER, 1853.
Considering that the nviolsbliy OF person and proper
~ forms the sole basis which the material and neec
tual intercourse Of nations safely prosper which
civilization and wealth be freely developed pene
trate unendangered into the remotest territories Of
earth that this principle therefore ought even in war
be held sacred by all nations whose ambition is 70 pc
| regarded as the champions Of civilization
Considering that conravention of this principle
what has long since been gmatized barbarous vic
ence land to rob of their liberty and property private
and destroy merchant ships with their cargo, 70 detan
their crews as prisoners, International law in naval war
/ fare still permits;
Considering further that consciousness Of injustice
Of this procedure already felt all SIDES that the
"decaraon OF the Congress At Paris Of the 18th OF
april, 1885, which has been acceded by almost all
| States, has begun to pave the way for just views
Of the subject; that protects not only the interest
Of neutas but also the property Of subjects an citizens
Of begerent States If board Of neutral ships; that
partly in consequence Of this "declaraon" partly from
the asoei wish Of many governments for instance taat Of
justice completely abolished, lie universal acknowleds ment
OF the claims of private individuals engaged in commerce
and navigation TO security for themselves and their pro-
pery provided they do not act contrary the conditions
| OF war, Is materially facilitated
Considering ALSO that the Congress Of the great
Of Europe now again assembling will gladly embrace the
decessor and. by entirely banishDg from the rules OF
maritime law the arbrarness OF ruder ages TO found
noble and mpershabe memorial In the annals of civza.
ton
Considering, lastly, that all whom their own interest or
zeal for the progress of justice mpels do So ought
loudly to raise their voice and proclaim to their go
vernmcnt and 10 the assembled Council of Nations the
unanimous judgment Of the civilized world
The ting reeolves:-
l. That the invioaby of person and property in time
OF war on the high seas extended also TO the subjects aud
czen Of belgerent States except the opera
tons OF necessarily restrict the same is nperatvely
demanded by the sentiments of justice universally
tanned at the present day.
Bremen be most urgently requested to support this prnc
ple and TO recommend the carrying Of into effect TO the
orsderation either Of the confederate German
| ments OF the Powers assembled in Congress.
That strenuous endeavors should be procure
the unanimous expression Of opinion, and the unanimous
exertion Of influence with their government part
all who In their interest and for the sake OF
ried into effect
That for the carrying OF these resolutions COM
mittee be appo,nted which will in particular undertake ~
bring the same TO the knowledge Of he High Senate
the Chamber of Commerce. of the Consus Of other
resident here AMI also Of such circles and persons
rally, Ger many and abroad interestei in the
prosperity OF maritime traffic calling upon them for their
active co operation IN the like spirit.