The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1859-06-01

Position OF the European Powers with Re-
ference to blockade and the Rights OF
Neutr.ls.
The effects Of the European war on the mer-
chant vessels and the commerce of the bellige-
rant Powers are already beginning to be felt in
the Mediterranean and Adriatic Immediately
upon the declaration of war, France granted per-
mission to all Austrian vessels in French ports
to depart within six weeks; but Sardinia, on the
other hand ordered the sequestration of Austrian
vessels in Sandman ports, alleging as q reason
that the Austrian troops, upon crossing the Ii
cino, levied monstrous contributions on the
Italian people, and otherwise ill-treated them,
and therefore, that by laying an embargo upon
all Austrian merchant vessels lying In her ports
she was but acting in accordance with the rights
| Of war and international law which justify such
! reprisal.
| Austria, doubtless anticipating reciprocity
| of action on the part of her enemies issued an
ordinance permitting French and Sandman yes
sells in Austrian waters to complete their cargoes
and depart unmolested. But the course pursued
by Sardinia provoked retaliatory measure, and
we learn by recent advices that orders have been
issued from Vienna to seize every Sandman YES
sci found in the ports of Austria. Meantime, the
! French squadron have effected strict blockade
in the Adriatic, with four large steam frigates
ard two ships of the line, and have already cap
tured four Austrian merchant vessels It be-
came necessary that the small fotilla
which Austria keeps in those waters should
be protected from the powerful navy of
her adversaries, and accordingly they were
ordered to take shelter in Trieste where it was
supposed they would be secure, as that port be-
longs to the German Confederation, and not ex-
clusively to Austria 1t is probable, however,
that the Austrian squadron was not able to avail
itself of that refuge, for late accounts represent
the French blockading squadron, under Admiral
de Lagraviere, Fastening to intercept it.
There is no doubt that Austrian vessels will
henceforth be seized wherever found all over the
world, by the French navy, while the French and
Sandman marine will not be much disturbed, for
the reason that their enemy has a very insignif-
cant naval power to bring against them In this
event, the commerce Of this country conducted
by Austrian ships must be to certain extent
affected. There are, however, at present only
three vessels Of that nation in this port-the brig
Imperatore Diocleziano, the bark B. Kellner, and
one other. Carrying the French flag, there are
FIVE, namely, the barks La Perouse, Gen. de
Lourvel Patrie and E. Fernand, and the brig
Tocopa. There are no doubt many more in other
American ports.
So much for the status of the merchant marine
belonging to the belligerents. As regards the
rights of neutrals there seems to be disposition
to respect them on the part of the European
Powers generally. Austria has declared all her
commercial ports open to the merchantmen of
neutral nations, pronounces against privateering,
and prohibits any of her subjects from equipping
vessels having letters Of marque, in accord
ance with the agreement of the Paris Con-
ference of 1856. France has long been pledg-
ed to the same doctrine, and we see no indica-
tons that che will abandon it in the present in
stance. Belgium, while declaring her neutrality,
takes occasion to announce her adhesion to the
rule that neutral flags shall make neutral goods
and notifies her subjects that any one taking sides
with either hostile Power will be liable to pun
ishment for piracy. The Senate of the Ger
man free cities, fearing that they may suffer
from the war, 1t appears, appealed to Eng
land to take under the protection of her
fleets all vessels sailing under the flag of the
three ports and free Hanseatc towns Lord
Malmesbury, however, has declined to comply
with that request, 80 that the free ports
must look out for themselves in case there
oh no
be perceived, also calculated upon the as
sistance of England in maintaining the neu-
trality of the Adriatic Sea- most impor-
tant measure for her-but Lord Malmes-
bury refused to approach the French gov
eminent on the subject, and this is one of the al
legged reasons for the resignation-or removal
Of Count Buol from the councils of Francis Jo-
seph.
AS far as the present beligerent Powers are
concerned, the rights Of eur flag will probably
be respected. Mr.. Secretary Cobb alleges, in bis
recent Treasury circular to the Collectors of
Customs, that the immunity of our merchant YES
sells at sea from seizure search, detention or visit
by vessels Of war Of any foreign nation, is ad-
mitted by all the maritime Powers Of the world.
The English government however, has always
been coquetting with this subject, and there will
probably be an opportunity now to teH the ques-
ton as to whether Mr.. Cobb's views with refer
ence to all the maritime Powers are correct or
not.
1t is the unquestionable policy of the United
States to preserve an absolute and honest neu-
trality in regard to all the Powers that may take
part in the present war 1t is one thing to de-
eide what Is the policy of the country, but 1t is
quite another to place ourselves in position
TO defend it. If the war should become general
IN the violence Of the struggle the rights Of ueu-
\ trau may be vioissed, aua the United States