The Evansville daily journal. [volume] (Evansville, Ia. [i.e. Ind.]) 1848-1862, 1859-05-31
English Commerce and the War.

The London Times Of the l4th, in lis city
article, has the following remarks upon the
possible effects of the war upon the COM
niece of England, in event she becomes in
yolved in hosilities:
The most important question in connec-
tiOn with the possibility of England finding
herself involved in war, is what effect will
it have upon our commerce? In the old
war with France, the suspension of our
maritime supremacy would, at any moment,
have sealed our ruin; and the grand effort
of Napoleon was TO acquire a European
combination such as should exclude us from
every port, So long as the profits of our
enormous trade remain undisturbed, we are
sure TO tire out our opponents in every
struggle. May we count upon being able
now, as heretofore, TO secure that result?-
Many, looking at the fact that the French
feet is alleged, in number and power Of
guns, to be superior to our own, and con-
templating the possibility Of its being aided
by that of Russia, are disposed to entertain
misgivings. Bat these persons omit to re-
cognize the alterations effected by the lapse
of n generation in the international mari
time law. Under no conceivable circum-
stances of temporary, or even of prolonged
disaster, could our general commerce be
now interfered with. We might, for time,
lose our carrying trade, but that is the ut
most injury that could be inflicted upon US.
The doctrine, accepted during the Russian
war, and subsequently, confirmed by the Pa
riS Congress, that free ships make free car
goes has settled this point.
Our interchange of goods, therefore,
would 60 on with nearly as much Steadiness
as ever. Although the whole of Europe
might be arrayed against Us, the business
would be conducted by the United States.
Their ships would bring us cotton, corn,
and all other staples. according TO our re-
requirements, and would in turn distribute
our manufactures over the world. Thus we
should 60 on, buying, selling. and making
money in our old fashion way, while our
opponents were suffering exhaustion under
the effects of financial mismanagement,
commercial prohibitions, and the depressing
influence OF conscriptons. 1t will be urged,
perhaps, that in the event of all our ports
being blockaded, even the American ma
rine could be of no service TO us; but that
is contingency which few Englshmen will
! think il necessary 70 discuss.
Such course would soon make that
power a party to the quarrel. But it may
yet he said that, although the inyiolability
of neutral vessels was so recently affirmed
by France, Austria, Sardinia, Russia, and
Turkey, as well as by this country, the three
powers may, if it should suit their purposes,
disclaim it with as little scruple as they
have lately shown in stultifying their de-
cisions at the same Congress, regarding the
Danubian principalities. There is no room
for any such apprehension. Those who at
tempt to set aside the new principle must
do so at the peril of immediate war with
the United States. 1t is a matter on which
the Washington Government will entertain
no question, and the first interference with
an American vessel would be followed by
| an instant demand for satisfaction. Happi-
! ly, therefore, the bearings of the case are
now entirely independent of the wishes or
decisions of the continental powers, what
ever dreams may he nonrished, of fulfilling
| to the letter, the traditions Of the first en-
pire. That Of forming coalition to that
! end, and to destroy the commerce of Great
Britain, must be considered, by the progress
/ Of civilization, to have been shorn Of nearly
! all its terrors.