The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1859-05-21

II after the fashion Ct the Napier affgir, 60 that
they may have good amount of glory, lots o.
eating and drinking Of the best kind, make o
little money as well, and secure the Chevalier's
influence for the award of the printing of the
next Congress Don't let the Chevalier tear
himself away without his dinner.
NEUTRAL RIaHTs-OR FLAG MUST DE Pro.
TEcTED IN THE COMING WAR.-With general,
and possibly protracted European war, no longer
In prospect merely, but at this hour awaken
ing the echoes of hostile cannon In the valley of
the Ticino, it becomes inevitable that the com.
be vitality affected in the coming time. Neutral
in the contest, and politically Indifferent to the re-
suits as we may be, the exigencies of great war
will call into immediate and unusul action the
commercial resources of this country. Our agri-
cultural products will be in high demand all
over Europe; and, as consequence, our mer-
chant marine will be studding with their sails
the ocean and the seas of the Old World. In
this event it becomes important that our mari
time rights as neutral Power should be
vigorously preserved, and our position in regard
to the freedom Of the seas he clearly and dis
tinctly understood, beyond chance of mis-
apprehension in any emergency which may arise.
1t is impossible to overlook the signifcancy of
the remarks relative to neutral rights made by
the French Minister, Count de Sartiges, on the
eve of his departure from Washington few
days ago. He expressed his opinion that the
commercial relations of this country would be
affected by the war, because the doctrine of the
right Of search would undoubtedly be reiterated
and enforced. And inasmuch as France ac-
quiesces in the views of this country upon that
question, it is pretty evident that the allusion
had reference to the probable course England
would pursue should the war become general.
Is it possible that these words bore any relation
to those which fell from the same lips short
time before-that Napoleon had plan whereby
the United States would be drawn into the con-
test?
Occupying, as the United States do to-day,
the place of great and controlling maritime
Power, and sharing as they must SO largely in
the carrying trade Of the world during the now
opening conflict, it will not do to leave the in
depreciation of what we claim to be the rights
of neutral flag in time of war in the smallest
doubt.
That Interpretation our government has al
ways maintained to be, that free ships make
free gocds-that the flag of a neutral Power
covers both the property and persons of
enemy and friend alike, and insures to
the vessel bearing it the absolute freedom
of the seas, subject only to the laws governing
the system Of blockade and those discriminating
as to goods contraband Of war. This principle
we have been able to establish and to get recog-
nized by some of the Powers of Europe through
the medium of treaties. With regard to others
England, for example-the question remains
still open, and the time is now ripe for settle
ment.
In view of the vital Importance of this sub
ject in the pending crisis, we publish in our
columns to-day succinct history of the nego-
tiations effected and sought to be effected be-
tween this country and the leading maritime
Powers VI Europe since Ine foundation Of our
government, with reference to neutral rights,
thus placing our readers in possession of know
ledge of the position in which we stand with the
world upon the ground of neutral rights on the
ocean.
1t is history full of interest, the object of
Just pride as proving the advanced position in the
march of civilization which this country and her
have taken in regulating and human
zing the rules and usages Of war, protecting
the private property of the citizen, and restrict
ing the latitude formerly accorded to belligerent
nations in their dealings with neutral Powers
The YACHT CLUB REGATTA.-It will be seen
by the rules for the Yacht Club race to come off
On the I'd of June, which we publish this morn
ing, that the committee adhere to the old
course, extending the race no farther towards
The sea than the Southwest Spit and Owls
Head. We regret this determination. The only
hing to test the sailing qualities of our boats
The pluck and seamanship of our yachtsmen,
and the strength of their stomachs, is long sea
race. These fresh water operations can hardly
be classed as maritime sports. Certainly they
will never make good sailors, nor help to i'm
prove the model and build of our yachts.
Why not make dash for Cape May, or some
such point? A race like that would prove what
a boat could do in the way of sailing, and no "
her crew can manage her.
SMITH O'BRTEN En- ROUTE FOR HOME.-Smitb
O'Brien has arrived at Albany on his way to
This city, from whence he will sail by the Vigo,
On the 2Sth instant, for Ireland. Mr.. O'Brien has
made long tour through the country in quiet
and unpretending manner, having visited the
South and West and penetrated into Canada; and
rs he seems to have been carefully studying all
Dur institutions and expressing his opinions upon
some Of them, he will doubtless take back
much valuable information to his countrymen.
Unlike other political celebrities from Europe,