Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1861-05-29
rHE QUEENS pRoCLAMAT1ON.

WeDublished queen Victorias proclama-
ton of neutrality, as it came to us, without
note or comment, not choosing to interfere
with the impression it would make on our
readers. Each Que of them has had his own
peculiar fermentation of thought and feeling
over that very remarkable document, and then
discussions with his associates, relative to its
meaning and its probable consequences. Not
much would be said, we presume, if the pro-
clamation were confined to such statements
and declarations as might have been deemed
necessary to withhold the British government
from being mixed up in the matter, and TO re-
lease it from obligation to protect such British
citizens as may get into difficulties by disre-
gardng the policy of neutrality. We should
in any case take notice of the discourteous
haste with which the document has been
put forth, and the insulting eagerness with
which the government of Great Britain seeks
to seem neutral in such a controversy but we
should put ourselves at ease by recollecting
that English diplomacy would not be itself
without selishness and perfdy.
There is, however, one thing in the proca-
nation which should at once be challenged by
our government in the most direct and une-
quivocal manner. 1t is found in these words !:
"Whereas, hostilities have commenced be-
tween the government of the United States
of America and certain states styling them
selves the Confederate States of America. +"
These words make mention of separate Amer
lean nation which has no existence, and care.
fully cover up the fact that our government
has been assailed by the most causeless and
malignant treason ever heard of. Nowhere in
the proclamation is it said or intimated that
the government of the United States is col
lecting its strength 10 put down rebellion and
punish traitors. 1t speaks of two ''contendng
parties" between which Great Britain would
be neutral,-two distinct powers between
whom hostiltles have commenced. This Ian
guege is an insult to our government which
should be resented and the cool affectation of
oAsaisusness with Which the words are used,
as if an old and well known fact were men
toned, adds to the insult The words we have
quoted are a fit subject for diplomatic inquiry
and protest, # nothing more. If the insult is
warmly resenten, it will be recalled indirect.
ly by explanation for the government of
Great Britain is accustomed TO eat its own
words, when pressed by circumstances.
In discussing such utterances OF the British
government, it is well to remember that public
opinion in Great Britain rules throne and par
A., III IL;
it is sure to decide the policy Of the govern
ment and rule the rulers with absolute sway
How ungracious, not to say perfdious, Great
Britain was toward Sardinia, in the first part
of her conflict with Austria, up to the peace
of VillafIanca And yet, during all that time
public opinion in England would have torn to
pieces any administration that should have
Congress VIII soon meet and give England
new question to consider; and then we shall,
probably, have another queens proclamation,
and in that more than in the present one. we
shall read peace or war with her govern
ment. Congress WILL of course, declare that
the ports in the rebellious states are no longer
ports OF entry; and the closing of those
ports will no longer be by blockade They
will cease to be open ports. While they
are closed by blockade merely, Eng
land may use international law in regard to
blockades, ard insist that she has a right to
enter any port of entry, where the blockade is
not entirely effectua But when it ceases to
be port of entry, this device will no longer
serve.
Therefore, we are.curions to see how the
government of Great Britain will deal with
the case when it is presented in that form
10 insist on entering such closed ports will
be an act of war. International law does not
allow it to be anything else. We do not be-
lleve that Lord John Russell, or Lord Palmer.
ston, or anybody else representing that gov.
eminent, will make such war on u.s. They
will Withdraw from their present position, and
discover that the 1.-TWO parties" or nations,
between whom ''hostilties have commenced"
actually belong to one government 1t will
be useful study to watch this matter atten:
lively.