The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1861-05-31
From the Daily News, (,iinisterial)
The Position OF England.

The question which was last night asked
by Mr.. Joseph Ewart, on the subject OF Am
erican privateers, cannot of course be disco
ciated from the proclamation which MIR.
Lincoln has recently Issued, declaring
blockade of the Southern ports, and an.
nouncing that the Federal Government will
treat as pirates all letters of marque which
may be fitted out by the insurgent states.
Mr.. Ewart, representing tho greatest empor-
ium OF American trade which exists not on
ly in this country. but in the world. is nat
urally enough anxious to ascertain the
amount Of protection which her Majesty,s
ministers are prepared to afford to British
commerce in the Gulfof Mexico, This in
terpelation was in every sense, equally time
ly and necessary. Mr.. Jefferson Davis, the
President OF the Southern Confedcracy, an
ticipating by few days, the action OF the
Federal Government, has stated his inten-
tion of commissioning privateers. He has
practically thrown down challenge and in
stitutcd policy which the North has only
to enforce. But considering that the great
staple export Of the South is cotton. upon
every bale of which the now Confederation
has lately levied war tax, the legality OF
this trade, whether carried on in foreign or
American ships, becomes matter OF deep
ana serious consideration. The South pos
sesses no commercial marine which could
not DO easily swept from the seas by the
privateers of New York and Boston; but II
the privilege of issuing letters OF lmarque
were once conceded to the insurgents, the
whole OF the commerce between Europe and
America would be placed in position OF
imminent danger and peril. Under these
circumstances Lord John Russell, in reply
to Mr.. Ewart, simply stated that her ma
jesty's Government felt very deeply that 1t
was imperative in them to take a possible
means to avoid any participation in this 10.
mentable conflict, and that nothing but the
imperative duty of protecting British inter-
ests could Justify them in interfering, add
ing these emphatic words: 7" We are now
free, and for Gods sake lot us keep out OF
the quarrel" We do not imagine that
British shipowncrs, with the fears of risks
and assurances before their eyes will be rash
enough to cndeavor. to carry on an Illicit
and lucrative trade by accepting the protec-
ton which either belligcrant may offer.
There can be no doubt that The President, IN
strict Interpretation Of public id'rs, has a
right both 10 declare blockade ofth South
ern ports, and TO treat Southern pripdteers,
phen captured, as pirates. With regard to
the one, he has this condition to observe.
namely, that the blockade be efiectual, which
has always been tho American practice, as
well Us the rule which was recognized by the
late treaty Of Paris. With regard to the
employment of privateers, the American
government has always maintained o POSI-
ton of isolation. 1t has refused to surren-
der tho privilege of granting letters OF
marauo except the concession were accom-
panied by the assertion of the rule that in
time of war, all commerce not contraband OF
war should enjoy equal immunity upon the
land and sea. This is not only u fallacious
but an impossible doctrine, because we all
know from history that property on land,
whenever the exigencies Of war require 1t,
is us liable to confscation and destruction
as goods at sea.
Mr.. Lincoln is acting in strict conformity
with precedent in declaring that he will treat
and punish all Southern privateers as pir-
atcs. In tho Mexican war, when it was
supposed that foreigners might be disposed
to intervene in the contest on behalf OF Mex
leo, Mr.. Polk issued proclamation declaring
that he would deal with all such offenders
as robbers and pirates. The present case is
infinitely stronger. The Federal Govern
ment is engaged in war with the Southern
insurgents, whose independent and separate
existence, either de jure or de tdcto, has new
or yet been recognized by any power in tho
world. In contemplation Of public idp they
are simply rebels, and, as against them, fhe
policy tchieh Mr.. Lincoln has announced IS
not only raid in Itself, but is one whieh for
eign nations are boundto respect Believing
that the present movement can only DO effect.
ually rcprcsscd by maritime war, which,
by depriying the South of its resources,
would in all probability speedily reduce the
now confederation to national bankruptcy,
we think that Mr.. Lincoln has acted wisely
and in conformity with strict law in having
ayailed himself Of the means which, 1t must
be admitted, he can exercise without Otiense
or injury to to any foreign power. To pre-.
serve that policy Of neutrality which Lord
John Russell last night 80 forcibly expressed
is tho duty of his country. Interference
can do no good either for commercial or po-
litical purposes. The civil war which UNI
happily RACES in America must DO LETT to
work itself out, however disastrous its re-
suits may be to the manufacturing industry
and to the commerce of tho nation.