The Lansing state Republican. [volume] (Lansing, Mich.) 1855-1874, 1861-05-29
An ENGLISH MINISTERIAL ORGAN ON
THE VALIDITY OF HE BLOCKADE.
From the LonGon Post (org.n f the British Ministry
of MAJ

Of Nav
The question which was ,a>t night asked by
Mr.. Joseph Ewart, on the subject of American
privateers, cannot of course be dissocated from
the proclamation which Mr. Lincoln has recently
issued, declaring blockade of Southern poris
ard announcing that the Federal Government
will treat pirates all letters of marqus which
may be fitted out by the nsurgent States. Mr.
Ewart representing the greatest emporium OF
American trade which exists not only in this
country, but in the world is naturally enough
| anxious to ascertain the amount OF protection
which her Majesty's Ministers are prepared TO at
ford TO British commerce in the Gulf Of Mexico.
This Interpolation was in every sense equally
timely and necessary. Mr.. Jefferson Davis, the
President of the Southern Confederation, an,;ci,
pating by few days the action of the Federal
| Government, has stated his intention Of commits
sOning privateers. He has practically thrown
down challenge and instituted policy which
the North to insure success, has only to initiate
; and enforce. But, considering that the great
staple export OF lie South ia cotton, upon every
bale Of which the new Confederation has lately
levied tax, ihe legality of this trade, whether
carried on IL foreign or American ships, becomes
a matter of deep and serious consideration.
The South possesses no com lercal marine
which could not be- easily swept from the seas bv
the rriyn'rcr~ n' New York and Boston but, If
the privilege oi is uing letters of marque were
once conceded 10 the insurgents, the whole OF the
commerce between Europe and America would
be placed in position of imminent peril and
danger. Under these circumstances Lord John
Russell, in reply to Mr. e. arr, simply stated that
her Majesty's government feit very deeply that
it was imperative on them take all possible
means to avoid any participation in this lamenta.
bic conflict and that nothing but the imperative
duty OF protecting British interests could Justify
them iii interfering adding these emphatic words,
1--WE are now free and for Gods sake let as
keep out Of the quarrel" We DO not anticipate
that British sLipOwners, with the fear of risks
and assurances before their eyes, will be rash
inough to endeavOr 10 carry illicit aud lu
crative trade by accepting the protection which
either beigerent may offer. There can be no
doubt that the President, in strict Interpretation
OF public law, has s right both to declare block.
ade of the Southern ports and to treat Southern
privateers when captured, as pirates.
! With regard to the one, he has this condition
to observe, namely, that the blockade be effectu.
al, which has always been the American practice
as well as the rule which was recognized BY the
late treaty of Paris. With regard to the employ
ment of privateers, the American government
| has always maintained position of isolation. 1t
has'refused to surrender the privilege OF granting
| letters of marque except the concession were
accomp panied by the assertion of the rule that in
time of war all commerce not cCntrabanded ol
war should enjoy equal immunity upon land and
Sea. This is not only a fallacous but impossible
doctrine, because We all know from history that
property on land wherever the exigencies OF
war require it, is liable to confiscatiOn and de-
struction as goods at sea. Mr. Lincoln is acting
in strict conformity with precedent, in declaring
that he will treat ani punish al! Southern priva
teers a. pirates. In the Mexican war, wnen il
was supposed that foreigners might be disposed
TO intervene in the contest on behalf of Mexico
Mr.. Polk issued a proclamation declaring that b,
would treat with all such offenders robbers anC
pirates. The present case is infinitely strong
er. The Federal Government is engaged in wa
with the Southern insurgents, whose indepen
dent and separate existence, either de iure or d
fdcto, has never yet been recognized by any pow
er in the world. IN contemplation of public laV
they simply rebels aud as against them, tn
policy which Mr.. Lincoln has announced is no
only valid in itself, but is one which foreign ia
tions are bound to admit and respect. Believin;
that the present movement can only be efectu
allv suppressed by maritime war which, by de
priving the South of its resources, would in a
probability speedily reduce the new COnfedera
ton to national bankruptcy, we think that Nj
Lincoln has acted wisely and in conformity wit
strict law in having availed himself of the mean
which it must be admitted, he can exercis
without oflense or injury to any foreign power
To preserve that policy of neutrality which Lor
john Russell last night so fcrcby expressed
{ the duty Of this country. Interference d
no good either for commercial or political pul
poses The civil war which unhappiiy RACES
. America must be left to work itself ont, howeve
| disastrous raSnltS may he n tho ccmmp
and manufacturing industry Of this country.