The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-07-12

TaE ENGLISH GovERNME,NT ON THE LAW OF
BIockspn--As far back a. the 18th Of May
last the Consul of New Granada at Liverpool,
acting under the Instructions of the Minister
from that republic, published notification of
the blockade of several Of itS ports, maintained
by the vessels-ofwar belonging to the confede-
ration, aud warning all parties against its VIOLA
This attracted no attention and provoked no
remark at the time on the part Of the British
government; but by the Canada's mails we
learn that member of the House Of Commons
recently asked whether the government recog-
nized the right Of the Granadian confedera-
question Lord John Russell replied by saying
that in the case of rebellion the government
had right to close the ports; but if, in case Of
cival war, tbs ports were de tacto occupied by
the insurgents, they couldnot take that step
according to International law, and as con.
sequence the British naval commander would
not recognise the right of closing OF ports
This, it will be seen, is decided refusal 10
admit the right of New Granada to maintain a
blockade; snd q course the argument
that would apply to that republic
would apply also to the United States.
The course of the British government would
appear 10 be directed according to the inter-
probation placed upon the terms rebellion and
civil wan respectively. The question may
therefore arise in the British Cabinet, is it re.
bsllion or is it civil war with which we are
dealing in the United States' And upon the
solution Of that question will the conduct Of
the English government depend.
What strikes us as most singular in this parti-
cular instance is that modification which was
published 80 long ago, and at which the govern
msnt have been winking up TO the preeent
time, should have been suddenly brought under
the consideration of Parliament. We oan en-
duced to establish precedent in dealing with
the affairs of this country, and that butfor the
circumstance Of our blockade occupying 50
large share of public attention in England,
the question concerning the ports of New Ora
NADIA would never have been asked. Lord
John Rusaells Interpretation of the law of
blockade isimportant, because new, and on &C.
count of the question to which it may give rise
with regard to our own ports. II foreshadows
dubious policy, the probable result Of which
it is az yet impossible to calculate.
TaC Nav FRENCH LINE OF SrEANERs-By
the latest intelligence from Europe we learn
that the Corps Legislatit Of France have passed
two bills for the establishment of postal ser
vices, with India and China, and the United
States and the West Indies, respectively. The
annual subsidy to the lines to and from
France, New York and the West Indies, and
branches, is to be 81, $50, 900; and in addition
a loan Of $4,6e0,000 is to be advanced on in
terest By the government to start the company.
From fifty degrees north to the Equator, from
Newfoundland to the Amazon, we are told
that there is not to be q port of commercial
importance without frequent communication
with France by means of the steamers re-
ferred to. Branch lines to Mexico and
New Orleans are to be optional, and the
French government reserves to Itself the
right of extending the service beyond the
Isthmus of Panama into the Pacific. Brest ig
to be the port of entry and departure III
France, and the advantages which It is ex-
peotel will be conferred by this enterprise
npon the commerce of the town are very
great. In reference to this bold speculation
OF the French goverun ent we have nothing to
critSeiss The ees is the highway Of all
nations and We give welcome TO every
foreign dag. II the French cso make it pay
we see nothing to be Dissatisfied with, aud
competition IN the carrying trade, if soDle times
rrlnons to companiss. Is geacsally advantages
Gus to the public,