Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1861-12-19
ENGLAND BBLLIGERBNT.

From the tenor of the latest advices from
England, synopsis of which we publish in an
other column, it appears that the British gov
eminent is disposed to look upon the action of
Com. Wilkes in forcibly siezing Mason and Sill
dell the rebel ambassadors to France and Eng
land in the lightof an insult to the British flag,
and to demand apology and reparaton therefor
from our government. 1t is not yet made pub
lie, any farther than we can gather from extracts
from British newspapers, in what precise form
these demands are made, to what extent they
go, nor what will satisfy them. Until that is
done we can hardly estimate properly the
probabilities of war with England. But
enough is known to render it certain that there
are serious grounds for experimenting collision
between the two countries.
1t is admitted we believe, by England that
we had the right TO stop the Trent, (the vessel
from which the rebels were taken,) and to take
her into port there to await the adjudication of
Prize Court. But they further contend, at
least that seems to be the opinion Of the law
officers of the crown, that we could not legally
seize and forcibly take from British vessel
any person who had sought protection under
the British flag. 1t is conceded by the best
authorities on international law that a belliger-
ent has right to seize the dispatches of an
other belgerent, even if found on a neutral
vessel plying between neutral ports. Com.
Wilkes seized the rebel ambassadors as officials
bearing in themselves important dispatches,
and to that extent themselves dispatches. Up
on these differences hinge the question at issue
between the two governments.
This is a question eminently suitable for di-
plomacy, and one that can be readily settled
through the diplomatic action and agencies of
the two governments, if there is on both sides
a disposition for an amicable adjustment and
for peace and harmony. The action of our
government in the premises depends greatly
upon the form and manner in which the de-
mands of England are made. If they are ac-
companied by any threats or any of England's
usual habit of bullying, of course there can be
nothing left for us, consistent with proper self
respect, but stern and dignifed refusal. Our
government should ask for nothing that is not
sight, snd submit to nothing wrong. But if
demand for PREPARATION is made in proper
manner and it is found that the action of Com
Wilkes is not fully iustifabe according TO the
practice of civilized nations, no squeamshness
on our part should hinder us from acknowledge
ing that in a suitable and proper manner. As
with individuals so with nations; no nation
like ours can afford to be in the wrong !; and if
war is the result Of persistence in the wrong
the civilized world will justly hold us response.
BILE. That our government is in the wrong in
this matter we have no reason for believing.
If we are in the right we trust that, notwith-
standing our present embarras ment, notwth-
standing we have rebellion on our hands, we
shall show to the world that we are yet nation
of freemen and that we shall endeavor to main
tain orr freedom with our treasure and our
lives.
1t is proper to remark that, judging solely
from the tone of the leading English papers for
the last year, it looks as if there was prevail
ing desire on the part of that government to
provoke hostilites with the United States
Jealousy of the growing power and strength of
this country down to the date of the rebellion,
has apparently combined with other and more
material reasons to lead England into sympa-
thy with the rebels seemingly for the purpose
of permanently disolving the Union of these
States and Of dividing us up into several small
and petty governments over which she could
successfully domineer and at all times control
In these suspicious we may lie wrong; perhaps
tle evidence of her press, upon which it is chief
ly based, is not reliable We hope it is not.
But we must confess that we fear our opinions
or at least our suspicious is too well founded.