, 1861-07-18
ENGLAND AND THE BLOCKADE.

ENGL4rD AND THE BLOCKADE.
II is plain that the English people SYM
rathize With The loyal American States in
tLeir efforts to put down rebellion and
sustain the Constitution as our fathers
nade it. The fact is equally apparent that
a large portion Of the commercial and the
ruling classes are watching eagerly for an
excuse to break the blockade and take
sides With the South. 4 great variety Of
Gauges might be named which prompt to
this course; but growing jealousy of the
power and the influence Of the model Re-
public upon the affairs Of the world; the
necessity for supply Of cotton, which in
few months must become exceedingly
pressing, are among the most prominent
and controlling. The statement recently
laid before Lord Lyons by the English
Consul at Richmond that the blockade had
been violated three times in succession,
shows how ready the English officials are
to seizc upon The most trivial circumstance
10 throw doub: upon the validity of the
blockade.
Now in regard 70 this whole subject,
there are broad and well-scttlcd principles
Of national law, and these our Government
will insist shall be observed By European
nations. Actuatea by the most liberal
spirit Of commercial enterprise, the Uni
led States have heretofore thrown opcn all
the ports Of the country to the traffic Of all
nations. But In 80 doing, it must not be
forgotten that the Government never
yielded the absolute and entire control of
those ports. She built forts to protect
them, and custom houses to accommodate
ueir trade. The fact that she opened and
controlled them, carries with it the ac-
knowledged right to close them. The
mere passage Of an act closing any num-
her Of ports, without single ship to Gu
force blockade. ought to be, and in &C.
co,dalicc with the principles Of nation
al Law, would be q sufficient
notice to all civilized nations to dcsist trad
ing Ut these ports. For sges England has
respected the right Of even semi.civilized
nations to designate what ports shall bc
open 10 her commerce. The case Of China
ard other Asialc countries will at once
suggest themselves 10 the reader. True
after the opium war with China few
years since-a war which history can never
justify-it was stipulated that several new
ports should be opened, but the principle
intrinsica1ly just in ITSELF that a natior
may rightfuly designate at what port.
Foreigners may trade, was then and ha:
been recognized and acted upon in ever,
age and By all civilized, and even semi
lla1berous nations
However strong, therefore, may be tn
sympatllies and pressing the necessities Q
the commercial and the governing classe
Of England, they must in no case be per
mitted to interfere in tho wicked rebellio,
in which the mad-csps Of the South hav
involved the country The right Of the Gov
ernment to close any OF all Of the port
south Of the Potomac during and eve,
aftcr the rebellion, is clear and unquet
toned, and it must and will be maintaine
at arg cost and at all hazards. Humanity
and Christian civilization can nerer yielt
that right Tor single moment. It is essen
tial 10 national existence, and Enelsn,
herself would maintain it with every dol
lar Of her wealth and al the power sh
could command Suppose that Irelan
should arise en- masse in rebellion with tn
exception Of Galway, would not England
once by proclamation close all the ports
the Island, If she chose, Galway includes
and She would demand t;lat all natio1
should respect the decree, II TO rewai
the loyalty Of the people of Galway, trai
should I've permitted at That noiot, VII
would question the 1igh: CT e.
:...s:d u do It. Now ;1.e Go-srau,e;
1:.2 given Ec!'ce IL ell n.i,,
e. j.. c-.::e41:*:1.c e &c r IL. <. .