The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-12-25
GEN. SCOTS LETTER AND IT'S EFFECT
THE IMPRESSION IN ENGLAND.

From the London News Dec. 81
General SCOTS temperate ind manly letter almost
we have yet had the exciting question
~ surpr.s,ng that sach document should have
rdnsr dsconcereI the cc'claionS Of ,po under the
ssace q strongly biassed feeling, had virtually decided
bJ5,ehond The course witch ths Washington Cabinet ,uoud
pursue ~ ;h,s gra,s emeryeny. II was instruc.
tive for example, TO notice tho lndicrous alarm
which Lord Malinesbury's organ yesterday betrayed
lest the Generals letter should contribute in
any way towards bringing peace,
and the nervous aiacry with which hasened to
readers that there ground whatever for such
suspicion. This alarm is nevertheless not altogether
founded. Tie, voice Of upright honorable like
General Scott who through long has served his
country in the most diieult and responsible posts will
be listened TO with respect and every paragraph Of his
letter breathes desire peace 1t il true he
writes rather as en ghtened and resi- nnsbe citizen
than lurist or politician, and his letter accord
ngly more valuable FOR the broad and calm it takes
Of affairs thaa Tor any specific opinions expressed the
points OF law.
If the American Cabinet is really anxious for peace
and willing TO make any honorabessacrice Vi
il can have little difficulty In complying with demand
sanctioned and enforced by international Law. 50 far
from there Icing any loss y aonor IN sacn apidrce
troad be less dhonorabe than iRJsr.o,. refuse H.
And who will undertake TO Affirm that tie residen. and
government Of America have not the courage the
honesty to redress International wrong at the
risk Of havin. brave local and ,ofary I'M
popularity IT, whether from considerations OF Justice
or cxpediency, M Lincoln decides against war with this
country, venture 10 say he will he supportcdby
great body Of the American people. The President and
his government DO not depend for support rowdy
prints, OUt on people, MI Whatever these
journals may say Inc nation ks no desircwh,teyer
60 TO war with its best customer and bes.iriend
The of General SCOTS letter which refers
future import ant to be overlooked. He perfectly
right intmang that this il the very opportunity for
Reviewing the law OF nations IL anccts the rights of
neutrais The immediate questions with regard the
seizure board the trent must or course. be settled
first. But the point Of honor satisfied ihe duty OF
both governments and both nations IL to look forward
rather than backward. The past Is undoubtedly but
full Of yiotcnt prccadens, overboariuE claims
the assertion OF rights which laws ought recognise
and civilized nations tolerate In all great bay al
neuirals have not only been sdlarers but ihoy
have often suffered TO extent that rs utterly I'M
| jesiiabls The right of search has been wanonly
ablsea. 10 the injury Of neutral chipping seld the
encouragement neutral commerce.. LIS high tune
that these finally corrected By cenIlete
revision of the law relating the rights Of neutras
General Scott urges this point with great force lie saws
truly enough that the United government has b.
striving TO accomplish this necessary revision for more
than liy yearsirom the beginning Of tho century in
fact. The time surely come, he suggests for max
ing sone attempt ''to establish these rhsthc rights
oil neutrDson Just, humane and phosophi bas -
Aud the violent act OF Captain Wilkes may III the end
an advantage 10 both countries, Il il issues united
effort " bring this par OF international moro
pto harmony With the requirements civilization and
the augmented wants OF busy and commercial age
THE FEELING IN PARIS.
Paris Dac 81 Correspondence OF the London NewsI
Conatnionne which, you will see produced favor.
ablc effect upon the Bourse Some Of tho French Jour
mails, however--morc especially those which lay tho
greatest claim "inspraton' from their government
betray extraordinary dnzity let The bcen En1
land aud hc United S'us Ghoutd rpen actual hos
hiii No Irish attorney shocked is,u
Of compcm brcoNfrg OFT bs,ueen The parties than II,