The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-12-14
EnEla nd the Cause Of Her Own Interna.
tiOnnI Difficulties.

tiOnnI Difficulties.
The popular excitement in England conse-
quent on the intelligence of the capture Of Ma
son and Slidcll on board the Trent was quite
in keeping with the national character Of 4
people that has 80 long asserted the supremacy
of the seas. The Indignation felt was not so much
because Of any supposed violation of the law of
nations us the mere knowledge that foreign
Power had done towards the English flag what
England had alone previously dared to do. II
YVES considered prcsumptu0us and outrageous,
and philippics were accumulated on each other
To express the amazement and offended dignity
Of John Bull on the occasion. But the first
burst Of passion over, the English government
and people will look at the case calmly and
sensiby. and see that VIC have only been acting
upon law that England herself established,
and in support Of which she has supplied many
preceden!s. She has found in US, for perhaps
the first time nation that is not afraid Of her,
aud the shock to her feelings is as great rs the
surprise and wrath Of bully when he finds
himself unexpectedly knocked down.
The event viii doubtless be the cause of 4,
good deal Of chuckling on the part Of the other
Powers Of Europe, and the satisfaction Of the
ever jealous French government particularly
will be clearly Indicated by the press of the
country. The act of Captain Wilkes will con-
stitute All important precedent in favor of the
right of search by the public ships of all ma
tons, and lead to its more general practice than
hitherto. In this way 1t has accomplished much,
and may be almost said to have opened new
era in maritime history. Henceforward England
will remember that there is another Power on
and fret about the boarding of the Trent; but
she has only herself to blame for it, in
originally setting the example, and she
must not complain of being done
by as she would do unto others. Even if she
were negotiable enough to make the act Of the
San Jacinto casus bell, she well knows that
If wonld' be hurting disaster upon herself; for,
apart from our noM powerful navy, we could
cover the seas with privatecrs, which would
sweep British commerce from the great high
way Of nations. We could endure such war;
for orr internal resources are abundant enough
ioi oul wants.. put hot ~ IAAEldHo. Nuut
would Great Britain be without her commerce!
What would her navy be without her mcrcan
tile marine-the nursery of her sailors.
The difficulties into which she is getting re-
speeding violations of neutrality are. in like
manner, of her own making. In issuing her
proclamation she erected barrier against her.
self and volunteered law for her own guild
ancc, and now she is breaking it by allowing
the rebel steamer Nashville to remain at South
amp.on to reft and otherwise enjoy all the
privileges OF ship-of-war belonging to an es-
iablished government. This is not according
10 her proclamation, and we have a right to
complain; neither are many other things that
have been done under her protection since the
outbreak Of this war. She has selected thorny
road TO travel and nothing now remains for her
but 10 make the best of it.
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GREELEY AND THE INpEpENDENT.--We violate
no confidence in saying that. on account of the
desperate financial condition Of the Tribune,
and az means Of supporting his small but vo-
racious family. poor Greeley writes for the liz
dependent. He thinks there is nothing like get
ting raft ready to save him from the Tribune
wreck. This week the Independent publishes
one Of his twenty shilling articles, and it is a