New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1861-12-19
MR.. RRIGHT on AMERICAN AFFAIRS.

MR. BRIGHT ON AMERICAN AFFAIRS.
Mr. Bright, Nj. p, WAS entertained al dinner by
his fellow-townsmen, at the kochdale fu1hc nan,
on the evening of Dec. 4. There were about $50
gentlemen present, among whom were Mr.. Bailey.
NJ. T., Mr.. George Wilson, end the Mayor OF Man
chester. the galleries were occupied by ladies.
The Mayor of ROchdale presided, and gave III suc-
cession the toasts of "Ihe Queen" "1be Houses of
Parliament" and "The Health of Mr.. Golden,
NJ. P.," all of which were cordially received. In
the course of his address, in proposing Mr. Cobdens
health ne read long letter received from that gen.
teman in which, after expressing regret at his una
vodable absence he proceeded to discuss the preseht
state of our relations with America. AS regards the
seizure of Messrs. Sidell and Mason, lie urged the
propriety of suspending final Judgment on the SUBJ
ect until we had had time to hear whether the Anne
Ican Government had authorized the act OF their ma
val officer and if 80, OH what ground they justified
the proceeding 1t had been assumed IN certain quar-
tiers that when bgal authorities have given their
opinion on the point at issue the question was settled
and tina. we have only to proceed to enforce the
award. But the matter III dispute must be decided,
not by British, but international law, ana II the
President Government should assume the RESPONSE
biiry of the act of the naval officer they will claim
for the reasoning aud precedens OF their legal advls
era the same consideration which they are bound
TO give to the arguments Of the British law officers
Whatever the issue Of the legal controversy, how
ever we cannot hope to bring the question to more
satisfactory issue by an appeal to arms. Mr. Golden
then argues for complete revision OF the Interna-
tiona Maritime Code especially regards merchant
vessels in time of war; and concludes by expressing
hi, belief that any interference by England or France
in the affairs of America, whether by breaking the
blockade or prematurely acknowledging the inde'
pendence of the South, will only aggravate and pro-
tract the quarrel A serve war might be kindled
in the South, leading ultimately, perhaps, to the
destruction of the cotton plant itself throughout the
Southern States of America. .,
"The Health Of Mr.. Bright" was received with
great enthusiasm. His speech, IN reply, after a
brief acknowledgment Of their kindness TO himself,
was entirely devoted TO the subject OF the war IN
America, That struggle one OF the lnghest
interest to England and humanity at large. Eighty
five wears ago they were colonies sprung from this
country, and already numbering IA population OF
5000, 900 souls. A year ago they were tne oh'ea
States Of America, and comprised ~ millions OF
people, In agriculture and manufactures no country
ia the world, except our own, could be placed IN
comparison with them. They were equally dis
tnguished for their Inventions their enterprises Their
Schools their prisons and their religious establish.
ments. The public expenditure of these United
States was G23, 100000 year, and they were
able TO boast amount OF comfort, prosperity,
and Astounding plenty such 40 no other country
in any age has displayed. But there was another
side. While this country secured the Utmost
liberty Tor the white population, il hell tie ehck
population In ldage and degraoaI0n. Ensland
sowed the seeos vi tue Slavery system. Jefferson
two years before the Declaration Of Independence
issued protest against the conduct and policy Of
the Epghsh Government III preventing the coonjsts