Cincinnati daily press. [volume] (Cincinnati [Ohio]) 1860-1862, 1861-05-06
Privateers from n Commercial Point OF
View

The New York Lndependent observes:
Il is about eight weeks since the present
Administration assumed the direction OF the
affairs of Government. fiat that time any,
thing could be predicated upon the Seces-
sion movement it WIS that IL must inevitably
lead to war if Rhe Government should as
sumo TO assert its power and execute the
laws. The policy announced by the new
President was chat being chosen to that
Office, he should fulfill its duties. The in
evitable consequence followed, and re-
bellious section of the country is at open war
with the Union, whose overthrow they had
been so long plotting.
We are not disposed to find fault with the
Government. In position of terrible re-
sponsibilities, for which there is no prece-
dent, and the untried labors devolved upon
it, and to be discharged within a very brief
period, are vast. We think it has put the
Capital in position to be safe from attack,
and that il has gathered about it most eff
fective force, capable of coping with, aud
eventually suppTessing, the rebellion, unless
il disperses itself-of which there is not the
least probabiliiy-withint the twenty days
given it by Mr.. BincOln's Proclamation. Till
that period expires, as it does on Saturday,
undoubtedly the wise course for the Admin
istration to pursue was one of defense.
In one essential particular, however, that
defense eeems TO us not TO have been what it
should be, and the precautionary measures
seem TO have been wanting which the state
Of affairs on the 4th of March indicated
IS absolutely necessary. We do not under
stand bow a prudent Administration, who
foiesaw coming storm, could have neglected
10 have ready for instant service all Of the
navy that was within its reach. In case of
war blockade of Southern ports would be
one Of the earliest and most imperative
measures; but blockade on paper and
without ships is a mere empty threat. On
this point there seems to have been an mex
plicable delay, for though ninety days must
elspsc TO give due notice to foreign nations
before perfect blockade could be perfected,
partial blockade TO protect our own com
merce is absolutely essential Had the proper
steps been taken at the outset for recalling
our absent naval vessels, and fitting others
for sea, there might by this time have been
sbips enough on the coast TO render all jeff.
Dayis,s letters Of marque harmless.
SO far as we know, nothing has been done
to head of this scheme of priyateering,
though Dayis's piratical proclamation IS
nearly three weeks old. In that, as in every
thing else he aud his associates have done,
they are perfectly in earnest, and they mean
to feed tat their ancient grudge" against the
North by pIeying upon Northern commerce.
IL is perfectly natural that they should do so.
A people who live in time Of peace upon the
unpaid toll of slaves, in time of war would
inevitably resort 10 robbery upon the high
seas Of the uDaTmed trader. The example Of
the civilized world is as much lost UPON a
semi barbarous community in one eass as in
the other
The supposition was fair one, that il any
contest upon land, the North might rely
upon the enthusiasm and patriotism of her
own people to repel force with force and
the event was justified by the expectation,
But u ID easier to raise ansTmy than TO eauiU
teet. Already we hear that priyateers are
htnDg out IN Southern ports and before any
thective measures 10 protect our commerce
are taken by the Government the Seas msy
be infested with pirates, and a very serio1,
blow be struck at Northern prosperity. It'll
blow the elect OF which can not be calcu
lated.
The positive loss to us would bs YER,
great IN the ruin Of individuals, in the los
10 insurance companies, and in the under
mining OF public credit. And the gair
would be equally great TO the enemy, wb,
need all they can steal, and who witbnu
stealing Will soon be destitute Of anv nec1
mary resources. The commercial comm
Iity with ns are meeting the trials of th,
day cbeerfully and brayely, not a few of on
merchants facing ruin with A hopefnl sniri,
accepting their own shipwFeck without re
piDing, so that the country may be saved
They win have right to complain n the,
are delivered over prey 10 the enemy with
out an effort TO suceor them. Aad we cal
upon the Government TO act PROMPTLY
firmly, and vigorously in this matter. =
Oureapitalists and merchants can do mueb
however 70 help themselves. 1t Is alrsad
proposed, we understand, among under
writer's TO purchase a steamer for the pfo
lection Of our commerce. Three or four sue
ships with not large armaments, woul
Prove a very efficient force against all u
vessels sent out under the pirate flag of d
SouibtIn Rebels. The enthusiasm Of Il