New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1862-11-15
TIE ANGLO-REHEL CONTIADAND
TRADE.

Private letters Of senli-onicial natore, rela-
tive TO tue eontrataDd trade carried on b,
English merchants with tie Rebel, ard con-
tanning some information as TO the views OF
the English Cabinet upon that subject, have
been received in Washington. L. appcrs from
these letters that our Minister in London in d
recent conversation with Lord John Russell
oborgeticaily complained of the injuries to the
National cause, BY the continual shipping Of
arms and munitions OF war to tho Conieder-
atcs in English bottoms. and by English mer-
chants: inlmatlng nj the same time tbHt while
thete practices continue 10 lie countenarced by
the English people and Government there could
be no hope for prompt restoration OF peace
IN America. He mentioned also the ease OF
The Alabama, obviously ship Of war fitted
Gu. by Enslsh money for tho purpose Of des-
troying The vessels OF Il friendly Power, and
declgred that such an odious system OF aggres-
sion upon the Union cause, without proyOca-
ton, constituted 10 the eyes Of the Americans
AID Of all civilized nations, al infringement OF
the rights OF neutrals, tho responsibility OF
which would sooner or later be felt by the
British Cabinet, both OF bone and abroad. IL
n word, Mt. Adams represented that sueh acts
IA those weco not calculated TO assure the
United States Government of tho sincerity Of
tho prot, stations OF neutrality and good will
made by Lord Russell, aud that they
reflected no credit upon the impartiaity and
honor Of the EDglsh nation.
10 this Lord Russell said in reply that it
was with the utmost regret that lie had learned
the facts ~ which Mr.. Adams complained and
that be had done every thing IN bis power 20
prevent the continuance Of the Illicit trade be-
tween Engiish subject. aud the Conlcderntes.
He 1esired, however, TO remind Mr.. Adam.
that English laws granted such muunities t.
private industry that 1t was impossible to him
DER on English citizen from dealing IN contra
band Of war if he chose; that tho responsible
ity Of such unlawful traffic rested with the
guilty party, aud that j. could only in very
limited way be controlled by the Government.
Lord Russell assured blr. Adams that tho
policy OF the English Government concerning
contraband trade was that Of all other nations,
as well as Of the United Sta,es, whose prece.
dents on this very question were as clear and
precise as could be- desired. IA an illustration
OF this, be reminded him that during the war
between the Allied Powers and Russia citizens
of the United States had openly carried con-
traband goods into Russian ports, aud bull
ships to. the Gar, notwiths landing tAe protest
of France and England. lie lid not wish to
lelieye, us had been asserted. that either The
then President of the United States. Mr.
Pierce, or his Secretary Of State, Mr.. Marcy.
conntenanced such unlawful acts. He preferred
to lhink that they he'd done VIA. they could
to pr0eut tbem but tie fact that they dld
not succeed ought 10 convince Mr.. Adams hoW
difficult IL Is for the British Government 10
stop the contraband trade between British
subjects and the Conicdoraics. In conclusion,
the British Minister promised Mr. Adams that
be would transmit an account OF bis complaints
10 tie Admiralty, with a recommendation TO
exercise the utmost watchiunees upon al car
goes IN clearance tor tho United States.