The New York herald., 1862-01-27

unchanged prices COee was quiet ana sales limited TO
some 900 bags Rio. Freights were rather 1rmer for
English ports, with fair amount Of engagements The
prevailing stormy and ncement weather nterfsred
less with business transactions generally, especially
with outdoor operations.
Important from Europe-The America N
Rebellion.
The Europa arrived at Halifax yesterday,
with news from Europe to the 18th Of the pre-
sent month, being three days later than the in
telligence previously received. This news is
of considerable interest and Importance to the
American people. Our previous advices by
the City of New York informed us of the recep-
ton in England of the news of the release of
Mason and Slidell, but did not give us any in
timation of the effect produced on the public
mind, other than that which had been developed
by the publication of an article from the NEW
Now the Europa brings us tidngs of the full
expression of public opinion in England and in
Europe on the surrender of these two miserable
rebels; and we are glad to find that it is one of
intense qualification and satisfaction, not only in
England. but throughout the Continent; and the
reception of Mason and Slidell will be Of the
character intimated by us some time since, in
reply to the unfounded anticipations of some of
our abolition papers, who have prophesied their
splendid welcome in England.
Speaking of the reception due to the late
rebel ENJOYS, the London Times says that "they
are about the most worthless booty it would be
possible to extract from the jaws Of the Anne
rican lion, as they have long been known as
blind and habitual haters and revilers of
England" and expresses the hope that English
men will not give "these fellows anything in the
shape of an ovation. The civility due to foe
in distress is all they can claim. England has
returned them good for evil; and even now, if
they can, they will be only glad to entangle her
in war with the North. England would have
done just as much to rescue two negroes. Let
Mason and Slidell, therefore, pass quietly on
their way. and have their say to anybody who
may listen to them" No language can possibly
be stronger or more severe than this, coming,
100. from source whence the rebels expected
so much sympathy. Nor is the Times singular
in its opinions. The satisfaction expressed by
one paper is shared by all. But curiously
enough, the British war preparations are not
diminished This, however, is not of great i'm
portance. The government may have taken
contracts which must be concluded, or be i'm
PEELED by other motives into which it does not
now much concern us to inquire.
In regard to the proposition of Mr.. Seward,
tha; all the Powers of Europe should now agree
upon some definite principle of public law re-
garding maritime rights, the British government
hesitate and desire time to consult the law
officers of the crown before coming to any de-
cision. They are perfectly satisfied with the
action of the Washington Cabinet, and have
sent word to that effect, which will doubtless
be a bond to keep the peace for some time to
come. But they do MOI like the idea OF being
caught in any trap that may be laid for them
by Mr.. Seward or any other diplomat. An
article which has just appeared in the 81. Peters
Jurg Ga-eHe-a Russian official organ-urging
the maritime Powers to accept the proposition
Of the American Secretary Of State, seems also
to have excited the caution Of England, and in
duced her to take time 10 consider the question.
But there Is another point In the Europa's
news. in connection with the rebellion, which II
rather important, and which will be the means
of enabling the American government 10 settle
an interesting question Of maritime warfare.
In the war between the United States and Eng
land in 1912 the British authorities on the
Northern lakes attempted 10 block up one Of
the American lake ports by sinking at its en-
trance vessels laden with stone. They failed;
but still they undertook 10 do II. Again; we
find in Scott's history OF the wars Of the elder
Napoleon that the English home government,
in order to prevent the escape Of a French
feet from Boulognc, attempted to close the
harbor by sinking vessels filed with stones
at its entrance. In this they also failed; but the
record stands against them. In both Of these
cases the ports to be destroyed by the English
we're foreign ports. But now that the American
government undertakes to block up ports be-
longing to themselves, by exactly similar
means to those employed by England, the
British press denounces the act as one belong
ing to the barbaric ages, which should be con-
demned by all the civilized Powers Of the
world. The Paris Moniter takes the same
ground as England. Now, as this idea Of
stone blockading feet was borrowed from
England, who used it against France, and as
France now denounces 1t, in common with
England, there is no reason why we cannot do
the same thing in regard to the closing Of our
own harbors with stone that we have done with
respect to the rights of neutrals on the ocean