The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1863-05-01

Important News froa Europe-Threat-
entng Aspect or the American Ques-
tiea.
The European news by the Europa, at Hall
fax, which we publish this morning, is Of more
than ordinary importance in reference to
American affairs.
That most embarrassing and intolerable an
noyance to England, our Southern blockade,
had assumed In London very unique and lu-
dicrous shape, yet withal somewhat serious and
menscing. 1t appears that Mr.. Howell, q
Citizen of the United States, we believe and
Mr.. German, Mexican adventurer. had fitted
up ship for Aatamoros, Mexico, with cargo
of goods contraband Of war. They could get
no insurance of the ship, however, in conse-
quence of the seizure by.ons Of Captain Wilkes
squadron Of the PeterhoG But Messrs. Howell
and German hit upon the brilliant idea of lay
ing their case before our Minister Mr.. Adams,
and asking Of him a pass to and through the
feet Of Admiral Dupont, commanding our
South Atlantic squadron. The pass was &C.
cured, and with it an insurance on the ship (;
but the transaction leaked out, and great was
the indignation Of England's merchants and
shippers engaged in tho Mexican trade. A
deputation Of them waited upon Earl Russell,
who promised to look into the matter.
The London Times seises upon this affair a.
godsend, and with the zeal of purchased
confederate Of Jen. Davis endeavors to torture
It into cas,4s belH. That most active English
oolaborer for Southern oonfederacy indignant
ly declares that Mr.. Adams has introduced "a
system Of passes for English goods and mer-
chandise, without which they are not to reach
the Mexican COAST" that this thing Is not to be
tolerated for Q moment; that cit is most AFRO
giant assumption" that, In fact, "there has been
nothing equal to 1t since Popish bulls were
issued from Rome overriding the laws Of Eng
land" The temper, drift and purpose of such
foundations and comparisons cannot be mis-
understood. They betray = malignant deter
mination to stir up throughout England another
war fever against the United States like that Of
tho Trent excitement Wepresume, however,
II necessary, that word from Washington re-
garding this extraordinary proceeding Of Mr..
Adams win satisfy Earl Russell that it il no
part Of the policy Of the United States to set up
in England an ONCE for passports to British
vessels trading with Mexico. The idea that Mr..
Adams dreamed Of my such "Popish bull over
riding the laws Of England" involves q most
ridiculous stretch Of the imagination.
The foundations Of the London Tines, how
ever, betray in strong light the reckless and
unscrupulous spirit Of the aristoeratic war
party Of England. Meantime the Paris Monisess.
informs % that 1.-THE growing hostility Of the
United States towards England excites unea-
siness In London, and that "rsoent dispatches
from the Warrington government have char
acter Of increasing irritation" Oar interpreta-
ton Of this Is that the British government has
been admonished that the sending out Of any
more Alabamas from British shipyards to prey
upon American commerce will be followed by
American privatesrs and reprisals; and we ara
therefore inclined TO believe that Earl Russell
will act with becoming caution In regard TO
this Mexican passport Of Mr.. Adams.
We have another safeguard against the aristo-
cratic English war party in the prevailing pub
lie opinion Of England; another In the warning
mutterings Of ireland, and yet another in the
extensive continental complications which are
threatened by the expanding circles Of the
Polish instruction. The Europas news upon
this subject is extremely interesting and sug
gsstive even In reference to American affairs
In . word, looking from this new American
war excitement in London to the broader issues
which lie behind It, touching the affairs Of bott
hemispheres, we think the time has arrived
when the United States, conceding to England
her just dues, may persmptorily demand of hel
an honest and consistent neutrality or the las
alternative Of war.