Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1863-08-04

The Ango-rebel pirates have again been
a topic of earnest discussion in the British
parliament. 1t was introduced by Mr.. Cob.
den; and those who replied to him in behalf
of the government betrayed an uneasy and
troublesome consciousness of wrong, from
which they seek in vain 10 be free. We infer
from what they said that building and fitting
out these pirates is recognized in England as
a branch of legitimate business, which the
government is bound to protect just as it pro-
tects mining cotton spinning, or trade. Mr..
Layard did not hesitate to describe and de-
fend 1t as "a legitimate branch of industry
Fitting out rovers was Legitimate branch
of industry at Algiers, until the civilized
world finally put an end to it by means that
could not be resisted.
The circumstances that make the British
government responsible for the piracies OF
the rovers that sail under rebel colors, are
too well known to be disguised or msrepre-
sented. The Alabama has never entered a
rebel port. She was built in England by
British merchants, who combined to pay for
her. Her armament was furnished in Eng
land, Her crew was enlisted there, and con-
sisted chiefly of British sailors. British sup
plies and British favor have since kept
her in condition to make war upon our
commerce. She is British in origin and CHAR
acter, and might as well sail under the British
flag. Gentlemen in the British parliament
were not likely to feel surprised at the state
ment that our government has a careful record
OF the piracies of such Anglo-rebel rovers,
which may hereafter become the basis of
claims against that country. And why should
not Great Britain be held responsible for the
rascalities which she patronizes as a "legiti-
mate branch of industry?
The Alabama and her associates could not
keep the seas and " ould be compelled to quit
their piraces, should English support be with
drawn from them. They cannot enter any
rebel port; and they have no communication
whatever with the JEFF Davis conspirators,
save what is managed for them by their Brit
ish patrons at Nassau. Their supplies come
from British ports; and one of them has Just
been allowed TO pass some two weeks at Mas
sau, reftting, taking in supplies, and putting
herself in condition to resume proceedings
against our merchant vessels. This is British
''neurality;" this is British respect for
friendly government while is struggling with
a most Inexcusable and barbarous conspiracy |
of treason! 1t certainly is characteristic OF
nation, which, as seen in the behavior OF its
ruling class, is the most. dshonorable, sordid,
and INSCRIPTIONS nation In Christendom.
There are just and honorable people in
Great Britain who deserve our most cordial
respect. In parliament they are represented
by such men as Golden and Bright; and,
among the London journals, by the News and
the Star. But they are not the ruling class.
They do not control the government. They
cannot influence the government TO put stop
to this patronage of piracy. While we re-
spect these men and gratefully recognize
th9lr nobleneSs, what we see and feel
of the British nation, in the behav-
IoT OF its government, will determine
our estimate of its character. The British
government is hostile to the American repub- |
lie and would gladly see it destroyed; and it
regards any ''branch OF industry" as ''legit-
mate" when it is proftble. whether it be
forcing opium upon the Chinese, inhumanly
expressing the people of India, or supporting
piratical crusade against the merchant ma
rine of a friendly nation.