New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1863-04-13
American Affairs.

COMMONS-THE FITTING OUT OF CoEFED.
u.i. crate VESSELS-SPEECH OF Mr.. FOSTER.
.ia In the House Of Commons, on the 18th, Mr.. w.
z. Forster asked whether the attention Of Govern
me had been directed to the danger to England's
friendly relations with the United States resulting
from the fitting out in Eoglsh ports Of ships ofwar
for the service Of the sefstyled Confederate States
In contravention with the Foreign Enlistment act
and the policy of neutrality adopted by England.
The fact was tha, many British subjects were acting
in violation of British law, and in defiance OF her
Maiesty's Proclamation, In a manner which placed
the country in danger Of being involved in war with
the United States of America. That was notorious
from the papers presented by the Government in
che glaring case Of the Alabama Upon these
papers there arose two questions-first, whether
her Majesty's Government had done all they
law; and, secondly, whether they were i'm
pressed with the necessity OF doing their utmost e
prevent them in future. So great was the dange
that be did not think they ought to separate for thu
holidays without obtaining answer as TO the sec
ond question. As to the first, it might be postponed
especially the honorable member for Brighton hat
amotion with regard TO 1t which would probably
throw more ght upon it. Yet the facts present OF
in these papers seemed to demand some explanation
from the Government. He would state the facts
briefly TO the House. On the 23d of June last year,
mGnication with Earl Russell with regard to the
Ofeto which was engaged ia the desruc ion Of
American vessels in the West Indies, informed bis
Iordship that more powerful vessel was on the
OF departure the OOckyafo Oh HI nOnOfh-
Lie gentleman who had now seat in that house.
which vessel was built for the same purpose az the
Ofeto, and was 10 be commander by Confederate
captain. The next letter was from the American
Consul at Liverpool. 1t stated that tbs evil
dence was conclusive that this vessel was
+ inten led for the Confederate Government;
that it was building in the yard Of Mr. Laird;
that the strictest watch was kept over the yes
eel: that DO one was admitted into the yard ex-
ceut those who were employed on the vessel and
hap All cd - WI n a
aid dangerous craft, which Was Justified by the
event. This information was forwarded TO the Gus
tom-House authorities and thor reply was that
they could take steps 70 prevent the departure OF
ahe vessel. Now, no should like TO know from the
noble lord what steps had been taken By the Gus
tom-House authorities TO find out the truth or false
hood of tue atements Of the American Consul,
which were afterwsrd justified by the event. On
July % the American Minister inclosed six sworn
depOsitions showing that the vessel was On the
POINT Of sailing and was fitted for the reception Of
guns. These dispositions proved that Capt. Bullock,
agent Of the Confederate Government supefinteud'
ed the building Of the vessel IN Mr. Lsird's yard.
Que Of the witnesses stated that be an old man.
of.wars man; that he Joined tho yetsel In hr.
Lairds yard that she was built and httsd In all re-
spects and thot ii pas ueH kHopR among them that
she sOas TO act against the Ua,ted StOtes. A copy
of these depOst,Ons Was forwarded at the same time
to the Custom House authorities. The next paper
to which he would refer was heopinIon of the
member for Plymouth mr.. ColHer) His opinion
was to the effect that be had read tn
evidence, and was of opinion that the Custom.
House authorities coHld be justified IN Obtaining
fAe uesseL; that in his opinion u pas teir duty 10
detaR her; that the Board of Customs would incur
a heavy responsibility q, they did not do 80; thai it
would be difficult to make out a stronger If
ISOLATION Of The ForeigH EAhstmem Act; that ii
this was not violation of that act il was little bet
Ter than dead letter. That opinion was given on
The sd of July, 1862. The validity of that opinion
appeared TO have been allowed by the law officers Of
the Crown, because some days after Earl Russell
wfo'e stating that he had submitted the to the
law omcers oil the Crown, and be then telegraphed
70 have the vessel seized so that he concluded the law
oincers Of the Crown agreed in the opinion Of
nr. Soler; now he wished 10 know why were
i've Gays showed TO elapse before tie case was re-
Sn ~ S sne law onlcars Of the Crown, namely,
from the Z'd 10 the 2ota Of Juy1 On the very came
day that the telegraphic message wa, Forwarded h
appeared that the vessel sailed Az an order 6sd
been sent 70 detaln The vese if abe pa, INTO the por
OF Nassau, ne saoaId like 70 know from tbe SI;cor
General or from the noble lord why She Wa ~ 90
tanned IN Port Royal, and why she wss nlIo,goa ~
reft there after fighting the Hattsrss Wby wss,o,
. the order sent to Nassau executed in A ne,chhos
Ing colony The vessel having started ON tns -
day after the law officers Of the crown had oivsy,
tder opinion II did appear ~ II the representa,ons
made by the American NJ mister had merely the eie.
OF enabling the owners OF the vessel TO get her
away. That appeared 10 him to be curious coin
cideace. IL was sald that the vessel started on
pleasure excursion. Surely the Custom House au-
tnOrities could lave asceItsined whether that was
the fact. SIZE sailed with the British flag, she was
supIlled with British arms and stores and was
manned chiefly by British crew. After this che
ceased 10 hoist the British flag and put up the Con-
Tolerate one. But he should like 10 know from she
noble Lord what steps had bsen taken TO ascertain
that she did mako the change from British 10 d
Confederate vessel, and inasniuch she had never
YET entered into Confederate port whether she was
not ,ill vessel under British Jurisdiction II this
tfhu been mcreiv the Of vessel alinnnU
away, he should not have introduced tie subject !