Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1863-12-10
From the Columbia Guardian


It has been ne-ally concluded that the simultaneous
action of the Englis, and French Governments in de-
tanning the new seasa rams built or building IL the
English and French dock yards for the emperor OF
China" was but the premoniton OF the final decision
AGAINST their being allowed to depart fer their real des-
tinaton But it does not follow, and is by no means
certain The London Post-organ OF Lord Palmerston
has long article upon the subject in which it is
considered probable that the courts will pronounce the
detention of Mr. Lairds vessels to have been Illegal
And what is more to the point and surprising, in
the position of that journal that in case OF such dec
sion here ought to be no legislation ID time OF war
to aid one beliigereRt against another. Loiu ooan
Russell evidently desires and expects suca suppie"eh-
tery and er post cto legislation, but we hope as we
are inclined to believe, that the question will then De
placed where his influence will not be overrung Inc
Parliament of Great Britain is said to be really III Ia
vor of the South. Beecber, we believe, adults IT. Ii
the measure of special egeation desired by Russell be
pressed upon if the opportunity will be afforded 1t to
not so mnL-. Service 10 the Coniederate States
but act of simple justice, and to preserve the hono
integrity and consistency of the British legislature
The action OF England in this matter Will very IKE
~ be conceded in by France, which is IN sentiment
more friendly to u.s. aud from interest more inclined
to do service.
We give the extracts from the P6,f
Goa the one hand the future interests OF this coua-
try must be regarded ard on the Other the obvious in
rngemert of the spirit il not of the letter. OF neutra
tv bv Iegsating to meet the requirements OF one OF
the contendDg parties Ga the one sde policy and III
ternational law impress the necessity OF preventing YES
sells intended to be used against friendly State eaV"
ing our shores On the other, bonor and dignity DIS"
suade from introducing changes which can operate only
against the weaker of the two bclgerents, between
whom are desirous of Standing perfectly neuraL-
The position is difficult for the British govern
ment ard it may not be less SO for the Legislature"
Then comes the last and most significant paragraph,
in which the government newspaper expresses real
Iopinion
'"Tbe act is silent about the building of ships, and
prohibits solely their being armed or equipped "h the
object of being used against friendly State But does
the building OF vessel which be employed IS ram
for running down others constitute an infringement OF
the act? Some say yes whilst other 10 less Te8pcta
BILE authorities say Surprising the courts OF Ii" say
no. ought the Legislature ineTpose aud supply tie
submitted to the Legsa ure, and if so lis reply will de-
mand the exercise of the greatest prudence and tue
greatest discrimination. 40 our mind the most HUNG
answer which could be given would be to the effect that
this country had framed its laws with the view OF Gu
forcing neutral obligations and that ii those laws ere
proved to be detective it must await time when suit
able modification be introduced without prj udlce
to the interests OF particular State"
Here Lord Palmerson's organ not only dapEecates
any new law made expressy to hold these vessels but
implies that SUCH legislation cannot now be made
"without prejudice to the interests of particular
State"
The "paEticuiar State meant is the Southern Coo-
federacy. The language here used is Noteworthy
Thus it is that formal and official rejection OF our claims
national existence and power SET st paUGnt by IN
voluntary conviction and unconscious admission OF as
fact They adjure curse and dasst the heresy OF the
Confederate nationality, they term it the so-ealed
but in their hearts land occasionally it ads vent IN
wotds) they are obliged to sayE P~r 81 mHo'e