The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1864-01-25
dr. seward's Diplsmasas Cerrespond-
ence-Engiand and Rrance.


ence-Engiand and RraAce.
The recently published diplomatic correspond
ence Of Mr.. Seward, We are sure, has given unex
pected satisfaction to the country. We refer
especially to his excellent dispatches since
February last to Mr.. Adams, our Minister al
London, for the Information Of Earl Russell
touching our relations with England The
calm, firm and decided tone of these de.
spatches. in the serious grievances and dangers
OF which they complain, and 10 tho grave aud
momentous resolutions and warnings which
they convey to the British government, is all
that could be desired.
For example, Mr. Seward speaks the public
sentiment Of this country when, in reference to
the pratical Alexandra case, he Gays that ii
there can be found no justice in tho laws Of
england "then there will be left for the United
otates no alternative but to protect themselves
and their commerce against armed cruisers
proceeding from British ports as against the
naval forces of public enemy, and also to
claim and Insist upon indemnities for the inju-
ries which all such expeditions have hitherto
committed, or shall hereafter commit, against
u.s." and that in thus assuming the task ofredfess.
ing our wrongs, England need not be surprised
if "the navy of the United States shall re.
the ports which thus. in violation of the
law of nations and the obligations of
neutrality. become harbors for the pirates"
This is talking 10 the point and to the purpose
and with an emphasis which cannot be misun
derstood In the great result thus achieved. Of
bringing the British government to a sense Of
shame and danger we are amply compensated
for the modification involved in the surrender
at the naughty requistion OF England OF those
arch traitors. Mason and Slidell
Had Mr. Seward contented himself with the
hypocritical protestations and false pretences
Of her Majesty's government there can be no
doubt that al this day the rebel rams OF Mr.
Laird and other swift and formidable rebel iron.
olads issuing from British ports, to the number of
at least halt dozen. would be aiding the
Nassau blockade runners along our Southern
coast. or bombarding our defenceess Northern
seaboard towns, or preying with impunity upon
our merchant vessels Cd the high seas In re.
ducing the matters in dispute to the simple
issue Of peace or war with England Mr.. Seward
warded of these threatened caamties and 10
the very crisis Of life or death to the sinking
fortunes OF JEFF Davis and his European con-
federates. We know that from those British
built iron-clads the traitorons conspirators at
Richmond had anticipated bountiful supplies
Of much needed articles in the way Of clothing.
equipments, arms. munitions Of war. military
stores. de-. and, not only these. but the entan-
clement of the United States 10 war with Eng.
land, which would result In an Independent
Southern confederacy.
The Secretary Of State. in arrestipg aud de-
fsating these fearful designs. will be properly
recognized as the country's faithful sentinel ia
the hour of danger. But, while thus fully
meeting the public exigency and public opinion
in regard to England, we are disappointed in
not finding the same course of treatment adopt
ed towards the Emperor Of France. If the per.
6dious neutrality OF England during the 6rst
the indignation Of every honest American,
surely the undisguised sympathy OF Louis
Napoleon for the rebel cause. his cunning de.
vices to give it aid and comfort, his jealous
efforts to inveigle England into joint alliance
with JEFF. Davis, and his insidious military in.
vasion and occupation of Mexico, have been
sufficient to render him equally obnoxious to
this country. And yet Mr.. Seward handles
him as daintily as o friend in disguise, and in
dulges him in all his mischievous vagaries
even to the extent Of French protectorate
over Mexico. The rebel ambassador Mason,
kicked, as we may say, automatically, out OF
England, finds convenient refuge with his
dell, fresh from some encouraging conversation
with the Emperor, receives his brother exile
with renewed assurances OF French interven.
ton. And yet Mr.. Seward, with the blandish-
ments Of Slidell, courts the smiles Of Napoleon,
when he should warn him OF bis folly and his
danger.
Let US be thankful, we say, that our indie
fatigable Secretary Of State has exhibited that
degree Of moral courage and resolution towards
England which has resulted in enforcing her to
a comparatively honest neutrality, and to
satisfactory interposition against the rebel
ironclad builders within her dominions. But
the public opinion of the loyal States cannot
approve or excuse the temporizing course
pursued towards Louis Napoleon, or shake
the regret that be should be regarded as
model Of honesty and friendly propriety, after
meanly taking advantage OF our domestic
troubles to seize upon the helpless republic Of
Mexico, and with the design, too, Of extending
his usurpation, if possible, to Texas and Loui-
siana. In q word, signally successfully as
Mr.. Seward has been in his diplomacy with
England, he has in his correspondence with the
French government quite as signally failed to
grasp the merits Of his case, and to meet the
just expectations of the country.
The French I'm Mcxico-A Change I'm M.