The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1865-11-12

Sssto Ox AmeAFs fOr Hers
Every mail arriving from England show
that the relations between this country an
that excite the greatest interest The subjec
Of our claims for depredaJons committed b.
the Anglo-rebel cruisers which at present ha
very embarrassing aspect, is evidently re
garded as the most serious one of the day 70
the British government to handle. The pres
generally, and particularly the leading Londol
journals, are much occupied with it, and thu
grave and earnest tone Of their articles show
what Importance they attach to it. The Londor
Times speaks lof it as "a question involving
not remotely, the lives, may be, Of millions
and the honor, not to say safety, of this whole
(British) empire" Indeed, the Times seems t.
think that the only reason why Earl Russell
should be premier, now Lord Palmerston Il
dead, is because she knows all the ins and
outs" Of this subject; because che has style
suited to the work and his antagonists" aDd
because "his hand is in it." "Viewed in thi:
light" it is said, che is necessity" and 'the
country, through her Majesty, and with scarcely
choice in the matter, has engaged man Of
the longest experience and the highest note
for difficult emergency in our foreign
relations" It is thought Earl Russell may
be the best match for the "interminable Mr..
Seward" in "tussle Of arguments, prece-
dents and authorities" on the subject, and for
this reason he is reluctantly accepted as Prime
Minister Such is the view taken by the lead
ing British press Of the present relations be-
tween England and the United States, growing
ont of those claims which formed the subject OF
the Adams Russell correspondence, lately pub
Iished.
The Times exhibits an ill-concealed anxiety
and impatience in this matter, under cover of
the insidious attack on Earl Russell. II calls
for an immediate settlement of the difficulty. 1t
says emphatically, "there is no postponement,"
"now or never is the time" Very WE'LL we,
too, want it settled Immediately, if the British
government is ready to admit the claims. If
that be the intention and what is meant by this
demand for prompt settlement, the difficulty
can soon be adjusted by appointing commits
sion to ascertain the amount Of damages done
by the Alabama and her piratical consorts
which were let loose from England, and by
making provisions for the payment. This
would be acting in friendly and highly hon.
impression than we have had lately of British
good will. But if it is meant that the English
government intends to persist in not ad-
hitting these claims, and that now Is the
right time to crowd us into submission
to that view Of the case, we give notice that
this country is not ready to settle on any such
terms: Does the Times think our domestic.
are such that if pushed upon
this question we would submit to conditions
that we would not under other circumstances
Is that what it means by "now or never is the
time" to make settlement? IF so, it shows
ignorance of our condition, and of the spirit
and power of the country. The principle upon
which England, as we'll as France and other
European monarchies, acted, when they d.
rectly or indirectly attempted to weaken this
republic and republican institutions On this
continent, is no longer applicable: The prin-
ciple, if principle it can be called, OF taking
advantage OF the troubles, embarrassments, or
weakness of rival or neighbor TO strike him
down, would be considered meaE If not base,
in individuals. Yet such was the conduct of
hose Powers towards us during the war; Eng
and must not suppose, however, that we are
N the same condition now, or that the govern
ment is not able and determined to, maintain
The rights and vindicate the honor Of the coun-
try. We are at peace now, the progress Of
harmony and commercial inter-
is going on rapidly; intact, the
vitality, energy and good sense of the people
of both sections will soon obliterate past
troubles and losses, and make the
nation stronger than ever. If we. did
not enter upon foreign war while we had
the most stupendous civil war on hand in vindi-
cation OF an exterior policy, we knew we could
afford to wait, and that in time we should be
able to do so. 10 must not be inferred from
this, however. that we will submit to humiia-
ton or accept anything short of what wejustly
claim.
II war be forced upon as we are ready
even now to meet 1t. But If EnglaBiis not
ready to admit our claims we will take our own
time to push them to an Issue, and when we
are best prepared for 1t. We shall have the
opportunity, undoubtedly, and sbalf not give
up the position the government has talten Now
is the time to settle if England is ready to ad-
nit the claims and provide for their payment;
If not, we may take our own time to enforce
them, and in our own way, Notwithstanding
the anxiety and impatience of the London
Times. We do not think war will grow out Of
this question, for we axe persuaded the British
government, sooner or later, will make such a
settlement "a will be acceptable to the United
States; bat England may be assured we shall
not be hurried or iorced into any terms thai
are not just and honorable. war with this
country would involve her in inextricable dis
culties. II would nos paralyze our vigor or des
a; A,,t Ia o;,,;t 10, hor dar1ipc III