The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1856-1888, 1865-10-07
THE PACIFIC
Commercial Advertiser.

Nh. SEwARD's SUCcEss-It is very seldom that a
diplonatIst meets with u more signal triumph IN the
maintenance Of controverted positions than that
which has just crowned Mr.. Seward correspondence
with the British Government, on the latter's recog-
milton of peace In this country. Many q man, IN
MIR. Stewards place, would have been inclined, out
Of JOY at England's recognition of the termination of
the war, and at the improved relations between the
two Countries that must follow, not to scrutinize too
carefully the terms In which the change was an
uounced. But We believe it will be found true of
Mr.. Stewards official conduct throughout the whole
momeutous period in which he has had charge of our
foreign relations that. alike 10 seasons OF the greatest
uncertainty, gloon, or triumph. he has remained
severely faithful TO the duties OF the hour, always
claiming that. and only that. which he regarded as
bis country's due, and meeting the claims made
upon her 10 the anne conscientious ana equitable
spirit.
In the correspondence referred TO. Mr.. Seward
plainly informed Sir Frederick Bruce, the British
Minister. in what respect his superior's earl Rus
sell's) dispatch was deemed unacceptable by the
Government Of the United States" Among other
things, he denied the right of a rebel vessel. as
claimed by Earl Russell, to enter or leave British
ports, whether for disarmament or otherwise, or for
assuming q foreign flag, and he declared that such
vessels were forfeited TO the United States, and il
captured at sea. under whatever flag. by our navy,
such capture would be lawful. Spain had voluntsr-
lily acceded to our position on this subject, in the
prompt delivery of the Stonewall to our authorities,
presenting O marked contrast with the churiish spirit
of the British Government. But it appears from our
last foreign dispatches that Earl Russell has found
himself overruled by the legal authorities of his own
Government, and now admits that the rebel vessels in
question may be claimed as public property by the
United States. subject to ordinary examination IN
the civil courts and, moreover, that such vessels
cannot relieve themselves from the risk Of capture
during the war by any sale or transfer to a neutral.
This is substantially acceding to MIR. Stewards
demand, not, probably, because Of bis authority in
making it, but because he proved to be better read
in International law than Earl Russell.
We venture TO predict that a like result will follow
the demands made by Mr.. Seward in behalf of our
Government relative to the Alabama damages. Earl
Russell has more than once secuted the very idea OF
any such claims, and has requested our Government
not to mention the subject any more. But he has
at length been brought to speak of the matter in an
ordinary business way as a part of the mass of claims
to be presented on both sides by the two Govern
ments and he, or his successor in Office, will yet
find that the matter is to be carried through to its
legitimate ending, and the damages paid. We have
equal confidence, also. in MIR. Stewards management
OF our relations with France, Notwithstanding Mr..
Montgomery Blair's fierce onslaught upon his policy
with regard to Mexico. The past has abundantiy
vindicated the Secretary of State, and the future
may be trusted-BostOn Journal.