Civilian & telegraph. [volume] (Cumberland, Md.) 1859-1875, 1865-01-05
SINKING OF THE FLORIDA.

D Of the sinking of the Rebel Pirate Florida in
It Hampton's Roads, soon after her capture in
theport of Bahia, Brazil The English "rebel'
press. snd government organs took up the sub
ject in hot haste. not merely debating to the
Bra.ilian Government what It ought to do,
: but intmating to all the European Govern
mcnts that it was an insult to all Europe,
England included, and that they ought to make
common cause with Brazil against the United
States, for capturing the pirate in Brazilian
port This indignant n,agnanini:y on the
part of Johnny Bull, met no sympathising re-
Spouse from other powers, and Johnny mani
( sted more diserrtion than ralor by not being
the 6rst to do what he said others ought to
assist in doing.
He is now manifestinS the versatility Of his
genius. which equals bis fidelity. by intimating
that the United States has taken lessons in
British per6dy and practical on them by
sinking the Florida SO as to render impossible
tho restoration of the vessel to Brazilian
. waters! 1t is fact in nature, as well as
philosophy that mems ideas will run in chan
nels conforming to their pursuits and habits
:. in life. Hc who is habitually pure, rarely if
eyer suspects guilty dispositions i n others, and
he who is habitually doccitful and false, as
constantly attributes tho same things to others.
This is dcpraved human nature. and John
Bull possesses vast arm cunt Of tiat article /;
that is his misfortune.
The gratuitous insinuation OF the London
Times, as to the sinking of tho Florida, 4" that
!: was Yankee trick Of no very legitimate
kind" only illustrates that his education and
habits have been acquired in no very reputa-
bic school. and that bis proulptcrs and coad-
TUTORS arc adopts in that sort of business
He manfests constituencies in tho conscience"
when he says, I'VE are not disposed to waste
, much indignation upon the subject IT'S to
his credit that he economies his indignation
and makes confession even by asking ques-
ton: " II her capture was lawlcss violation
Of neutrality. what was her equipment"
If undcrhand means were employed to get
rid of her, what sort of means were employed
70 procure her p That last question betrays
not tho rant of British knowledge on that
subject, but is an indirect admission of 4" I'M
dehand" completely in her procurement After
that it il needless to " waste much indigna-
sion" on the underhand" insinuations and
oa.poken impudence, promulgated in the
- Timer" article on this subject.
As to what apology or atoncment Mr..
Seward will think it consistent with his dig
nifty to make" VIC will not overture to an
ticipate," believing that it will be what
great power like the United States should ex-
tend toward a weaker power like Brazil. and
which should be a very different one from that
which should be made to an impcrtinent and
presumptuons ono like Great Britain To her
the atonemsst should DO made at the lannon's
mouth, and should be ample and even pro-
fuse"
We have not alluded to this subject for the
mere purpose Of criticising the " Times" ar
ticlc but to invite public attention to topics
connected with this subject of infinitely more
impo, lance.
This country has heretofore taught the older
nations Of the world, and Great Britain par
ticularly, some useful lessons in international
law. and we think that there arc principles |
involved in this subject which have not been
fully and rightly estimated, and that the time
is at hand when they should be developed and
placed on proper basis Of nah~al and ma
eionai right.
We have no disposition to break down the
proper barriers surrounding national sovsr-
eighty or any proper comfy which should exist
between nations. Had those been duly re-
speetsd by other nations there would aot now
exist the necessity offurther eliminating prin-
ciples connected with these matters. and others
would not have cause 10 complain of violated
aessrality against the United States. 1t is
principle of common law that he. who aids or
abets either before or after the fact. thief,
burglar. murderer, or perpetrators Of fslonious
acts. il partioepE criminis." or sh.rsr in
the guilt. The principle is sound, just and
proper. Il matters not how this aiding and
sbstaine may. be. doue- whether by personal
persuasion, instruction or actual participation,
by harborins and protecting. BY giving or
Withholding information, the party 50 doing is
psrticcps criminis and liable to the same pun
ishmept.. When tho minister Of justice is in
pursuit Of the criminal, hc enters the place Of
refuge peacssbly or toreiIly. as the nature Of
Tho cas- may require. and brings the offender
TO the bar Of Justice. or If need be takes his
LIE n the attempt. and the principle is sound.
just And right. "a
:Tbe Flosida was to eli intcnts andpurposes
j. = ,irats O, Tia high ssas. though she confined
Asr aspssdsiinaa maialy 70 American. COM
.srrss. Pissey BY ~ lev Of Nations Is the
- $50