The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1866-01-08

and the waters are becoming calm The pros
pect is that the ultra radicals will be left out,
a small faction, in the cold, powerless to do
more harm and that an overwhelming new
administration party will be formed of all the
conservative elements Of old parties.
-- - g. - .--'
Our Proposition for ~ Congress Of Mas
tiOns.
Some time ago, and on several occasions. we
made The proposition for congress of the
great Powers to determine what is or shall be
the law OF neutrals, to establish an inerna-
tional code of maritime law, and to settle ex-
listing difficulties arising from European occu-
patton and intervention on this continent. It
was shown during our war that the rules of
maritime law--if, indeed, it can he said here
are any positive and universally recognized
rules-are very unsatisfactory. While this is
the case nations are constantly liable TO dis
putes, or even TO war, from different interpre-
tations and conflicting interests. We could
not see any other way OF establishing such q
fixed and general law as is needed. We
thought, too, that'snch congress nigh. find a
solution for the issues that have been raised
during the war; referee, arbitrator, or even
q weighty counsellor often enables an indi-
vidual to escape from a dilemma in a graceful
manner. when be could NOT otherwise get out of
il without conflict or by sacrificing his amour
propre. II is the same with nations. Believing
il not improbable. therefore, Chat the Mexican
question, and other questions, in which Euro
pean Powers are involved on one hand and the
Cnited States is concerned on the other, might
he settled amicably in this way so as TO main
tain the fixed policy and honor Of this country
without subiecting those Powers TO nnneces-
sary humiliation, we proposed q congress OF
nations.
Since we first started the idea we have no.
ticed the press of Europe has taken il mp aud
begun 10 yentilaie il. Almost every mail
brings remarks and suggestions on the subject.
The London Times OF the 10th ult ssys:--"If
such q conference should take place (on the
Anglo-,ebe corsair cleimsl there does not
seem to I've any good reason why II should he
confined 10 England and America. A code of
rules for the future guidance Of neutral nations
maritime nations. and il one could he drawn
up by All International commission represent
ing all the grca, Powers similar mi-under-
standing could hardly occur again. The
Times, in reiieratiDg oar proposition
speaks oply OF referring the question OF
The great Powers. Thai Is very well ~ far NJ
II goes; and We have no doubt our govern
ment would enter into conference TO draw IN
code Of rules which might prevent The occur
renee OF similar misunderstanding in the
future to that which exists on the subject. We
do not ask for or want conference or commits
sion simply 10 say whether we are entitled to
indemnity or moi for the ,lepredations OF the
Alabama. That We have decided Ourselves.
But there might not he any objection TO The
question OF the amount Of indemnify being Icft
10 the arbitration OF = general conference mel
for the more particular purpose Of establishing
rules Of maritime Law. The Times SAWS nothing
OF the other great questions which, i, ien On
settled, may disturb the peace Of the world.
being referred 10 commission OF the great
Powers Il says nothing OF Mexico, OF Euro
pesn Intervention in American affairs, Of those
matters which urgently require more imme-
diate settlement. What we require Is not
mere conference OF commission for one specific
object, but congress to lay the foundation Of
lasting peace between the two continents. by
removing cause. Of irritation and Disagree
ment, snd by combining the Powers Of each con-
tincot 10 their own ansirs. 10 tbsis separate aud
distinct policies, and 70 iheir legitimate dsssi
niss. The congress 10 suggest Is for the pur-
pose Of bringing about these comprehensive
results. Orr European contemporaries have
begun we'll enough. but they have NOT embraced
She whole Of our idea. Let them take nm the