The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1878-05-03
Russian Priyateers.

The presence in one of our ports of a
steamer bearing the Russian flag and having
on board ship-load of Russian marines un-
der the command of Russian naval officers,
gives appearance of truth to the reports that
have come from both London and St. Peters,
burg to the effect that Russia is buying and
arming swift-sailing vessels to prey upon
British commerce. 1t has been stated, and
no official contradiction has been given to
the report, that the Gear has authorized the
Czarewitch to accept the presidency of Mos
COW committee formed for the purpose Of
raising subscription for feet of privateers,
each province Of European Russia to pay for
the equipment and running expenses of one
vessel. The Cimbria 1t is true is not pri-
vateer. She is merchant vessel chartered
by the Russian government, either for the
purpose of transporting supplies or Of being
fitted out as a vessel of war. But the opinion
obtains that she has brought over men and
supplies to equip other vessels that are to fit
out in ourports and sail under Russian letters
of marque.
1t will be the duty of our government to
prevent, in case of war between England and
Russia, the escape of vessels Of this class from
our ports; for by the Washington treaty
which settled the claims arising from the dep
relations of the Alabama and other British
pirate-ships sailing under the Confederate flag,
we made ourselves responsible for their es-
cape But for this treaty, as the London
Times says, sit would have been possible for
Americans to sail with impunity from
American ports and destroy English mer-
chant ships, and the English fleet would have
had the difficult task of watching the long
lines of the Atlantic and Pacific coasts to
prevent it." As it is, this country cannot be
made the base for naval war upon Bri tish
commerce. But until England aud Russia
are actually at war we have no power to pre-.
vent the purchase or chartering of vessels in
our ports by the Russian government, nor
can we prevent them from taking supplies
and cargoes of arms on board. Russia may
be able to fit up many of these vessels and
put them to sea before war Is declared.
Twenty Of them, or even ten, might do meal
culable damage to British commerce. OF
course our government would view this with
regret, but it would be powerless in the mat
ter and could not be expected in view of the
history of the Alabama, to get into state,
of hot indignation.
That the English are greatly troubled at this
possibility is evident from the tone of their
papers. Some of them are already suggest
ing that the United States s'be admonished''
and that the British government demand
that American vessels be restrained from
accepting letters Of marque from Russia. A
demand like that would be an impertinence
and would only subject England to rebuff.
She ought to be supremely satisfied il we
prevent the escape of privateers from ouI
ports after war has begun. She could make
no grievous complaint if we followed her ex-
ample, built Russian privateers in our docks
armed and equipped them and sent them
folth, and then plead, as did Lord Russell,
that under our municipal laws we could not
prevent our ship-builders from engaging iI
such enterprises. We could well afford te
pay $15, 100000 for the fun. But this nation
does not purpose to enter upon so despicable
course. 1t leaves meannesses like that ts
the noble Briton.