Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1878-05-10
The Cimbria.

A vessel called the Cimbr..a is an
chored off the coast of Me. 1t is sup
posed to he sailing under orders from
Russia, and rumor says that there are
nearly seven hundred Russian seamen
on board. The object Of this uneX-
pected visit to our coast is as yet a !
matter of conjecture. The vessel has,
for some days, be lying quietly at
Southwest tIarbor, and is apparently
waiting orders. There is consi lerable
interest manifest concerning its move
ments, not only in our country but
also in Europe. Should any attempt
he made to transfer the crew on board
the Cimbria to smaller vessels with
the intention of engaging in "privat-
ecring," or anything be attempted
which should demand Interference by
u neutral power, then the situation
will become one Of national import
ance. There is no desire on the part
OF our people to engage in the disscn-
sions, which are now troubling the
powers of Europe and the Old World.
We have no desire for extension of
territory, no ambition for conquest,
we rather ask for peace, and the reign
of commerclsl activity, AS country
we should deal kindly, yet firmly with
other powers, We should act square
ly toward all, and demand from all
an equal regard for our position. We
have always advocated neutrality,
and we hope to see its principles car
ried out. 1t will he we'll, however, to
bear in mind the fact that our laws,
and the interpretations given them,
concerning the duties Of neutrals, are
almost every section, and in direct
terms, applicable to acts committed
In state Of war between two nations
with which we are ut peace. War
cannot be said to exist until it is
formally declared, and we presume Il
neutral nation cannot be said to be
culpably wrong if she trades in the
munitions Of war, and sells ships to
another power, until the actual de-
claration is made. Facts must be re-
garded, and acts considered rather
than expectations. We append the
following from our Revised Statutes
relating to the matters under discus
SION
Every person who, within the linn
its of the United States, fits out and
arms, or attempts to fit out and arm,
Or procures to be fitted out and
armed, or knowingly is concerned in
the furnishing, fitting out or arming,
of any vessel, with intent that such
vessel shall be employed in the SER
vice ofany prince or state, or of any
colony, district or people with whom
the United States are at peace, or
who issues or delivers q commission
within the territory or Jurisdiction OF
the United States, for any vessel, to
the intent that she may lie so en-
ployed, shall be guilty Of high
misdemeanor, and be fined not more
than ten thousand dollars, and be i'm
prisoned not more than three years.
And every such vessel, with her
tackle, apparel, and furniture, toge-
Their with all the materials, arms, am
munltion, and stores, which may
have been procured for the building
and equipment thereof, shall be for
feited-one-half to the informer, and
the other half to the use Of the Unit
cd States"
Another section prohibits citizen
of the United States from Increasing
or augmenting the force Of any for
eign armed vessel in time Of war, by
adding to the number or increasing
the calibre of its guns, and still an.
other provides for taking possession
of any vessel fitted and armed, or at
tempted to be fitted out and armed
contrary to the provisions Of this sta
tute.
Our State Department will doubt
less be heard from should any even
transpire to demand recognition. W.
have full faith that the course Of the
administration, should events COM ell
will be both legal and wise, as we'll as
humane and praiseworthy.