In 1847 the Portuguese minister complained that the Black Cat was being fitted out to proceed with volunteers for the Portuguese rebel service. The vessel Correspondence was seized, but released.

with Baron Mon

1847.

Shortly afterward he made another complaint of a number of British corvo, April and May, subjects having taken service at Oporto under the revolutionary leaders.

He was told in reply that the English law did not extend to such acts committed in a foreign country.

A Mr. Hislop, however, who had returned from Portugal after serving in the rebel army, was denounced by the Portuguese minister, and would have been proceeded against had the law officers considered the evidence sufficient.

On the 30th of August, 1862, an order in council was issued, suspending the foreignenlistment act, so far as to enable Captain Osborn and Mr. Lay to enter the service of the Emperor of China "to fit out, equip, purchase, and acquire ships or vessels of war for the use of the said Emperor, and to engage and enlist British subjects to enter the military and naval service of the said Emperor." This permission to remain in force until the 1st of September, 1864.

The license granted by this order in council was extended to "all military officers in Her Majesty's service," by the order in council of the 9th of January, 1863, with a similar limitation to the 1st of September, 1864.—(Hertslet's Commercial Treaties, vol. xi, pp. 665-683.)

It will be observed that in all, or nearly all, the cases up to the time of the American civil war the foreign-enlistment act bad been invoked to prevent the enlistment and dispatch of recruits and soldiers rather than the equipment of vessels.

The American civil war introduced a new series of cases, in which the foreign-enlistment act was called into operation. These are so well known that it will be sufficient merely to name them in the order as they occurred.

Creto, tried at Nassau; released August, 1862.

Alexandra, tried in England.

This was the celebrated cause in which all the issues as to the meaning of the equipment clauses of the foreign-enlistment act were raised. The vessel was acquitted, the four judges in the exchequer court being equally divided in opinion;, the junior withdrew. The costs and damages were compromised by the government for £3,700, and the vessel sailed for Nassau. Here she was again seized and remained under seizure until the end of the war.

The iron-clads El Tousson and Mounassir, at Liverpool, said to have been ordered for the Egyptian government. The ships were seized, but eventually purchased by government, and are now Her Majesty's ships Wivern and Scorpion.

The Canton or Pampero. This vessel was seized in the Clyde, and the builder allowed judgment to be taken against him. She remained under seizure until the close of the war, and has now become notorious under the name of the Tornado.

There were five prosecutions for enlisting men to serve in confederate vessels:

Mr. Rumball, the officer of Sheerness dock-yard, who took part in the equipment of the Rappahannock. He was acquitted February 4, 1865, although the case against him was a very strong one.

Messrs. Jones and Highat for enlisting men for the confederate service. They were convicted and sentenced, November 23, 1864, to pay a fine of £50 each.

Campbell, enlisting for Georgia, pleaded guilty, and released on recognizances of £150 to appear when called upon.

Seymour, Cunningham, and Buchanan, convicted of enlisting for Rappahannock, and discharged on recognizances.

Coptain Corbett, who commanded the vessel that took out the armament and crew to the Shenandoah at the Desertas off Funchal. A very strong case, but the evidence for the prosecution as to the actual enlistment of men broke down and Captain Corbett was acquitted.

The cases of the Alabama, Shenandoah, and Georgia are fully explained in the parliamentary papers, of which copies have been furnished to the commissioners.

For an epitome of the representations addressed to Her Majesty's government, by Mr. Adams, during the civil war, see the memorandum annexed to Lord Russell's letter to Mr. Adams of November 3, 1865, (Parl. Paper, North America, No. 1, 1866, p. 139.) CHAS. S. A. ABBOTT.

REPORTS FROM FOREIGN STATES, DECLARATIONS OF NEUTRALITY, ETC.

The accompanying circular was sent by the foreign office to Her Majesty's representatives at the courts of the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Italy, The Netherlands, Portugal, Prussia, Spain, Sweden, United States.

FOREIGN OFFICE, February 14, 1867. The commission which has been appointed by the Queen to consider the neutrality laws of this country being desirous of obtaining information respecting similar laws in other maritime countries, I have to instruct you to ascertain and report, with as little delay as possible, what laws, regulations, or other means the government to which you are accredited possess for preventing acts within their territories of which belligerents might complain as a violation of the duties of neutrality. And the following papers were received in reply:

AUSTRIA.

(Received from Her Majesty's embassy at Vienna.)

Note from the minister of foreign affairs to Her Majesty's embassador.

Mr. Bonar, Her Britannic Majesty's chargé d'affaires, was pleased to make inquiry of the imperial minister of foreign affairs as to what laws, regulations, or measures are laid down by the government of His Imperial Majesty, in order to prevent transactions in their territory of which belligerent powers might complain as being an infringement of the neutrality laws. After consulting the competent authorities, the minister of foreign affairs has now the honor to communicate to Lord Bloomfield, &c., &c., &c., with reference to the above question, as follows:

The declaration signed in Paris by the representatives of Austria, France, Great Britain, Prussia, Russia, Italy, and Turkey, on the 18th of April, 1856, concerning the rights of neutrals in naval warfare, has been published in legal course in Austria, and constitutes, therefore, a law generally in force.

Apart from the principles which lie at the foundation of this declaration, there exists, however, no law in Austria, or any other order generally binding, which could be made to apply to violations of neutrality by Austrian subjects.

The imperial government have endeavored to supply this want in cases of war between other states, by promulgating in legal forms special regulations for the preservation of neutrality applicable only to the war in question. Thus, in the year 1854, in consequence of the war then existing, the ministerial ordonnance of May 25, 1854, was promulgated, of which copy is inclosed herewith.

In such special declarations the generally acknowledged principles of international law, as well as the known views of the belligerent powers on certain points, have been taken into consideration, in order, as much as possible, to obviate any complaints of infringement of neutrality.

There does not exist, however, a law of this kind applicable to all future occasions, and more particularly there are no general laws in Austria prohibiting the construction, equipment, or manning of ships (in Austrian harbors) which are destined for belligerent powers, or are suspected of being so.

The undersigned, &c., &c.,
(Signed)

VIENNA, May 16, 1867.

MEYSENBUG.

Published on the 28th May, 1854.

Decree of the ministers of the interior, of the exterior, of justice and of trade, as well as of the commander-in-chief of the Army, of the 25th of May, 1854, by which are published the principles to be observed during the war which has broken out between England, France, and the Ottoman Empire on the one side, and Russia on the other side, by the imperial authorities and subjects with reference to trade and navigation.

In consequence of the war which has broken out between England, France, and the Ottoman Empire on the one side, and Russia on the other side, the following regulations are published with the consent of His Imperial Apostolic Majesty, given on the 23d May, 1854, according to which all imperial, civil, and military authorities, as well as all Austrian subjects, will have to regulate their conduct.

1. The acceptation or employment of lettres de marque, under whatever form or flag, as well as every kind, share in the command, manning of or fitting out of privateers, is prohibited to Austrian subjects. Whoever acts otherwise, has not only to expect no protection on the part of the imperial government, if he is subjected to the punishment in other states, but he shall also be treated according to the existing laws for robbery, as the acceptance of lettres de marque is to be considered as an attempt at robbery. 2. Should foreign privateers provided with lettres de marque from one of the belligerent powers present themselves, the entrance into our harbors is to be refused, except in case of imminent danger from storms, and then their earliest possible departure must be insisted on.

3. It is forbidden to ship under Austrian colors, to carry troops of the belligerent

states, or to import into those countries commodities which, according to the laws of nations, or other universally known regulations, are considered as contraband of war. Of such commodities, an Austrian ship in intercourse with these states may only carry so much as is strictly necessary for its own use or defense.

Whoever infringes on this prohibition has no protection to expect from the Austrian government in case of legitimate seizure and confiscation on the part of the belligerent states, but will be punished besides.

4. Austrian ships are forbidden to enter into such places and harbors as are besieged by one of the belligerent powers, or blockaded by a sufficient force, as otherwise they would neither have to expect to enjoy the freedom of a neutral flag, nor assistance or interference on the part of the imperial government.

5. Except in this case, Austrian merchant-ships are not hindered, in spite of [40] the existing war, in carrying on their trade and intercourse with the *harbors

of the powers engaged in the war, and in like manner the merchant-ships of the belligerent states may as before enter without hinderance into all Austrian harbors, remain as long as they please, get repairs &c., &c., in so far as they observe the existing laws and regulations, and so long as their conduct is in accordance with the rules of neutrality.

With respect to the admission of foreign ships of war into Austrian harbors, the conditions of the decree of the ministry of war of the 29th January, 1850, remains in force, 6. On the expectation that the neutral Austrian trade will be properly respected by the belligerent powers, and that the customary privileges of belligerents will be exercised with a proper observance of the laws of nations, or of any modifications of them consonant with treaties, it is herewith decreed that Austrian navigators shall not oppose themselves to visitation on the open sea on the part of foreign ships of war, but, on the contrary, shall, without difficulty, show the papers and documents by which their neutral capacity is proved, throw none of them into the sea, or otherwise destroy them, nor keep on board false or duplicate and secret papers.

i

The belligerent powers have besides officially expressed the satisfactory declaration that the property of the enemy in nentral ships, and neutral property in the enemy's ships, with the exception of contraband of war and the enemy's dispatches, shall be respected and not taken.

7. The captures which the belligerent powers make from the enemy may only be admitted into the harbor of Trieste, (with the exception of every other Austrian harbor,) where the effects may be disembarked, deposited, administered, (in case they do not contain goods, the import of which into the imperial states is forbidden,) bought, or sold, or be exported anew in the course of trade, but all under the condition that the judicial decision shall have been given by the competent authority of the power which has taken the prize as to their legitimacy. Should some goods be exposed in the mean time to inquiry, these may be sold beforehand, but only on sufficient security for their value being given, in case the decision should declare the liberation of the ship. 8. Should an Austrian ship, in spite of its obedience to the above regulations, be treated in an improper manner, information is to be given without delay to the nearest Austrian consular or other imperial authority, in order that the imperial government may take steps to obtain compensation and satisfaction from the foreign state, and when steps have already been taken by the injured party to support them. 9. These regulations will be put in force from the day of their publication.

BELGIUM.

(Received from Her Majesty's legation at Brussels.)

(1.) Article 14 du titre IX de l'ordonnance sur la marine de 1861 :

Aucun vaisseau pris par capitaines ayant commission étrangère ne pourront demeurer plus de 24 heures dans nos ports et havres s'ils n'y sont retenus par des tempêtes (ou si la prise n'a été faite sur nos ennemis).

(2.) Article 84 du code pénal :

Quiconque aura, par des actions hostiles non-approuvées par le gouvernement, exposé l'état à une déclaration de guerre, sera puni de banissement, et, si la guerre s'en est suivie, de la déportation.

à

(3.) Article 85 du code pénal:

Quiconque aura, par des actes non-approuvées par le gouvernement, exposé des Belges eprouver des représailles, sera puni de banissement.

(4.) Déclaration du 25 avril 1854, à l'occasion de la guerre de Crimée:

Le commerce est informé que des instructions ont été adressées aux autorités judiciaires, maritimes et militaires pour les prévenir que les corsaires portant pavillon quelconque, ou munis de lettres de marque, ou commissions quelconques, seuls ou avec

les bâtiments qu'ils auraient capturés, ne seront admis dans nos ports qu'en cas de danger imminent de mer; ces autorités sont en conséquence chargées de surveiller les corsaires et leurs prises, et de leurs faire reprendre la mer le plus vite possible.

Il a été prescrit aux mêmes autorités de ne reconnaître de valeur légale à une commission ou lettre de marque délivrée par les puissances belligérantes sans l'autorisation du roi.

Toute personne soumise aux lois du royaume qui ferait des armements en course, ou qui y prendrait part, s'exposerait donc d'un côté d'être traitée comme pirate à l'étranger, et de l'autre à être poursuivie devant les tribunaux belges, suivant toute la rigueur des lois.

(5.) Déclaration du 8 mai 1859, à l'occasion de la guerre d'Italie:

La Belgique a adhéré aux principes posés dans la déclaration du congrès de Paris du 16 avril 1856.

Le commerce est informé que des instructions ont été adressées à ce sujet aux autorités judiciaires, maritimes et militaires.

Toute personne soumise aux lois du royaume qui ferait des armements en course, ou qui y prendrait part, ou bien qui poserait des actes contraires aux devoirs de la neutralité, s'exposerait d'un côté à être traitée comme pirate à l'étranger, et de l'autre poursuivie devant les tribunaux belges, suivant toute la rigueur des lois.

(6.) Déclaration du 22 juin 1861, à l'occasion de la guerre d'Amérique, indentique à la déclaration du 8 mai 1859.

(7.) Déclaration du 11 juin 1865, à l'occasion de la guerre entre Brésil et le Paraguay, également identique.

(8.) Déclaration du 18 février 1866, à l'occasion de la guerre entre l'Espagne et le Chili, et celle du 14 mars 1866, à l'occasion de la guerre entre l'Espagne ét le Pérou, également identiques.

:

DENMARK.

COPENHAGEN, April 30, 1867.

MY LORD: In pursuance of the instructions contained in your lordship's circular dispatch of the 14th of February, addressed to Sir Charles Murray, I have the honor to transmit herewith to your lordship copy of a note that has been addressed to me by Count Frys Frysenborg, transmitting copies of the Danish laws and regulations in vigor for the prevention of acts within Danish territories of which belligerents might complain as a violation of the duties of neutrality.

Inclosure No. 2 to this dispatch is a set of laws, with translation, dated May 4, 1803, for the guidance of merchants and shipmasters in time of war between maritime powers. In the 13th article are enumerated the goods that are to be considered as contraband of war.

[41] Very important special regulations are laid down *in article 14, with a view to controlling the shipment of articles contraband of war, and to insuring their due delivery at neutral ports.

According to the eighteenth article, Danish owners and masters of merchant-vessels who infringe the law not only forfeit their right to Danish citizenship and the protection of their government in case of seizure by the enemy, but likewise expose themselves to prosecution by the tribunals of their country.

Various articles of the law of May 4, 1803, will be annulled by the provisions of a new law bearing date March 13, 1867, (copy of which, together with a translation, was transmitted to your lordship's office by Mr. Consul Bridges Taylor, in his dispatch of the 27th instant,) and which is to come into force in the month of October of the present year.

In it are defined the character of the ship's papers which all Danish merchant-ships will in future be required to possess in order to prove their nationality.

They will consist of a certificate of registry, the articles of agreement, custom-house clearance, charter-party, and bills of lading.

The ancient Latin passports are abolished.

By a set of regulations embodied in an ancient circular of the royal Danish chancellerie, dated May 20, 1823, (inclosure No. 4 in this dispatch, with translation,) privateers are forbidden to enter Danish ports, except on account of stress of weather or pursuit by an enemy. They are bound, however, to quit their place of refuge so soon as the danger be past.

An injunction is likewise laid on foreign vessels of war, as well as privateers, from sending their prizes to, or selling them or their cargoes in Danish ports, and Danish subjects are strictly forbidden to purchase any prize brought into Danish ports.

The sixth inclosure to this dispatch is copy of a circular, together with translation, which was addressed, during the Crimean war, to the commanders of vessels stationed in Danish waters, and points out the course they were directed to pursue in order to

maintain the neutrality of Danish territory, and to prevent the commission of any act that might give umbrage to either of the belligerents at that time engaged in hostilities.

I have likewise the honor to inclose herewith to your lordship copy of the seventysixth article of the Danish penal code of February 10, 1866, fixing the penalties to be inflicted on persons who, without royal authorization, should enlist soldiers in Denmark to serve in a foreign war.

I have the honor to be, with the highest respect, my lord, your lordship's most obedient humble servant,

The LORD STANLEY, M. P., &c., &c., sc.

FRANCIS CLARE FORD.

COPENHAGUE, le 26 avril 1867.

MONSIEUR: Après m'être concerté avec les ministres compétents sur la teneur de la note que sir Charles Murray m'a fadressée en date du 19 février de l'année courante, au sujet des dispositions de loi destinées à prévenir sur le territoire danois des actes dans lesquels, en cas de guerre entre des puissances étrangères, celles-ci pourraient voir une violation des devoirs d'un état neutre, j'ai l'honneur des vous faire parvenir sous ce pli:

1. Un exemplaire de l'ordonnance du 4 mai 1803, contenant les règles que les armateurs et capitaines de navires ont à observer pendant une guerre maritime à laquelle le Danemarck ne prendrait point part.

II. La copie d'une circulaire de la ci-devant chancellerie royale danoise en date du 20 mai 1823, indiquant les conditions auxquelles les vaisseaux de guerre et les corsaires des puissances belligérantes pourraient entrer dans les ports danois pendant une guerre dans laquelle le Danemarck ne serait pas engagé.

III. Une circulaire qui, pendant la dernière guerre d'orient, a été adressée aux chefs des vaisseaux de la marine royale ayant station dans les parages danois, et qui leur prescrivit la ligne de conduite que, conformément à la législation du pays, ils avaient à suivre pour maintenir la neutralite du territoire danois et empêcher des actes de nature à donner ombrage à l'une ou l'autre des puissances belligérantes.

IV. La traduction française de, l'article 76 du code pénal du 10 février 1866, qui indique les peines encourues par les personnes qui, sans la permission du roi, recruteraient des soldats sur le territoire danois pour le service militaire d'une puissance étrangère.

En appelant votre attention sur la teneur de ces ordonnances et publications je crois devoir vous donner une courte analyse des principales dispositions de l'ordonnance du 4 mai 1803.

Les articles I. à XIII. contiennent des prescriptions détaillées sur les papiers de bord, dont, en cas de guerre maritime entre des états étrangers, les navires de commerce danois doivent être munis pour constater leur nationalité. À l'egard des ces prescriptions je dois, toutefois, vous faire observer que la présence, à bord des navires marchands, de passeports latins n'étant pas exigée par les traités entre le Danemarck et la Grande-Bretagne (voir la note de Lord Russell au ministre du roi à Londres, en date du 29 juin 1861) le gouvernement a dispensé les armateurs danois de l'observation des articles de l'ordonnance du 4 mai 1803, qui ont trait à les passeports. Aussi par une nouvelle loi du 13 mars de l'année courante, dont je joins ici un exemplaire, plusieurs de ces mêmes articles ont été abolis ou modifiés; l'article 2 de la loi du 13 mars ne demandant comme preuve de la nationalité d'un navire de commerce que le document dit "certificat de nationalité ou d'enregistrement" qui constate que le navire a été porté sur le registre des bâtiments qui sont en possession du droit de naviguer sous pavillon danois.

À l'exception de ce document tout navire enregistré n'est tenu, d'après ce même article, d'avoir à bord, soit en temps de guerre, soit en temps de paix, que le rôle d'équipage, le certificat d'expédition de douane, et les papiers relatifs à la cargaison.

Afin de prévenir l'abus du pavillon dañois à couvrir des articles de contrebande de guerre, Particle XIII. de l'ordonnance du 4 mai 1803 donne une énumération des objets qui doivent être considérés comme appartenant à cette catégorie, lorsqu'ils sont destinés aux puissances belligérantes ou à leurs sujets.

Par l'article XIV. il est interdit aux capitaines de commerce de transporter dans leurs navires les articles de contrebande mentionnés dans l'article précédent, à moins qu'il ne soit dûment constaté qu'ils sont destinés à être importés daus un port neutre. Si tel est le cas l'armateur et le capitaine du navire, au moyen duquel le transport des marchandise se fait, sont obligés à observer les formalités que précise le même article pour qu'il soit démontré que les marchandises ont été réellement importées dans le port neutre.

L'article XV. enjoint aux capitaines des navires de commerce de respecter les publications du gouvernement du roi relatives à la notification qui lui a été faite du blocus d'un port d'une des puissances belligérantes. Si les capitaines n'out pas eu connaissance du blocus par des publications de cette nature et qu'ils se soient approchés du