Berlin, March 11, 1867.

The undersigned has the honour to state in reply to the note of Lord Loftus, &c., of the 15th ultimo, that the decrees contained in the Prussian code of laws for preventing, during a war between foreign states, acts on Prussian territory, which could be construed as an infringement of neutrality, are partly direct and partly indirect.

A direct decree is contained in section 78 of the Code of Punishments of the 14th April 1851, by which hostile acts committed by a Prussian in his own country or abroad, or by a foreigner during his residence in Prussia, against a foreign state or its ruler, are punishable, if the same acts committed against the King of Prussia would be held to be high treason. But with respect to acts committed against non-German States, this decree is only enforced when reciprocity is guaranteed by public decrees or

treaties.

The punishment consists in imprisonment in the house of correction for from two to 10 years; but under extenuating circumstances, in confinement for one to 10 years. Should the intention be discovered before the act is carried out, confinement from six months to three years.

It is stated in section 61 of what nature these hostile acts must be to render them liable to punishment, viz., every attempt which has for its object :

1. To murder the king, to take him prisoner, to deliver him into the power of the enemy, or to render him incapable of governing, or

manner.

§ 340.

2. Whoever secretly, or in defiance of the authorities, stores up arms or ammunition, it not being his trade, will be punished with a fine of 50 Rths. or six weeks' imprisonment. In these cases a confiscation of the stores takes place.

The undersigned, &c.,

For the Minister of Foreign Affairs, (Signed) THILE.

MY LORD,

St. Petersburg, August 29, 1867. WITH reference to your Lordship's despatch circular, of February 14, instructing me to ascertain and report what laws, regulations, and other means the Russian Government possess for preventing acts within its territories of which belligerents might complain as a violation of the duties of neutrality, I have the honour to enclose a copy of a note which I have received from M. de Westmann, stating that with the exception of Article 259 of the Russian Penal Code, which forbids Russian subjects to afford military succour to any Power in a state of war with a Government allied to that of Russia, there are no laws existing in this country of the nature alluded to in your Lordship's despatch. A translation of the Article of the Penal Code referred to is enclosed. I have, &c. (Signed) ANDREW BUCHANAN.

The Lord Stanley, M.P., &c. &c.

&c.

votre Excellence qu'à l'exception du § 259 du Code défense aux Pénal de l'Empire, qui contient une sujets Russes de favoriser les succès militaires d'une puissance en guerre avec un gouvernement allié de la Russie, la législation Russe ne renferme pas de dispositions, ayant pour but d'empêcher sur le territoire de la Russie l'accomplissement d'actes dont les puissances belligérantes pourraient se plaindre comme d'une violation du principle de neutralité.

Agréez, &c. (Signé) WESTMANN. TRANSLATION.-§§ 259. PENAL CODE OF RUSSIA.

If any Russian subject in time of peace shall by open force attack the inhabitants of a neighbouring state or those of any other foreign country, and shall thereby subject his own country to the danger of a rupture with a friendly power, or even to an attack by such foreign subjects on the territory of Russia, for such a crime against international law, the offender and all those who participate voluntarily in his enterprise, with a knowledge of its objects and illegality, shall be sentenced to lose all their civil rights, and be condemned to hard labour in a fortress for a term of eight to ten years.

(Received from Her Majesty's Legation at Madrid.) Note from the Minister for Foreign Affairs to Her Majesty's Minster.

Translation,

SIR,

Palace, 22nd February 1867. I HAVE received the note which your Excellency addressed to me on the 17th instant, requesting, in the name of your Government, a copy of the Laws and Regulations in force in the Peninsula concerning Neutrality.

In this matter Spain has always adapted herself to the principles of International Right, and solely on the occasion of the late war in the United States did Her Majesty's Government issue a decree on the Neutrality to be observed by Spanish subjects during that contest.

Of that document (the only one existing on the subject) a copy has been made which I have the honour to transmit to your Excellency in answer to your above-mentioned note.

I avail, &c. (Signed) E. D. CALONge. H.B.M. Minister Plenipotentiary.

Translation.

Royal Decree concerning Neutrality in the United States War, issued by H. C. M., on the 17th June 1861.

Taking into consideration the relations which subsist between Spain and the United States of America, and the propriety of causing no detriment to the reciprocal sentiments of good understanding on account of the grave events which have happened in that Republic, I have resolved to maintain the strictest neutrality in the contest entered into between the Confederate States of the South and the Federal States of the Union; and in order to avoid the prejudice which might result to my subjects and to navigation and commerce, in consequence of the want of clear dispositions by which to regulate their conduct,

in accordance with my Council of Ministers I decree the following:

Art. 1. The fitting-out, supplying, and equipment of any privateer in any of the ports of the monarchy is prohibited, whatever may be the flag which she may hoist.

Art. 2. The proprietors, masters, or captains of merchant vessels are also prohibited from receiving letters of marque, and from contributing in any way to the armament and equipment of vessels of war or privateers.

Art. 3. Ships of war or privateers with prizes are prohibited fromentering and remaining for more than 24 hours in the ports of the monarchy, except in the case of forced arrival.

When the latter shall occur, the authorities shall watch the ship, and shall oblige her to put to sea as soon as possible, without permitting her to supply herself with anything more than that which is necessary for the moment, but under no circumstances with arms or with munitions of war.

Art. 4. Articles taken from prizes shall not be sold at the ports of the monarchy.

Art 5. The transport of all articles of commerce under the Spanish flag is guaranteed, except when intended for the blockaded ports.

The carrying of effects of war and of papers or communications for the belligerents is prohibited. Contraveners will be responsible for their own acts, and will have no right to the protection of My Government.

Art. 6. All Spaniards are prohibited from enlisting in the belligerent armies, and from engaging themselves for service in vessels of war or privateers.

Art. 7. My subjects will abstain from any act which, by violating the laws of the kingdom, might be considered contrary to neutrality.

Art. 8. Contraveners of the above orders will have no right to the protection of My Government, they will suffer the consequences of the measures taken by the belligerents, and will be punished according to the laws of Spain.

(Received from Her Majesty's Legation at Stockholm.) Note from the Minister for Foreign Affairs to Her Majesty's Minister.

MONSIEUR,

Stockholm, le 23 Fevrier 1867. POUR satisfaire à la demande que vous m'avez faite, Monsieur, par la note que vous m'avez fait l'honneur de m'adresser le 19 ct., je m'empresse de vous informer que les dispositions de la déclaration du Congrès de Paris en date du 16 Avril 1856, et de l'ordonnance ci jointe en date du 8 Avril 1854, sont les seules ici en vigueur en matière de neutralité et que, du reste, il est chez nous admis en principe que là on il n'existe par de loi on pacte positif pour régler les droits et les devoirs des neutres en tems de guerre, les règles on principes que l'usage général des nations a consacrés doivent trouver leur application. Veuillez agréez, Monsieur, &c. (Signé) MANDERSTRÖM.

Monsieur Jerningham.

ORDONNANCE DU ROI. Relativement à ce qui doit être observé, pour la sureté du commerce et de la navigation de la Suède en temps de guerre entre des Puissances étrangères.

Donnée à Stockholm le 8 Avril 1854. Nous, Oscar, par la grâce de Dieu, Roi de Suède et de Norvége, des Goths et des Vandales, savoir faisons qu'ayant reconnu la nécessité, en vue des collisions qui menacent d'éclater entre des Puissances maritimes étrangères, que ceux de nos fidèles sujets, qui exercent le commerce et la navigation, observent

rigoureusement les obligations et précautions requises pour assurer au pavillon Suédois tous les droits et priviléges qui lui reviennent en qualité de pavillon neutre, et pour éviter également tout ce qui pourrait en quelque manière le rendre suspect aux Puissances belligérantes et l'exposer à des insultes; Nous avons jugé à propos, en rapportant ce qui a été statué précédemment à cet égard, d'ordonner que les règles suivantes devront dorénavant être généralement observées :

§ 1. Pour être admis à jouir des droits et priviléges revenant au pavillon Suédois en sa qualité de neutre, tout bâtiment Suédois devra être muni des documens qui, d'après les Ordonnances existantes*) sont requis pour constater sa nationalité, et ces documens devront toujours se trouver à bord du bâtiment, pendant ses voyages.

§ 2. Il est sévèrement défendu aux Capitaines d'avoir des papiers de bord et des connoissemens doubles ou faux, ainsi que de hisser pavillon étranger, en quelle occasion ou sous quel prétexte que ce soit.

§3. S'il arrivait que, pendant le séjour d'un bâtiment Suédois à l'étranger, l'équipage, soit par désertion, mort, maladie ou autres causes, ce trovât diminué au point de n'être plus suffisant pour la manœuvre du navire, et qu'ainsi des matelôts étrangers devront être engagés, ils devront être choisis du préférence parmi les sujets de Puissances neutres; mais dans aucun cas le nombre des sujets des Puissances belligérantes, qui se trouveront à bord du navire, ne devra excéder un tiers du total de l'équipage. Tout

* Les Ordonnances Royales du 1 Mars 1841 et du 15 Août 1851.

changement de cette nature dans le personnel du navire, avec les causes qui y ont donné lieu, devra être marqué par le Capitaine sur le rôle de l'équipage, et la fidélité de cette annotation devra êtra certifiée par le Consul ou Vice-Consul Suédois compétent, ou bien, en cas qu'il ne s'en trouvât point sur les lieux, par la Municipalité, le Notaire public ou quelqu'autre personne de la même autorité, suivant les usages pays respectifs.

des

§ 4. Les bâtimens Suédois, en qualité de neutres, pourront naviguer librement vers les ports et sur les côtes des nations en guerre; toutefois les Capitaines devront s'abstenir de toute tentative d'entrer dans un port bloqué, dès qu'ils ont été formellement prévenus de l'état de ce port par l'officier qui commande le blocus.

Par un port bloqué, on entend celui qui est tellement fermé par un ou plusieurs vaisseaux de guerre ennemis stationnés et suffisamment proches, qu'on ne puisse y entrer sans danger évident.

§ 5. Toutes marchandises, même propriété des sujets des Puissances belligérantes, pourront être librement menés à bord des bâtimens Suédois, en leur qualité de neutres, à la reserve des articles de contrebande de guerre. Par contrebande de guerre il faut entendre les articles suivans: canons mortiers, armes de toute espèce, bombes, grenades, boulets, pierres à feu, mêches, poudre, salpêtre, souffre, cuirasses, piques, ceinturons, gibernes, selles et brides, ainsi que toutes fabrications pouvant servir directement à l'usage de la guerre,-en exceptant toutefois la quantité de ces objêts qui peut être nécessaire pour la défense du navire et de l'équipage.

Pour le cas qu'à l'égard de la définition des objets de contrebande de guerre, des changemens ou additions devraient être introduits par suite de conventions avec les Puissances étrangères, il en sera ultérieurement statué.

§ 6. Il est interdit à tout Capitaine Suédois de se laisser employer, avec le bâtiment qu'il conduit, à transporter, pour aucune des Puissances belligérantes, des dépêches, des troupes, ou des munitions de guerre, sans y être contraint par une force réelle; auquel cas il devra protester formellement contre un tel emploi de la force.

7. Les bâtimens des Puissances belligérantes pourront importer dans les ports Suédois et en exporter toutes denrées et marchandises, pourvu que, d'après le tarif général des douanes, elles soient permises à l'importation ou à l'exportation, et à la reserve des articles réputés contrebande de guerre.

§ 8. Il est défendu à tout sujet Suédois d'armer ou d'équiper des navires pour être employés en course

UNITED Washington, February 18, 1867.

MY LORD, I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Lordship's telegram of the 14th instant, inquiring what laws, regulations, or other means the United States Government possess for the prevention of acts within their territories of which belligerents might complain as violating duties of neutrality.

The only law on the subject is the Neutrality Act of 1818. In the accompanying volume of Brightley's Digest I have marked the law. In the foot-notes your Lordship will find the principal cases which have been decided in the courts of the United States bearing upon the construction of the statutes.*

*NOTE.-The references here mentioned are the following:(a) At end of sect. 1. "See 2 McLean 2; 5 Ibid. 250." (b) Sect. 2, after words "If any person." "Foreign consuls are not exempted from the penal effect of the statute. A "foreign minister who violates its provisions is liable to be "summarily dismissed. 7 Opinions, 367." [N.B. The opinion here referred to is that of Caleb Cushing, which has been circulated among the Commissioners.]

(c) In 2nd sect. after the second "himself." "This Act is "declaratory of the pre-existing law of nations, and was "intended to aid the executive in the enforcement of that law. "The 'Santissima Trinidada.' 1 Brock. 7 Opinions, 367."

contre quelqu'une des Puissances belligérantes, leurs sujets et propriétés; ou de prendre part à l'équipement de navires ayant une pareille destination. Il lui est également défendu de prendre service à bord de corsaires étrangers.

§ 9. Il ne sera permis à aucun corsaire étranger d'entrer dans un port Suédois et de séjourner sur nos rades. Des prises ne pourront non plus être introduites dans les ports Suédois, autrement que dans le cas de détresse constatée. Il est également interdità nos sujets d'acheter des corsaires étrangers des effets capturés, du quelle espèce que ce soit.

§10. Lorsqu'un Capitaine, faisant voile sans escorte, est rencontré en pleine mer par quelque vaisseau de guerre de l'une des Puissances belligérantes, ayant droit de contrôler ses papiers de bord, il ne doit ni se refuser, ni chercher à se soustraire à cette visite ; mais il est tenu à produire ses papiers loyalement et sans détour, ainsi qu'à surveiller que ni depuis que son navire ait été hélé, ni pendant la visite, aucun des documens concernant le navire ou son chargement ne soit soustrait ou jeté à la mer.

§ 11. Lorsque les bâtimens marchands font voile sous escorte de vaisseaux de guerre, les Capitaines devront se régler sur ce qui est prescrit par l'ordonnance Royale du 10 Juin 1852.

§ 12. Le Capitaine qui observe scrupuleusement tout ce qui lui est prescrit ci-dessus, doit jouir, d'après les traités et le droit des gens, d'une navigation libre et sans gêne; et si, non-obstant, il est molesté, il a droit de s'attendre à l'appui le plus énergique de la part de Nos Ministres et Consuls à l'étranger, dans toutes les justes réclamations qu'il pourra faire pour obtenir réparation et dédommagement; au lieu que la Capitaine qui omet et néglige d'observer ce qui vient de lui être prescrit pour sa route, ne devra s'en prendre qu'a lui-même des désagrémens qui pourront résulter d'une pareille négligence, sans avoir à espérer Notre appui et protection.

§ 13. Dans le cas qu'un navire Suédois fut saisi, le Capitaine doit remettre au Consul ou Vice-Consul Suédois, s'il s'en trouve dans le port où son bâtiment est amené, mais, à son défaut, au Consul ou ViceConsul Suédois le plus voisin, un rapport fidèle et dûment certifié des circonstances de cette prise avec tous ses détails.

Mandons et ordonnons à tous ceux à qu'il appartiendra de se conformer exactement à ce que dessus. En foi de quoi Nous avons signé la présente de Notre main et y avons fait apposer Notre sceau Royal. Donné au Château de Stockholm le 8 Avril 1854. (L.S.) OSCAR.

STATES.

J. F. Fåhræus.

When a complaint is addressed to the Government of a vessel being fitted out in breach of the law, the

(d) In sect. 2, after word "Enlisted." "It is not a crime under "this Act to leave this country with intent to enlist in foreign "military service; nor to transport persons out of the country "with their own consent who have an intention of so enlisting. "To constitute a crime under this statute such persons must be "hired or retained to go abroad with the intent of such enlisting. United States v. Karinski. 8 Law reports, 254. See "4 Opinions, 336."

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(e) In sect. 3, after the first "arm." "Either will constitute "the offence; it is not necessary that the vessel should be "armed, or in a condition to commit hostilities on leaving the "United States. United States v. Quincy, 6 Pet. 445. See "3 Opin. 738, 741."

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(f) In sect. 3, after the word "armed." "See United States v. Guinet, 2 Dall, 328."

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(g) In sect. 3, after words "with intent." Any degree of "intent to commit hostilities against a nation with which this "Government is at peace is sufficient. 5 Opin. 92. But there "must be a fixed intention that the vessel should be so employed; a mere wish so to employ her, if he could obtain funds on her "arrival at a foreign port for the purpose of arming her, is not "sufficient to render the defendant guilty. United States v. "Quincy, 6 Pet. 445; Moodie v. The Alfred,' 3 Dall. 307. "But the fact that the arms and ammunition were cleared out as cargo, and the men shipped as for a common mercantile

matter is referred for investigation to the District Court Attorney (an officer of the Federal Government) in the state in which the vessel is situated. It is his duty to see that the law is respected, and it is incumbent upon him to receive and collect evidence, and to libel the ship, if in his opinion the circumstances of suspicion are sufficient to warrant the institution of legal proceedings against her. He then reports the case to the Government, who decide either in proceeding with the libel or on releasing the vessel. In the latter event it is in the power of the Government to call upon the owners to give bonds in double the value of the vessel not to employ her for illegal purposes. This course is pursued where the evidence shows grounds for suspicion, but when the grounds are not strong enough to warrant a prosecution, with a view to forfeiture. Mr. Bemis' in a pamphlet on the Neutrality Laws, states that the bonds only affect the owners so long as the vessel remains in their possession, and he seems to be of opinion that in the event of a bonâ fide sale, and of her subsequent employment as a cruiser or privateer against a friendly power, it would not be found possible to enforce the penalty against the original owners.

I enclose a newspaper extract with reference to the proceedings against a steamer called the "R. R. Cuyler," which will show the manner in which the Government acts. In this case the Attorney-General directs that the libel be dismissed, and the vessel restored to the owners on their executing a bond as required by statute.

Though there are no specific regulations in force as to the mode in which the law is to be carried out, I apprehend it may be inferred that this Government would consider any circumstances of suspicion attending the fitting out or equipment of a ship as sufficient to warrant her detention until the case can be investigated by the district attorney. It is not necessary that the allegations should be of such gravity as, if proved, would warrant her forfeiture. The owners may be compelled by law to give a bond previous to the sailing of an armed vessel, to guard against the possibility of her being employed against a friendly power, should war exist between two countries at peace with the United States. And a similar bond can be exacted under certain contingencies mentioned in the statute from the owners of any vessel built for warlike purposes and laden with war materials.

It is to be presumed that these provisions are intended to apply to cases of war-ships fitted out during time of war, where no direct evidence appears of illegal intent, but where the Government thinks it advisable to call upon the owners to find security for keeping the peace. In order to effect this object it is

evident that a wide discretion must be left to the Government for the exercise of the power of detention.

I may remark that the Government of the United States has considerable advantages in proceeding against vessels under the statute. They have on the spot where the preparations are being made the district attorney, a legal officer responsible to the Government, to whom the duty of investigation is committed. The libel is in the nature of a proceeding in Admiralty "in rem." It is decided by a judge conversant with International and Maritime Law, and without the intervention of a jury. The failure of the attempt to

66

voyage, will not vary the case. The Gran Para, 7 Wheat "486."

(h) In sect. 3, after word "people." "United States v. Quincy, "6 Pet. 467."

(i) In sec. 5, after first "vessel." As to what amounts to "the augmentation of the force of a foreign armed vessel within

"

our ports, see United States v. Grassin, 3 W. C. C. 65; the scooner Nancy,' Bee. 73; Moodie v. The Ship Brothers,' "Ibid. 76; Moodie v. The 'Betty Cathcart,' Ibid. 292; United "States v. Guinet, 2 Dall. 328; 2 Opin. 86."

(k) In sect. 6, after first " United States." "It is unimportant "that such association originated beyond seas, if the expedition was carried on from hence. Ex parte Needham; Pet. C.C. " 487."

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(1) In sect. 6, after words "means for." "See 5 McLean, 250, "306; 2 Wheat. Cr. Cas, xlviii., 3 Ibid. 174,"

stop or punish the persons engaged in the expeditions against Cuba, and the suspension of proceedings against the men who took part in the Fenian raids against the British Provinces, in spite of the clearest evidence, shows the difficulty of enforcing the law, when it has to be put in operation "in personam," and when it is dependent on the verdict of a jury. I have, &c., FREDERICK W. A. BRUCE.

&c.

The Lord Stanley, M.P. &c. &c. THE STEAMER R. R. CUYLER.-Conspiracy on Board to assume Control of the Vessel at Sea-The Owners not culpable-The Vessel to be bonded. New York, February 15.

The suspicion that the steamship "R. R. Cuyler was intended for a piratical enterprise appears, from facts which have come to light since the seizure by the Government, to have been well founded. The theory advanced, which there is no grounds for doubting, is, that there was a conspiracy on board to assume control of the vessel after she had gone to sea, and thus deprive the lawful owners of their property, who were not to receive their pay for her until she was delivered at Laguayra, Venezuela, to the Colombian Government. Whatever may have been intended by the extraordinary personages on board, and however they may have intended to execute their plans, are matters no longer to be regarded with alarm, as the party has been dispersed, and the owners required to file bonds in twice the value of the vessel that she shall not be used by them to commit hostilities against any nation with which this Government is at peace. This is sufficiently set forth in the following letter, received by Collector Smythe from the Secretary of the Treasury yesterday:

SIR,

ORDER TO THE COLLECTOR.

Treasury Department, February 1867.

I TRANSMIT herewith a copy of the letter of this date from the Attorney-General of the United States at New York to the United States District Attorney at New York relative to the steamship "R. R. Cuyler." You are hereby instructed to carry out the decision of the President, to release the "R. R. Cuyler" to the owners, upon being advised in writing by the United States District Attorney that the required bond has been given and the proceedings in court dismissed. Very respectfully,

H. MCCULLOCH, Secretary of the Treasury. H. A. Smythe, Collector of Customs, New York.

The following is a copy of the letter of the AttorneyGeneral:

THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL'S LETTER. Attorney-General's Office, Feb. 13, 1867. In re steamship "R. R. Cuyler." Samuel G. Courtney, Esq., United States Attorney, New York City.

SIR,

THE President has had under his consideration the case of the steamship "R. R. Cuyler," now detained at the port of New York under a seizure made by the customs officers, and a libel filed by you on or about the 5th of the current month, for alleged infraction of our neutrality laws.

The decision of the President had thereon is that such circumstances are shown as to require bond and security to be given by the owners, Messrs. Sturges, Taylor, Hubbell, and Dollard, according to the provisions of the 10th and 11th sections of the Act of April 20, 1818, entitled, "An Act in addition to the "Act for the Punishment of certain Crimes against "the United States, and to repeal the Acts therein "named."-3rd vol. Statutes at Large, p. 447.

You are accordingly instructed that, upon the entering and delivery to you of such bond to the United States, with sufficient sureties, prior to the

clearing of the vessel, in double the amount or the value of the vessel and cargo on board, including her armament, conditioned that the vessel shall not be employed by such owners to cruise or commit hostilities against the subjects, citizens, or property of any foreign prince or State, or of any colony, district, or people with whom the United States are at peace, as provided by the said 10th section, you will dismiss the proceedings so instituted.

Instructions will be sent to the collector of the port by the Secretary of the Treasury for the release of the vessel to her owners, when you advise them that the bond has been given and the proceedings in court have been dismissed.

I am very respectfully, &c.,
HENRY STANBERY,
Attorney-General.

CASE OF THE "R. R. CUYLER."-Alleged Conspiracy of an ex-rebel Captain and Crew to turn the vessel into a Chilian Privateer-Bonds required by the Government.

(From the "New York Post.")

The steamship "R. R. Cuyler" seized some time ago by the customs authorities of this port, and held for examination on a charge that she was destined for an illegal voyage, is still in the hands of the officers, but the former owners and claimants of the vessel are confident she will soon be released. The theory that there was a conspiracy on board to take her from the owners, who were not, it is declared, to get their pay for her, or all of it, till she should be delivered at Laguayra, Venezuela, to the Colombian Government, is now, it appears, fully accepted, and it goes into the case as part of the matter which the Attorney-General will consider when he decides whether the "R. R. Cuyler" ought to be held to await the action of the courts with a view to her condemnation if the charges should be sustained.

This theory is founded on information already partially given to the public. The evidence that the vessel was to become a Chilian privateer, or have some other illegal character, is considered complete ; and her owners do not hesitate to admit that they would probably have lost her, except for the interference of the United States authorities. This avowal

raises many interesting points about the fitting out of the "Cuyler," which will be fully investigated if an examination is entered upon, but which otherwise may never be brought out.

What is now recognized as the important fact of the case is that the conspiracy was fully matured, and was to be executed by ex-rebels, who comprised the passengers of the vessel. It appears that the getting together of these men and the equipment of them, with the purchase of some war material, costing more than 100,000$, were the parts of the business about which the owners had no direct knowledge, and Read, the rebel officer who had charge of the numerous 'passengers," only a part of whom it seems were on board the "Cuyler" at the wharf when she was ready to sail at the time of the seizure, was at the head of the piratical expedition. Exactly what was to be done with the "Cuyler" after she had left this port, and was in the hands of the desperadoes who had been gathered to take possession of her, the representatives of the men whose interests were involved do not undertake to say.

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These things in some respects explain and in other respects complicate and mystify the affair of the "Cuyler." What influence they may have on the determination of the matter is a curious question. That the vessel, if she had been allowed to go, would have made a legal voyage, nobody asserts; not is it likely that the Government officers will urge that the American owners were guilty of complicity with the rebels, or with the persons, whoever they may have been, who furnished the means required at the beginning of the suspicious undertaking.

In a later edition the "Post" says:

"Collector Smythe has to-day received a letter from the Secretary of the Treasury directing that the steamship "R. R. Cuyler" be released when the owners of her give bonds to the Government in double the amount of her value that she shall not be used by them to commit hostilities against any nation with which this Government is at peace."

If bonds are not given, and no new instructions come from Washington, proceedings for the confiscation of the vessel will go on. No intimation has yet been given as to what the course of the claimants will be.

Paris, le 10 Juin 1861.

LE Ministre des Affaires Etrangères a soumis à l'Empereur la déclaration suivante, que Sa Majesté a revêtue de son approbation :

Déclaration.

Sa Majesté l'Empereur des Français, prenant en considération l'état du paix qui existe entre la France et les Etats Unis d'Amérique, a résolu de maintenir une stricte neutralité dans la lutte engagée entre le Gouvernement de l'Union et les Etats qui prétendent former une Confédération particulière.

En conséquence, Sa Majeste, vu l'Article 14 de l'Ordonnance de la Marine du mois d'Août 1861, l'Article 3 de la Loi du Avril 1825, les Articles 84 et 85 du Code Pénal, 65 et suivants du Décret du 24 Mars 1852, 313 et suivants du Code Pénal Maritime, et l'Article 21 de Code Napoléon,

Déclare :

1. Il ne sera permis à aucun navire de guerre ou corsaire de l'un ou l'autre des belligérants d'entrer et de séjourner avec des prises dans nos ports ou rades pendant plus de vingt-quatre heures, hors le cas de relâche forcée,

2. Aucune vente d'objets provenant de prises ne pourra avoir lieu dans nos dits ports ou rades.

3. Il est interdit à tout Français de prendre commission de l'une des deux parties pour armer des vaisseaux en guerre, ou d'accepter des lettres de marque pour faire la course maritime, ou de concourir d'une manière quelconque à l'équipement on l'armement d'une navire de guerre ou corsaire de l'une des deux parties.

4. Il est également interdit à tout Français, résidant en France ou à l'etranger, de s'enrôler ou prendre du service, soit dans l'armée de terre, soit à bord des l'autre des belligérents. bâtiments de guerre ou des corsaires de l'un ou de

5. Les Français résidant en France ou à l'étranger devront également s'abstenir de tout fait qui, commis en violation des lois de l'empire ou du droit des gens, pourrait être considéré comme un acte hostile à l'une des deux parties, et contraire à la neutralité que nous avons résolu d'observer.

Les contrevenants aux défenses et recommandations contenues dans la présente Déclaration seront poursuivis, s'il y a lieu, conformément aux dispositions de la Loi du 10 Avril 1825, et aux Articles 84 et 85 du