Duties of Neutrals. take cognisance of their proceedings, and a Bill was brought forward to restrain merchant vessels of the United States from sailing in an armed condition. The shipowners of New York upon that occasion put upon record their sentiments, and some of the principles they expounded are well deserving reflection and attention. They[1] acknowledged with satisfaction that since the commencement of the existing war the commerce of the United States had not, to their knowledge, suffered any injuries which could justly be attributed to the governments of Europe. They disclaimed explicitly any intention to derive unfair advantages from the misfortunes of the belligerent nations; and they solemnly engaged to support with all their influence any regulations enjoined by treaties or by the established usages of civilised States. They only desired to foster their native genius for enterprise. The duties of neutral merchants, as understood by them, consisted in the observance of the following rules:—
1st. Not to protect under false appearances the ships or property of the subjects of belligerent nations.
2nd. Not to resist reasonable visitation and search by the ships of war of belligerent nations.
3rd. Not to supply either party with articles contraband of war; and,
4th. Not to enter ports in a state of blockade.
They did not consider it a duty or usage of neutral nations to enforce by legal sanction the
- ↑ This very interesting document (December 21, 1804) will be found in United States 'State Papers,' Commerce and Navigation, vol. i. p. 582.
