Dec. 31.
It is impossible to comment adequately on the telegraphic summary published this morning of the Note just presented by the United States to Great Britain.
It is necessary to wait until further details of the seizures complained of come to hand. Unless, however, we are to suppose that all the British naval commanders in the Atlantic have developed "nerves," the seizure of American cargoes must in some cases at all events, have been justified by something more solid than suspicion. There must, at the very least, have been e cases of such cargoes containing contraband of war and being destined for the enemy's consumption. Presumably the Government of the United States has inquired into such cases, yet, if it has done so, how is it that we have heard nothing of any official guarantee being given to Great Britain that similar breaches of neutrality shall not occur in future? Th expect that is, surely, in the circumstances not to expect a great deal. The first offences—and it is ridiculous to suppose there have been none—must have been notified to the United States. Was no satisfactory reply forthcoming? Tf not, then seizures have naturally continued. There is no desire on the part of Great Britain to infringe the rights of Americans or those of any other neutral people. Neither, however, is there any mystery in connexion
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.