with the rebellion. It considered the South a marine power
before it had exhibited a single privateer on the ocean. The Greeks at
the time of recognition had 'covered the sea with cruisers.'

_Lord Russell (smiling yet more blandly)_. I cite you the case of the
Fillmore government towards Kossuth and Hungary. Was not an agent sent
to the latter country with a view to recognition?

_Mr. Seward (aside)_. The proclamation, unmodified and unexplained,
leaves us no alternative but to regard the government of Great Britain
as questioning our free exercise of all the rights of self-defence
guaranteed to us by our Constitution, and the laws of nature and of
nations, to suppress insurrection. But now as to the propositions sent,
viz. (1.) Privateering abolished. (2.) Neutral flag covers enemy's goods
except contraband of war. (3.) Neutral goods safe under enemy's flag,
with same exception. (4.) Effective blockades.

_Mr. Adams (aside to Mr. Seward)_. It is to be agreed to, if there be
received a written declaration by Great Britain, to accompany the
signature of her minister,--'Her Majesty does not intend thereby to
undertake any engagement which shall have any bearing, direct _or
indirect_, on the internal differences now prevailing in the United
States.'

_Mr. Seward (still aside)_. I am instructed by the President to say it
is inadmissible. (1.) It is virtually a new and distinct article
incorporated into the projected convention. (2.) The United States must
accede to the Declaration of the Congress of Paris on the same terms
with other parties, or not at all. (3.) It is not mutual in effect, for
it does not provide for a melioration of _our_ obligations in internal
differences now prevailing in, or which may hereafter arise in, Great
Britain. (4.) It would permit a foreign power for the first time to take
cognizance of, and adjust its relations upon, _assumed_ internal and
purely domestic differences. (5.) The general parties to the Paris
convention can not adopt it as one of universal application.

_Lord Russell_. Touching the disagreements as to acquiescing in the
Paris convention and the proposed modification, I ask to explain the
reason of the latter. The United States government regards the
confederates as rebels, and their privateersmen as pirates. We regard
the confederates as belligerents. As between us and your government,
privateering would be abolished. We would and could have no concurrent
convention with th