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66.--resolutions of the N. Y. Chamber of commerce.
Whereas, Our country has, in the course of events, reached a crisis unprecedented in its past history, exposing it to extreme dangers, and involving the most momentous results; and
Whereas, The President of the
United States has, by. his Proclamation, made known the dangers which threaten the stability of Government, and called upon the people to rally in support of the
Constitution and laws; and
Whereas, The merchants of New York, represented in this Chamber, have a deep stake in the results which may flow from the present exposed state of national affairs, as well as a jealous regard for the honor of that flag under whose protection they have extended the commerce of this city to the. remotest part of the world; therefore,
Resolved, That this Chamber, alive to the perils which have been gathering around our cherished form of Government and menacing its overthrow, has witnessed with lively satisfaction the determination of the
President to maintain the
Constitution and vindicate the supremacy of Government and law at every hazard.
[Cheers.]
Resolved, That the so-called secession of some of the
Southern States having at last culminated in open war against the
United States, the
American people can no longer defer their decision between anarchy or despotism on the one side, and on the other liberty, order, and law under the most benign Government the world has ever known.
Resolved, That this Chamber, forgetful of past differences of political opinion among its members, will, with unanimity and patriotic ardor, support the
Government in this great crisis: and it hereby pledges its best efforts to sustain its credit and facilitate its financial operations.
It also confidently appeals to all men of wealth to join in these efforts.
[Applause.]
Resolved, That while deploring the advent of civil war which has been precipitated on the country by the madness of the
South, the
Chamber is persuaded that policy and humanity alike demand that it should be met by the most prompt and energetic measures; and it accordingly recommends to Government the instant adoption and prosecution of a policy so vigorous and resistless, that it will crush out treason now and forever.
[Applause.]
Resolved, That the proposition of
Mr. Jefferson Davis to issue letters of marque to whosoever may apply for them, emanating from no recognized Government, is not only without the sanction of public law, but piratical in its tendencies, and therefore deserving the stern condemnation of the civilized world.
It cannot-result in the fitting out of regular privateers, but may, in infesting the ocean with piratical cruisers, armed with traitorous commissions, to despoil our commerce and that of all other maritime nations.
[Applause.]
Resolved, That in view of this threatening evil, it is, in the opinion of this Chamber, the duty of our Government to issue at once a proclamation, warning all persons, that privateering under the commissions proposed will be dealt with as simple piracy.
It owes this duty not merely to itself, but to other maritime nations, who have a right to demand that the United States Government shall promptly discountenance every attempt within its borders to legalize piracy.
It should, also, at the
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earliest moment, blockade every Southern port, so as to prevent the egress and ingress of such vessels.
[Immense applause.]
Resolved, That the
Secretary be directed to send copies of these resolutions to the Chambers of Commerce of other cities, inviting their co-operation in such measures as may be deemed effective in strengthening the bands of Government in this emergency.
Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions, duly attested by the officers of the
Chamber, be forwarded to the
President of the
United States.
Blockade resolutions.
Whereas, War against the
Constitution and Government of these
United States has been commenced, and is carried on by certain combinations of individuals, assuming to act for States at the
South claiming to have seceded from the
United States; and
Whereas, Such combinations have officially promulgated an invitation for the enrollment of vessels, to act under their authorization, and, as so-called “privateers,” against the flag and commerce of the
United States; therefore,
Resolved, by the Chamber of Commerce of the
State of New York, That the United States Government be recommended and urged to blockade the ports of such States, or any other State that shall join them, and that this measure is demanded for defence in war, as also for protection to the commerce of the
United States against these so-called “privateers” invited to enrol under the authority of such States.
Resolved, That the Chamber of Commerce of the
State of New York pledges its hearty and cordial support to such measures as the
Government of the
United States may, in its wisdom, inaugurate and carry through in the blockade of such ports.--
The World, April 20.
