The excuse for the seizure was that the ship was engaged in the slave-trade, and for the burning that she was unseaworthy; but both these assertions were denied point-blank by the Brazilian Government, which branded the transaction as “Vandalism,” and gave notice that it would demand indemnity for the loss of the ship.
Sumner discusses the British justification for the seizure of the Santa Cruz, which was contested by the Brazilian Government, reflecting international tensions.
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It is clear that the only question of present practical interest arises from the usurpations of the Slave Power and the efforts to extend Slavery.
It is larger than the entire profit of all the commerce and manufactures of the world.
Tendencies of nations, as revealed in history, teach that our aims are in harmony with prevailing laws, which God, in his benevolence, has ordained for mankind.
As the Brotherhood of Man is practically recognized, it becomes impossible to restrict the feeling within any exclusive circle of country, and to set up an unchristian distinction of honor between civil war and international war.
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