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 1815 and 1854 the only historical fact connected with maritime rights was Mr. Canning's refusal to ratify a treaty which Sir Charles Stuart had negotiated with Brazil, on the ground that a clause in it had stipulated that the neutral flag should cover the merchandize, which Mr. Canning, agreeing with all past English statesmen, considered prejudicial to British interests.

In 1854, when England and France declared war against Russia, it became necessary to issue instructions to the French