The Sun.
London, England, 1871-02-11 00:00:00

THE ALABAMA COMMISSION.

The Times says is, we confess, with mixed feelings
that we contemplate the proposed reference of the Ala-
bama claims and the fisheries question to a joint
commission. On the one hand, we heartily share the
desire so unanimously felt in this country for a
settlement of the only tangible grievances outstand-
ing between Great Britain and the United States;
nor do we believe that without tangible grievances
it will long be possible to keep alive the spirit of mutual
distrust. On the other hand, we cannot forget that a
convention formally concluded two years ago on behalf of
her Majesty and the President of the United States
was deliberately set aside by the American Serrate in a
manner that betokened little disposition to remove the
former and tar more serious cause of difference. We hive
yet to learn what the basis of the new convention, if any,
may be; how the objections which proved fatal to the
last one have been overcome ; and what instructions have
been given to Lord de Grey and his colleagues. We are
bound, however, to presume that President Grant's over-
tures have been made in sincerity, and there is no reason
to apprehend that such party motives as influenced
the Senate against his predecessor will prejudice
the adoption of any course he may recommend. Ono
more condition, howcrer, is necessary for the restoration
of a thoroughly amicable understanding between America
and Great Britain. It is the reciprocal cultivation of good
feeling and courtesy on both sides, especially by those
who are supposed to represent popular opinion,
whether as speakers or writers. Can there he any compari-
son between the ordinary language of a Queen's Speech
regarding America and the ordinary language of a
President's message regarding England ? Would any
English Minister, or politician in Mr. Sumner'a
position, dare to utter such invectives against a
friendly nation in Parliament ? Would any English
public meeting tolerate an address like that of General
Butler ? It is time for educated men in the United
States to consider how far these practices are consistent
with national self-respect. What is certain is that
nothing contributes so much to weaken the respect which
all educated Englishmen desire to feel towards the United
States. It is vain to say that all this ill-feeling dates from
the war. Long before the war traducing and vilifying
England was a profitable trade iu American politics,
though it was not then so great an object to purchase
the " Irish vote." For this grievous wrong—for a
grievous wrong it is—we ask no damages, though we are
ready to pay damages, if they shall be found due, for our
failure to lay an embargo on the Alabama. We claim
but one thing, and that is that with the Alabama claims
may be also buried the unworthy and unmeaning jealousy
of Great Britain which is the besetting weakness of
American patriotism.

In the opinion of the Standard, very important func-
tions indeed devolve on the Commissioners just appointed
by her Majesty. It would seem that all the questions at
issue between the two nations are to be referred to
the tribunal of this mixed commission—and much
as we may rejoice at any arrangement that promises
a prospect of a quiet and friendly settlement, we
cannot regard the present plan as altogether satisfactory.
For many reasons it appears to us unwise to mix up the
Alabama claims and the fishery dispute together. In
the first place, the fishery question is one in which law
and right are confessedly and entirely on our side ; while
the right, and even the law, of the Alabama case is open
to grave dispute. Next, the fishery question is a-
colonial question, and properly referred to a commission
in which Canada is powerfully represented; whereas the
Alabama question is purely Imperial, and should naturally
have been left to statesmen directly responsible to the Im-
perial Parliament, and influenced only by Imperial
considerations. Finally, we do not wish to
see either question settled by a compromise
including both. We do not wish that the
Canadians should pay the price of a modification or
abandonment of the Alabama claims by a sacrifice of
their exclusive rights in the fisheries. We wish to see
the issues involved in the former settled by a re-
ference to a competent tribunal, so that we may at
once vindicate our own honour and neutrality, and
obtain a clear declaration what the law was in the, past,
before we proceed to determine by negotiation what it
shall be in the future. We look forward, therefore, with
considerable anxiety to the proceedings of the commission,
and the only feature of the curse which appears altogether
satisfactory is the indication given, by the assent of the
American Government to the British proposals, of a
sincere desire on their part to terminate a dispute which
heretofore they have seemed to think it more convenient
to keep open.