Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1851-01-24
Erenel, snaliatlon Hi.

pay claimants for compensation for spoatOns VI on
American commerce. committed by the French pr.or
to 1901 The liability of the United States to pay
these claimants ARISES somewhat follows Du-
ring the struggle and turmoil of the French reyolu-
ton, the United States, neutral power, engross-
ed large amount of the carrying trade of the world
Depredations upon commerce were, under one
pretext another committed both by the French
and English, but the Federal party, which was in
power under the Presidency of JOHN ADAMS leaned
to the side ofthe English, in opposition to the French
republicans and the quasi which existed between
the United States and France from 1877 to 1900,
was the result Finally convention between the
two powers, was agreed to in 1900 and IL was then
stipulated that the United States should release
France from all claims of citizens for spoilations
prior to that time, in return for which France was
to release the United States from the obligations of
the treaty of Alliance, whereby we had bound our
Selves in consideration of the assistance of France
in our revolutionary struggle to guarantee her pos
session of her West India Islands, and give her the
free use of ports for the security of her prizes
and shut them against her enemies. 1t is contended
behalf of the claimants, that the United States
Government thus obtained an equivalent for the
abandonment of the claims of her citizens against
France, and is liable for their payment. On the
other hand, it is contended that France had no claim
against the United States under the treaty of al-
ance that if she had she had forfeited it by
violation of the terms of the treaty. in committing
outrages upon American commerce and that neither
WASHINGTON nor ADAMS recognized such claim
neither did it enter into the Convention of 18OO nor
did the United States assume any claims of her own
citizens upon France set-of to it, and, conse-
SC III
payment of such claims.
1t is mixed up affair. 1t seems but right that if
the United States used those claims against France
as set-of to the French claim arising under the
treaty, she should indemnify her citizens. But the
great difficulty is in asceraining the claims justly
DUE and guarding against Galphinism. Without
doubt more than three fourths of the claims prefer
red are fraudulent; many of pretended spoations
were never committed and many more which are
preferred spcliations for which indemnity is ask
ed were seizures made for papable violations of the
laws regulating the intercourse of neutrals with bel
llgerent powers; such as the running of blockades
smuggling contraband of war, and such like The
gross amount of claims preferred, we understand is
about eight million and half-the real amount due
might be about two million. But in these times of
extravaganza when the struggle seems to be to get
rid of the public lands, pay fraudulent claims, and
embarrass the Treasury it is just as likely as not
that the whole will be paid, with compound interest
for the last fifty years. Where is Mr.. CRAWFORD
that great man and incompatible fnancier Where
is the dear soul Now is his time to make hay while
the sun shines.
Later from Europe.
The American steamer Franklin and the British
steamer Asia, have both arrived since last issue
The Franklin brings Liverpool dates to the 1st and
the Asia to the 4th inst.
From Brussels we learn that the Belgian Govern
ment had officially promulgated law relative to the
discontinuance of the gold coinage the currency of
which is put end to, to the extent of l4,646 O25
francs.
The Royal mail steamer ASIA from New York, ar
rived at Liverpool on the 2Sth of December, having
made the shortest passage record, occupying only
ten days. four hours, and five minutes.
The political news from the continent of Europe
is not important The conferences called at Ores
den by Prussia and Austria for the settlement of the
German question, have commenced their sessions
What the intentions of Austria and Prussia are may
be guessed at from one expression in the opening
speech of Prince Swartzenberg, the Austrian Minis
ter. Speaking of the objects of the conferences, he
says: Among these mention the strengthening
of the chief organ of the confederation by arrange
ments which will enable it for the future to stem the
tide of revolution: and to protect the principle of
monarchy.' In plain terms, to crush every attempt
ct freedom and perpetuate the reign of despotism.
Polish paper is said to state that an arrange
ment has been ade for the release of the Hungarian
refugees by which Turkey is to pay their passage to
England is to send item to the United
States, and the United States is to afford them an
asylum when they come.
The American steamship Atlantic sailed on her
day, the Goth ut, and great anxiety is felt respect
ing her.
MIsTAKE.--The Telegraphic dispatches in the
Charleston and Baltimore papers mised us last week
into the statement that Mr. BENTON had been re-eec
! ted Senator from Missouri. Such we are happy to
know, is not the fact. No choice has as vet been
made.
h9~S Still no news of the steamship atlantic. She
has now been out nearly month, and the prospects
of her safety very faint
R6rThe steamers Cherokee and Prometheus both
arrived at New York the morning of the 2lst
instant with two and quarter millions in gold and
a large number of passengers. fire had occurred
in San Francisco destroying 100000 worth of pro-
perty. FREMoNr's chances for the Senate said
to be desperate. WELLER's friends sanguine.
/ INTERCOURSE WITH BALTIMoRE.-We learn with