The south-western. [volume] (Shreveport, La.) 1852-1870, 1865-11-15
0ur Relations with ENGLAND.

OuI hG1dJlo1iS Will L1ASld41u
Rumors have been rife for. sometime past, that our
government had made a demand upon the English
government for recompensation for depredations
mitted by the Alabama The arrival of the last steam
ship at Quebec fully orroborates the rumors as sy-
nopss of the correspondence between lord John Russell
and NJ Adams has been tclegraphed all the
try In speaking of the subject the Crescent says it
cannot be denied that there serious diplomatic diff
Guilty with the British government, and continues to
argue as follows:
'.The United States have made reclamatons on Eng
land for losses alleged to have been sustained by the
former in consequence Of the failure of the British
government to enforce her international obligations in
reference to the fitting Of the Confederate steamer
Alabama and her sailing from a British port As well
we canjudge from the synopsis Of the correspondence
which has reached u.s. the issue raised BY Mr. Adams
seems to have been dstinct-charging the British gov
ernment with the damages inflicted upon the commerce
of the United States and ntmating very clearly that
expected that the latter government will reimburse
the losses which have been sustained.
Therepy Of lord Russell justifes the action of Great
Britain AYERS that She has been faithful her neutral
obligations denies her responsibility for the losses su
tanned by American commerce. and declines to refer the
questions at issue the arbtrament Of another power
.Her majesty government" says earl Russell, care
the sole guardians Of their own honor They cannot
admit they have acted in bad faith in maintaining the
neutrality they professed. The law officers Of the
must be held to be bettcrinterpreers of British
statute than any foreign government be presumed
TO be- Her maiesty's government must, therefore, de-
cline to make reparaton and for captures
made by the Alabama, refer the question TO any
foreign State. Her majesty government conceivethat
if they to act otherwise they would endanger the
position of neutrals in all future Her maestys
government are, however ready to consent to the ap
pointment Of commission to which shall be referred
all claims arising during the late civil war; which the
two powers shall agree to refer to the comm soI es
The reply Of Mr. Adams, which it is said ''is very
serious in its tone intimates that the United States
will probably decline the proposition made to refer
claims to joint commission.
"The question then will appear to stand thus-some-
thing very peremptory demand on the part Of
the United States and very distinct refusal on the
part Of Great Britain.
eve not amongst those, however, who apprchcnd
that blows will arbitrate the dispute. We do not think
the position assumed BY Mr. Adams, in his communica
TONS be maintained in the face Of international
law and the opinions of impartial Europe. people,
though integral part Of acknowledged nationality,
who can during four years. keep in the face of such
power the United States all the organisations Of
government ana can maintain III IuC ueiu dIlLtS ol
so long as to hold the issue Of the conflict
in doubt have certainly attained the position Of bel
gerent in the view of international law. The leading
nations Of the cyised world have conceded this posi-
ion, and those nations the Acknowledged arbiers
If such disputes.
Gwen if the claims Of the United States beyond
lispute it would not be to the interest of govern
nent to urge the diplomatic quarrel to rupture. The
Wounds Of the country fresh and too deep to
Justify the government in plungng into war on such
an issue.
ave cannot perceive any great argument in ques
ion in this controversy in the Of the alleged de-
nor do that any matter Of honor is
involved On the contrary, the position taken BY Mr.
Adams seems in opposition to the general sentiment o.
nations We doubt not therefore, that the president
With his usual practical craftsmanship, will steer clear
If this little diplomatic imbroglio, and find means st
maintain relations Of amity between earl Russell and
'Ir, Adams.