The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1867-12-08
Lord Stanley ON the Alabama Claims-Our
Policy the Cash or ReprIsals.

Lord Stanley ON the Alabama Claims-Our
Policy the Cash or Reprisals.
We have cloudy despatch from London,
according to which the Tines in an editorial,
SAYS" Lord Stanley Is right in refusing-to
permit the foreign policy Of England to be re-
viewed by any foreign Power whatever On
all other points (on the Alabama claims) Eng
land will gladly meet the United States half
way, as she is thoroughly tired of the dis
cussion." This is the British side Of the ques-
ton. In the next place President Johnson, in
his annual Message of the Sd inst, says" No
arrangement has yet been reached for the
settlement Of our claims for British depre-
dations upon the commerce Of the United
States. l have felt it my duty to decline the
proposition of arbitration made by her Majesty's
government, because 1t has hitherto been &C
companied with reservations and limitations
incompatible with the rights, interest and
honor of our country" But he further says
/" 1t is not to be apprehended that Great
Britain will persist in her refusal 10 satisfy
these just and reasonable claims, which involve
the sacred principle Of Neutrality-suspicious.
principle henceforth not more important to
the United States than to all other commercial
nations" This Is the American side of th e
question, and with the two sides placed vis-d-
us the controversy begins to assume an ugly
complexion, and at an inviting juncture for
decisive action.
Lord Stanley "will not permit the foreign
policy Of England to be reviewed by any
foreign Power" What is the meaning of this?
We presume that, in the lengthy correspond
ence which has taken place between the two
governments on these British depredations,
Mr.. Adams in overhauling the record of the
foreign policy and International transactions
OF England, has found some precedents which
sustain his case, and has put the present British
Cabinet in an awkward dilemma, from which
Lord Stanley could only extricate himself by
impertinently closing the discussion. He will
not permit the foreign policy of England to be
reviewed. If she held one position yesterday
and holds another to-day on these piratical
depredations upon our merchant ships, what
business is this of ourss He will not be called |
to account for it Very well. If his Lordship |
will no longer listen to reason and fair argu-
on the subject), the only course left to our
government is that of General Jackson's touch
ing those claims for certain French spolia
tons-the simple submission to her Majestys |
government Of the alternative of the cash or |
reprisals.
The policy pursued by England and France,
but especially by England, toward the United
tot from ho hra r,r
ern rebellion until all hopes of its success had
vanished, was eminently offensive, treach-
erous and unjust With unseemly haste, as if
be gloated upon the opportunity, Lord Russell
proclaimed his policy Of neutrality, which con-
coded equal belligerent rights to our rebellious
States. If President johnson, on the informa-
ton that the Fenians had set up in Dublin an
government for Ireland, were to
proclaim his recognition of the belligerent
rights OF the Irish republic on the Same footing
with the government of Great Britain, II would
be only Roland for an Oliver. But if the
policy of England touching the belligerent
rights OF our rebel States was an unprece-
denied and shameful concession to rebellicus
conspiracy, his ingenious underhanded devices
OF giving laid and comfort to the enemy"
and the zeal and industry of England's ruling !
cligarchy in every shape and form in behalf of |
JEFF Davis including those Anglo-rebel pirates
on the high seas, were so outrageous in their |
perfidy that only good round bill of damages |
or the alternative of reprisals, peace or war,
will satisfy the American people.
We are SO well convinced Of the truth OF
this opinion that we do not hesitate 70 say, |
that If General Grant were to write letter or
make public speech embracing the declara-
ton that his position on these Alabama claims
could be expressed In four words-"the cash
or reprisalsr-he would, without writing or
speaking another word on public affairs, be
elected our next President by the vote Of
every State in the Union. Mr.. Johnson under
stands the pulse Of the people on this ques-
ton, and though doubtless restr aimed from the
full expression Of his own views by his temper
izing Secretary Of State, he has still adhered
to the public sentiment Of the country in sug-
costing his readiness TO follow the example Of
General Jackson. In regard TO the offensive
French usurpation in Mexico Mr.. Seward was
kept at 1t, and by dint of incessant scolding
and badgering Napoleon was induced TO re-
tire; but Lord Stanley closes the door In the
face OF our amiablc Secretary, tells him that
the discussion Is ended and leaves him no hope
for his claim but the last resort in such cases
With this notice from Lord Stanley the time
has come for special message on this subject
from President johnson 10 Congress II need
not be long. Let him say that a. all efforts to
bring the British government to q settlement
or recognition OF these Alabama claims have
failed, he recommends the ul,imatum Of the
cash or reprisals, and calls upon the two
houses for their cooperation, and IL win suf-
ice The pressure Of public opinion, in view
Of the near approach Of the Presidential cleo.