New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1868-11-23
NEW-YORK MONDAY, NOVEMBER 3d. 1865

rOpean sovereign the essential question OF the liability OF
the British Government for losses inflicted citizens OF
the United States by the Alabama We know OF no better
way ot obtaining solution OF such question than that
ed; but u must be remembered that whereas, il Mt
Johnson represented a constitutional monarchy, the
sanction OF his Government would suffice TO raty an ar
rahgemehJ OF TINS KIND as Minister OF tho United states
his action will need to be confirmed not only by Mr. An
drew Johnson and Mr. Seward, but by the Senate at
erdy Johnson has full powers 10 settle all matters in DIS
pute between the two countre but thus mus, be under
view OF the the OF opinion In the United States
Is possibly deserving Of more attention than 10 has
ceyed.
The Telegraph says It may seem paradoxca to say so,
but 1t Is the fact, that however 1.-THE question may be
settled That we must gain. Should the King decide that
we did no wrong our cOneiaory reference to his arb
traon, and his opinion must have useiul effect on
American opinion, and convince knsnen that
not unjust Should he decide that we in fault We
hnan nave 70 pay certain sum OF money, but We shl
likewise close up bitter cause OF quarrel. 10 will be
perceived mat the referees IN the present case will not
nave III within their commission to decide the important
question whether neutral Ia TO be held answerable for
the Injuries inflicted bya beligrent cruiser built though
not ntted IN the neutras port but whatever the decls
Ion may be on any specific point, It viii most probably
ead 10 an Interior advantage which can hardly be over
estimated. We English lie under peculiar burdens IN
protecting our widespread commerce from priyateers
or other vessels equipped 10y neutrals; but II any
buch IlSht OF preying on tho property OF Del
hgerents be allowed, could bring to- bear
singularly powerful force, and could retaliate
with crushing effect. 10 closely imports MS 10 know,
therefore, whether the principle il TO be abandoned or
not and the very issue the present controversy may
well Induce other States TO look into the subject IL Is
assurcdy not 10 be dismissed Ohand by any nation,
however Intelligent, or however powerful; but 1t would
DC gain To the whole world II the attention OF puDcts
could be concentrated this problem so as to place
their final Judgment on the solid basis Of Acknowledged
law Meanwhile the settlement actually announced Is
not only important in itself, but m0men0us for It's
great example. No nation In the world can henceiOrth
affect 10 consider It's honor hurt by accepting arbitration
when England has not hestated to refer 10 a foreign
Power the question whether she acted rightly or wrongly
on particular OCCASION. We submitted 10 similar ar
nltrdtiOu IN the az Brazil. ana the pFtCtuthl,
though trivial was good But we believe that no other
great Power las ever shown same practical readiness
10 accept the verdict Of foreign Prince upon It's own
conduct in the past although mere disputes as Ia Dou,
diaries have been settled by this mode The example Will
not De lost The public opinion Of Europe must be i'm
pressed by the readiness Of the great nations 10 ls
cuss to any extent and to submit the decision Of an
umpire rather than attempt 70 solve tho problems by inc
brutal use OF the sword.
The Standard OF the llth says The public has received
With something like enthusiasm the announcement made
boy Mr. Reverdy johnson, Monday night Of the happy
termination OF his negotiations with lord Stanley To
think that have virtually cot rid Of all the claims
arising out Of the war; inclusive Of the Alabama griey-
ance and that together with these buried that I'M
pleasant question. which m the hands OF hOtheaded
I'uenant' hithl ~ any m2iu'I nav i ,,1f." aim
Quilted states into war with this country ana lhe am.
cuty which has arisen out OF the lncompauby OF our
ua.ua cation law with the altered circumstances OF the
American continent Is such paipaDe ahI GENUINE ,C
lief 90 every thinking man on b0t sides Oi the Ataho
that may well Doe pardOned IL has seldom
mover happened % two Statesmen 10 apor 40 hatiho
ousy aud successfully for good purpose ana the re
feel p-d" n the reflection lhat thet iepte,euta'lfes
have eiicctualIy and hOnOraby accomplished the one
great losrc of both communltcs-a peaceful solution oil
their difficulties IL WE'LL therefore, perhaps 10 cor
rect one inaccuracies INTO which me Itmfs mas
fallen n the which u gave yesterday 81 the mode
81 settlement 20 which the neeotators nave agreed.
10 win De- rccol.ccted that The main difficulty between the
two Governments Jay hot h lh' putel"h 81 nv y,
tons %, tuc Alabama those Lord Stanley was Wiling 10
submit 90 arhtruon-but in the question raised by Mr.
Seward as 90 che iShl u th7 country 20 IftVEhlNo w
brgrrrney ~ tlc southern tOufcdCr1cy III. was thc
stumbling block boa the way ~ fettcmcnt Now ~ II
incorrect 20 state, The HHts does, mat the 1oFcih
1.uf OF mo United states will press In other
wnrIt mas gwen up. tins point. 10 has done no ruch
thing, and wc iay some stress upon tho
because IN iu the highest degree ineNpcdicnt that
sffued ud cAacgtrued version Of the course taken by
cycfdy johnson should go over 20 the people OF Tue
United Saips What Mr. Rcyerdy johnson has with
drawn specific reference 10 arbitration OF our right
recognition. What he has agreed %, Il general REFER
Of an questions at ISSUE arising out Of the war IN
fact tie whole -pOuicncc between the two Govern
euts viii De- laid before tho arbitrator, and on that and
that alone ho viii decide. ~ such proposition the
u,"t blo scker FOR the honor of either country
must Doe satisfied. aud neither Government VIII have
abandoned the position which II conceived 20 DC lts
due. There is one other point upon when me d"S n
!. iu error &C. the limitation OF the arbitration 10 an
Iur,peau sovereign. We believe that the choice ~ h0
80 limited aud that no selection has yet Dech ih"ue
would Doc perfectly competent LOT instance tY' o., n
Government % propose the Emperor OF BTahl ior az
rror and there are obvious reasons why the Onitrd
STATE, Minister should not be content to limit the Gioye
ofarhtrators 20 the SOycreigns OF the Old Nor' III
r Ia tho selection Of the President OF the SWISS Con
liberation "a arbitrator the smaller matter OF to gan
Ian line Lord stanley has given graceful pIooI :" ms
desire K ,onclllHtc tue h"Hol'i leoNne y" WV ''"
Inc iolut commission Of four members. two appointed
by either side decide upon the respective money caIs
ofthe two nations VIII. We believe nave lho Po"rt W
decide any difference by majority OF votes luasnuch a'
MS conceived that bong themselves selected ior tne
authority, learning ana eihh'hce, lle uhpllo , Ill,
BE- likely either IN point OF knowledge OF Ntsu' "c'"
any superiority.