The New York herald., 1868-03-08
TELRGRAPHIC NEWS
FIR ON
ALL PARTS OF THE WORLD
The Alabama Claims Debate in the
British Parliament.
MIR. Disraeli and the. English
Telegraplas.

r r o M

~
Enslnnd's Position ind the "BclIiserent"
RecognitiOn-Mr. Seward and Daniel Web
ster Quoted-Mr. GIadstOness Speech.
LONDON March 7, 1868
In the House OF Commons last evening, after the
transaction OF other business, Mr. Shaw -Iefevre
member for Reading, called up the questions of the
Alabama claims. He made a long and eloquent
speech on the subject, in which he urged the SETTLE
ment OF this vexed question on the plan proposed
by the American government. In calling for the
papers on the subject, and in moving the con-
sideration Of the question, he disclaimed any
feeling OF prejudice. All future negotiations he
said, would but add to the complications already
existing. He sketched the progress Of the recent
civil war in the United States to its happy ter
mnaton. He said the fall of Fort Sumter evoked the
famous proclamation of President Lincoln. In less
than month after the appearance OF that procama-
tion Great Britain had recognized the Southern In
surgents as beigerens. They had no feet but they
purchased their ships In our ports. These ships,
Notwithstanding the vigorous measures of our gov
ernment to stop them, eluded vigilance, and
went to sea, and were Hospitality received at the
British colonial ports. They captured and destroyed
during the war more than two hundred American
merchant vessels. In less than two years the United
States flag was literally driven from the seas while
the commerce of Great Britain was doubled For
this reason the speaker thought, we ought to treat
these claims generously. They were first made in
1862 by the American Minister, Mr.. Adams.
After warm eulogum on the course OF Mr. Adams
on this and on other questions, Mr.. Shaw-Iefevre
continued-An arbitration Of the matter had been
proposed by the American government, but was re-
fused by Lord RUSSELL who repelled the suggestion
Lord Stanley might have taken the other course as
the tories had changed on the question of household
suffrage. The question Of recognition by England
only as to her right, II there were q right that
might safely be REFERRED but Lord Stanley insisted
that the responsibility Of England was only moral
one in the Alabama case. The speaker thought that
the less said about morality this question the
better He regarded the breaking out of war between
England and the United States as extremely un.
likely; but thought the other hand that all need
less irritation should be Stunned.
Lord Stanley then took the floor. He praised the
pacific tone OF the Grafton OF Mr.. Lefevre and
warmly complmented Mr.. Adams for the concilia-
tory spirit he had displayed in the subject under
discussion He said could not make indscrim-
nate concessions but we could learn the right Of the
case. There never was case where there was more
need to understand the points. Much allowance was
to be made for the feelings OF the United States.
Great Britain In the case with five hundred
millions Of debt contracted through a civil war, In
which million lives had been ost) might appreciate
the case better than mere lookers-on only. He
neutrality would have pleased America. What
the United States wanted was neutrality cou-
pied with warm sympathy and support. The
Queen ready to arbitrate and submit all ques-
ons but the great point OF recognizing the belliger
ent rights OF the South Nobody contends that at
time the South acquired them. II not why deny the
right OF Great Britain to recognize them at the time
she did The Confederate ship Alabama did not sail
from England until 1852, and the battle of Bull Run
N
Great Britain to recognize the South, would the
United States government say that its against
the Alabama had been altered had Great Britain
made a declaration Of neutrality six rather than
eleven months before she saileds
Lord Stanley referred to the speech of Daniel
Webster In the United States Senate subject of
recognizing Hungary in support OF his argument
and continued:-How could England refuse to
recognize a which Mr.. Seward himself had
announced to be civil nine, twelve and
sixteen days before the proclamationP Who could
complain that England had recognized the civil war;
which the United States had admitted some weeks
beforeS In conclusion, he thought friendly arrange
ment Of this difficulty still practicable He deprecated
the debate. The friendly reception Of Mr.. Thornton
at washington was a pledge Of peace. The British
Ministers are ready to leave the question TO the
people Of the entire world
Mr.. W. E. Forster, member for Bradford, thought
that Mr. Stewards view Of the question Of the recog
milton OF the Alabama claims deserved better treat
ment and more careful consideration, being, per-
haps the view that was right and sensible. He com.
planned Of the abrupt disposition of the question
which had been made, when the universal wish In
the United Kingdom was for Its speedy settlement
He thought that had any influential statesman been
sent to the United States Minister the point In
dispute might be readily adjusted.
Mr. John Stuart Mill. member Westminater
the next speaker. He regarded the present con-
dition Of the question the result OF mutual mis-
take. The real question was whether England was
bound to prevent such expeditions as that OF the
Alabama. lie denied that the United States govern
ment claimed or could claim that the recognition or
the South violation Of the law, but only that
1t was an unfriendly, rash and unprecedented act.
The American government only pressed the point for
the purpose OF showing that but for the unfriendy
action of England the Alabama depredatons would
not have occurred
Mr.. Mill thought that arbiter between the two
countries was needless, and that reparation was
fairly due to the United States. He concluded by ad-
vsing the appointment Of a mixed commission for
the proper adjustment Of the question.
Mr. w. E. Gladstone, member for South Lanca-
shire, thanked Mr.. Lefevre for his able speech and
Lord Stanley for his temperate reply. lie (Mr.
Gladstone) could not understand why the negotiation
was ended, nor could he agree with Mr.. Mil that
Lord Stanley had admitted THAT reparation was due
or that an arbiter would surely decide against Eng
land. For himself he doubted II reparation for the
the Alabama depredatons due the United States.
II unquestonably right that the point should be
referred to commissions: but II the government
feared such reference II should settle the matter at
at once or leave the decision with an umpire. He
(Ar. Gladstone) inferred, however, from the closing
sentence Of Lord Stanley that communications be-
tween the two governments were not closed, and
that friendly feelings between the United States and
England would be preserved.
He concluded by saying II his inference was cor
rect the whole country would support Lord Stanley
In Just and honorable settlement of the case.
The debate ended with Mr.. Gladstone's remarks