The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1869-05-06

answerabe for any infraction OF law or excess
over the ordinary practice OF both countries"
This statement Of the case, altbough made IN
an interest directly opposed to the claims oil the
United States, Is as clear and just presentation
as could be made. The question is, and has been
from the outset, tone of law and not of feeling
Simple Justice at the hands OF nation with
which we had been for half century onfriendly
and peaceful terms, Is all that we now demand
from Great Britain; and If this simple justicehad
been accorded us, as IL Is laid down by all the
standard writers on international law, at the be-
ginning of the Rebellion and throughout its con
tinuance, the Alabama claims would never have
occupied so prominent place in history and
Reverdy Johnson's golden opportunity for after
dinner garrulousness would have been wanting.
The ruling classes Of EAgland, however,
elected at the outset to make the question one of
feeling and not one of law. Despite and In de-.
hance of their professions Of holy horror at the
enormitics of the peculiar institution for whose
permanence the South contended, they cast the
great weight of their moral influence in the
scale against the Union, not because they hated
slavery less, but because they hated freedom
more. The fundamental principle on which our
system of government is based is entirely at
variance with the idea of aristocratical supre-
macy which still underlies and thoroughly inn
and customs had been different from those of
England, the moral influence of American nsti-
tutions upon those of the other country would
be materially decreased; but this community of
language and customs has always been fraught
with danger to such of the institutions of
England as are less liberal in principle and less
oppressive in practical working than our
own. From this source sprung the SYM
pathy exhibited by the ruling classes
OF Great Britain for the Southern cause. 1t was
felt that the suppression of the Rebellion would
react visibly and speedily upon public senti-
ment on the other side of the ocean, and espe-
cially in England; that it would demonstrate
the entire capacity of man for successful self
government; that it would encourage the masses
of the common people throughout the world to
continue their longngs for the common rights
OF humanity-to persevere in their repeated
attempts at wrestling from the aristocracy full
acknowledgment and strict observance of these
rights The obligations of the law of nations,
the dictates of humanity, the professions of the
past, the aspirations of the future all were lost
sight of in the strong tide of mere feeling
which swept over the nation and dictated its
policy towards a government that was struggling
for its very existence.
And now is presented the great question
against Great Britain be adjusted on the basis of
feeling or that of law? The tender heart
and voracious appetite of Reverdy johnson
were soon found to be his weakest points, and
by studious assault upon them he was won
over completely, and gave full vent to his feel
ings after every dinner of which he partook.
| The Johnson Clarendon treaty was subscribed to
| by him while thus swayed, and the English
nation rubbed its hands in glee at the prospect
| of such easy deliverance from the peril in
which its mistaken policy had involved it. But
the Senate of the United States, supported by
the unanimous voice Of the American people,
rejected the terms of surrender proposed, view
ing the treaty in the light in which it was held
by Mr. Sumner, when he uttered these words:-
"a treaty which, instead OF removing an existing
grievance, leaves it for heartburning and rancor,
cannot be considered settlement OF pending ques-
tiOns between two nations 1t may seem to settle
them, but does not. 1t is nothing but snare. And
such is the character OF the treaty now before
The massive grievance under which our country suf-
fered for years is left untouched; the painful sense
OF wrong planted in the national heart is allowed to
remain. For all this there Is not one word OF regret
or OF recognition; nor is there any semblance
| OF compensation"
If we had been willing to submit to a settle
ment dictated by feeting alone the result could
be attained only by smothering of our own
feelings, in order that those OF England might
have full sway. But we insist, and shall con-
tinue to insist, upon a settlement of the Ala
| bama-claims question on the basis of law. When
such a settlement is secured it will no longer be
| problematical as to whether or not 'Great
Britain can be held answerable for any infrac-
tiOn of law or excess over the ordinary practice
of both countries"