The New York herald., 1869-01-18
WASHINGTON.


The Alabama CInims Treaty-ProvssIons Of
the Latest Protocol.
It would appear the original protocol specifying
the plan agreed upon between the United States and
Great Britain for the adjustment OF all pending
ciams including those arising out OF the depreda-
ons OF the Alabama and other Confederate cruisers,
has not yet been received from Minister Johnson.
phe exact nature OF the amendments that have been
agreed to In modification OF the first planarranged
between Minister Johnson and Lord Stanley were
teegraphed by the former to Mr.. Seward, and as ne
gonations have been finally concluded and the mat
ter regarded as settled. copy OF the protocol was
made at the Department Of State and was read at
the meeting OF the Cabinet Friday last The con-
vention made by Mr.. Johnson IN Novem-
ber last, 1t win be remembered, hav-
ing been submitted to the President, was re-
garded by him as Objectionable In several points and
amendments with view OF removing these objec-
tiOnabie features transmitted to Mr.. Johnson.
Those amendments were accepted by her Majestys
government in substantially the same form in which
they were submitted. The protocol as 1t has been
sent to the Senate Is said to provide that joint
commission shall be appointed two commissioners
to be designated by each government. The CON-
mission will meet In Washington and Will hold it's
sessions here. All claims led by subjects Of Great
Britain against the United states and all claims filed
by citizens Of the United States against Great Britain
since the convention OF 1853 to be considered and
adjusted by the commission. 1t is understood that
the former classification OF the claims, In such
manner that majority Of the commission shall
be suficlent to decide one class. while to de-
eide another class the unanimous vote Of the
commission shall be required. has been rejected.
All claims are to be decided by majority OF votes.
In cases where the Commission may be unable to
agree an arbitrator or umpire shall be agreed upon
between the two governments, and the selection
thus made shall be subject to the confirmation OF
the Senate In case an arbitrator or umpire shall
not be agreed upon by the two governments within
a specified time the commissioners have power to
select on each side person to act as umpire, and
the choice shall be made by lot. These are said to
be the leading features of the protocol the remain
der being simply details concerning the method to
be followed by the commission in celebrating and
deciding upon the claims
The protocol, as submitted TO the Senate, is con-
sidered to be a very considerable triumph for the
United States 1t Is regarded q concession OF the
great point contended for by Mr.. Seward-t0 w.t.,
that the primary question of the liability OF the
British government for the escape and consequent
depredati0ns of the Alabama should be referred to
the same commission as will consider the points I'm
dispute DETAIL instead Of to the King Of Prussia
any other monarch.
The Naturalization and the San Juan Bound.
ary Treaties.
The treaty with England In regard to the rights OF
naturalized citizens, which was also sent to the
Senate on Friday, Is known to contain full conces
sion Of the demands OF our government on that SUBJ
ject. In other words, the doctrine SO long main
tanned by England that "once a subject always a
subject Is completely abandoned, and the natural
ized American citizen is placed upon exactly the
foot tha fivu.h .hor nm icau
The treaty this subject is said to be, If anything
liberal In its provisions than that negotiated by
Minister Bancroft. with the Prussian government.
As regards the negotiations about the San Juan
boundary question, am informed that the British
government has also concluded a treaty recognizing
our demands. Thus the three subjects OF contro-
versy with her Maesty's government seem to be in
fair way OF q satisfactory settlement.
Annexation of Canada Proposed.
circular has made its appearance here advo-
eating the annexation Of Canada by peaceful nego-
tiation as q Q,tid pro quo for the abandonment
OF the Alabama claims. After pointing out the ad-
vantages Of annexation and the danger OF Fenan
invasion II the provinces continue much longer
under English dominion the circular continues
The time is ripe for annexation The Emperor OF
Russia in the cession or Alaska has pointed out the
way. The pending negotiations on what are called
the alabama claims" furnish the opportunity.
tS Unsettled claims '' and questions extending
for the cessIon OF British North America, and while
absorbing all these minor points In dispute 1t may be
made, from financial and commercial equivalents
In this connection the present agitation OF reform In
behalf OF popular rights and retrenchment among
over the new liberal government under Mr. Glad
stone.
The circular concludes by soliciting reply, as the
object Is to gather the opinions Of number OF In
telligent men whose views are calculated TO COM
mand public attention, in order that the two great
branches Of the Anglo-Saxon family and the two
governments concerned may be drawn to the grand
proposition OF annexation the proper basis for the
settlement Of the Alabama claims.
visit Of . Commitfce Of Colorcd Men to the
Judiciary Committee.
Messrs. Isaiah Weir, of Pennsylvania, chairman;
George T. Downing, Rhode Island Captain G. A.
Hackett, Maryland; James NJ. Simmons, Georgia;
John +. Cook. District OF Columbia; J. W. stringer,
Illinois, and John DE Baptist Mississippi the CON-
mittee appointed by the National Colored Mems
Convention to seek interview with the Judiciary
Committee OF the House OF Representatives, waited
upon that committee yesterday and were received
in most cordial manner. Mr.. Weir addressed the
committee at length stating fully the wishes OF the
Convention and the people he represented relative
to their condition. and most respectfully urged upon
them the importance OF taking speedy action in the
matter OF the enancisement OF colored people North
and West. Mr.. Downing respectfully urged upon the
committee the necessity OF Congress passing an act
providing that In payment OF bounties to coored
soldiers distinction on account OF former condi-
ton shall be made; but that those borne on the
muster roll "a slaves shall the bountes
allowed to other soldiers for the same period and
term Of service. The chairman OF the Judiciary
Committee, In replying to the address OF Mr.. Weir,
assured them that Congress was fully alive to the
question OF equal rights and would not fail to take
action in the matter in q short time. Regarding the
bounty question, they were instructed to seek an
interview with the Committee on Military Affairs,
who they were assured, would render satisfaction In
the matter. The interview was pleasant one, last
Ing for about an hour, and concluded evidently to
the satisfaction OF all.