Norfolk day book. [volume] (Norfolk and Portsmouth Va.) 1868-1880, 1869-05-04
THE ALABAMA CLAIMS.

THE ALABAMA CLAIMS.
In the late foreign intelligence we have
a reflex Of the effect produced in Grert
Britain by the publication of Senator
Summers speech on the Alabama claims
difficulty, as well as of the initiatory
agitation commenced by the English
press on the receipt of the intelligence
of the rejection by the United States
Senate of the Johnson-Stanly treaty or
convention of settlement, negotiated by
these ministers when Minister johnson
first arrived in England. The matter is
Of serious import and worthy of atten-
tive consideration, as it shadows forth a
certain position likely to be adopted by
England in reply, in the words of her
Cabinet ministers and the expression Of
influential writers of her press.
The London Star, the organ of Mr..
John Bright, and which as such exerci-
ses a very considerable influence over
the minds OF the people of England,
asserts that Mr.. Summers demands are
"new and startling" in their character,
and must be regarded as enormous"
and that if they only foreshadow the
instructions given by the Cabinet at
Washington to Mr.. Motley, that gentle
man will stand in very different posi-
ton in London from that occupied by
Mr.. johnson, WHO'S classed as "genial
diner out" now about to bid adieu to
the court. President Grants desire for
the continuance of peace between the
countries is, as alleged, of doubtful sim
cerity, and as he wants the natural
ability of the late Mr.. Lincoln, being
neither lawyer nor politician, he is by
nature intensely American.
The Star, having thus induced the
inference that Gen. Grant may become
dangerous, goes on to deplore the escape
of the Alabama, perceiving, as acknow-
lodged, that that fact established very
dangerous precedent in the event of the
future occurrence of a national eontin-
gency similar to that which existed in
America at that period. Mr.. Motley's
rejection as American minister to the
court is again threatened, in case his
instructions should approach to Mr..
Summers expressions, either in VERDI
age or tone. Such demands are utterly
untenable, and her Majesty's ministers
must be careful in entertaining them.
Such is the sum and substance of Mr..
Bright's advice as conveyed in the Lon
don Star.
The London Times publishes an arti-
Gle breathing forth a spirit of war in
defense Of the Treasury cash, CHASING
Mr.. Summers money estimate of the
damages as 'portentous' and enormous,
and although his address is worthy of
attentive consideration, no contrition or
humiliation should either be expressed
OF endured by England for if such
should happen the case would be pre-
Judged against her, and any project Of
an amicable settlement defeated. The
Senator's arguments are in this respect
feminine and 'unstatesmanlike,' des~
,cription in the accuracy of which the
London Times will find it difficult to
make Americans believe, and to which
the English people evidently do not
assent, as shown by the great pains
which are being taken to divert their
Judgment from a consideration of the
real points at issue by infammatory
defamation. We are next told that
England's having thrown her sword on
tho side of the Confederates during the
war would have altered the issue as in
favor2of the Union--a statement which
we may be permitted to more than doubt,
and of the truth of which her rulers
were certainly not convinced at the
time, as shown by their hesitating poll
cy towards both belligerents, the neu-
trality proclamation, blockade running,
and general game OF "fast and loose"
without action.
The London Times takes fling at
American journalists, the "vilifers" Of
England, and makes way for the Lon
don Standard, tory organ, which
breathes forth spirit of defiance to our
people, and will resist capitulation by
England to the last. This position is
denied By the Liverpool Post, which
says that England cannot afford quar-
rel large or small with America.
So much for the outdoor expression.
In Cabinet Council the subject was de-
bated by Mr.. Bright, Mr.. Gladstone and
\ Lord Clarendon. Mr.. Bright refuses to
entertain Mr.. Summers claims, Lord
Clarendon deprecates extreme views,
while Mr.. Gladstone intimates that he
has had assurances of friendly settle
ment at al early date. 1t will thus be
seen that the Alabama claims difficulty
must soon come to an issue--an issue
either by peaceful arbitration aud the
footing up and prompt payment OF our
bill of damages, or war. To England
we tender the choice. Which will she
accept? Our people are aggrieved, but
prepared to settle the dispute either
way.--Herald.
The engineer corps of the Norfolk d
Graat Western Railroad ia still engaged