The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1869-11-16

necessary proclamation OF the Queen, enoining neu-
tfality on her Majestys subjects; that she owes
them an apology Tor THIS step: that she RESPONSE
Die for the property destroyed 10y the Alabama aud
other Confederate cruisers and even for the remote
damage to American shipping interests, including
The increase OF the rate of insurance. that the Con
celebrates were so nuch assisted by being able TO get
arms and ammunition from England, aud so much
encouraged by the Queens proclamation, that the
war lasted much longer than It would otherwise
have DONE and that we ought therefore to paw ina
gnary additional expenses imposed upon the United
States by the prolongation OF the war.
Mr. Sumner claims that American shipping suf-
fered an immense loss on account OF the Confedc-
rate cruisers, and cites as proof Of this loss the
decrease IN American and the increase in British
tonnage during the war; but he ignores the fact that
the transfer OF American yesses to the English nag
was almost entirely fictitious, and that the owners
capital, masters, and crews were really the same,
and American, although under English names aud
flag. There was consequently very little actual, but
only apparent loss. That since the war ship
building has gradually decreased, and is still de-
creasng III an extraordinary manner must be traced
10 some Other causes than the former proceedings OF
the Confederate cruisers.
The idea of England being responsible for certain
portion OF the expenses OF the American civil war;
on account of its proongaiOn, due TO the policy Of
Great Britain and the presence on the seas of Con-
federate cruisers seems almost too preposterous to
enertan but the absurdity Of 1t appears at once by
the consideration that il the pretensOn were to be
admitted, nice examination would have to be
made, what proportion OF the losses on shipping in
terests and by increased insurance would he due by
as on account OF the Alabama, and what
proportion should be assigned to the other
Confederate cruisers, two Of which, the Sumter
ana Nashville actually sailed from Confederate
ports with commissions from the Confederate Gov
ernmen; and further if we are to be responsible for
part OF the expenses of the war account of its
prOlOngation, we should have right to know how
far the United States Government are responsible
for it, and TO insist on an impartial jury to eXa-
mine into and decide upon the general conduct
OF the naval and military operations during the
war.
Your lordshp will observe that Mr.. Sumner claims
TO be animated with an anxious desire that peace
should he maintained with Great Britain: yet know
Of no arguments more calculated than those con-
tanned in his speech to excite the passions OF his
COuntrymcn, and to inhame that animoslty which.
unhappy, it is but too apparent they s feel against
England.
Mr.. Johnson finally wound up his efforts and took
leave OF the subject in the following severe com
ment upon Mr. Summers specch:-
MR.. JOHNSON TO MR.. FISH.
LEGATION or THE UNITED STATES, LONDON, May 10,
1s69-Sir:-I have the honor to ackno Wedge
etc., etc.
In relation to your despatch No 1Os, was OF
course aware before receiving it that the moditca.
ton OF the claims convention which formed the sub
Clarendon aud myself, referred to in my despatch
No. 15O, was declined 10y the President
Whether such modification would have rem
dered the convention acceptable to the Presi-
dent and Senate ! cannot know. deem II
my duty, however, to add that such mod-
1catlon cannot now he obtained | think that
this is owing to the publication OF Mr.. Summers
speech, which has not only had uniavorable effect
upon the Government, but upon the people OF this
country. If an opinion may be formed from the pub
lie press there is not the remotes chance that the
demands contained i'll that speech will ever be recog-
niZed by England The universal sentiment will be
found adverse to such recognition. 1t would be
held, as hear from every reliable source, to be an
abandonment OF the rights and disregard OF the
honor of this Government
| remain, with regard, your obedient servant,
| REVERDY JOHNSON.
| Hon. Hamilton Fish, Secretary of State.
| This brings the subject down to the advent OF Mr.
Motley, and its next phase, which has not yet even
begun to assume shape, will be awaited with inter
| est In the meantime, the discussions in Congress
will go on, and the public Will be able to get com
parativey clear idea OF the subject from the digest
| OF the correspondence which have been published
| during the past year. CYMoN.