Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1869-01-01
Special Dispatch to the Baltimore Sun.
FROM WAsHINGTON,

WASHINGTON, December 27.-The cable
dispatch from London, published this
morning, states that the London Times be-
Iieves that Secretary Seward himself OBJ
structs the settlement Ct the Alabama
claims, but that the question will be finally
and amicably adjusted under the incoming
administ alton of Gen. Grant.
If the Times makes this statement, it
does injustice to Mr. Seward and displays
ignorance of the facts, independent of the
manifest interest that he has in an early
settlement of the controversy. so that he
may receive a ust reward for his instru-
mentality in accomplishing this important
treaty. It is we'll known to all familiar
with Mr.. Stewards official acts that he has
labored diligently and energetically to
bring about final and satisfactory deci
sion upon the Alabama claims before the
present administration shall retire from
office.
1t was announced in these dispatches
about month ago that our government
was not entirely satisfied with the details
of the protocol agreed upon by our minis
ter and the British government, and about
that time received az the State Department
in dispatches from Hon. Reverdy John
son. 10 this may be added, further, that
our minister was, in official communica-
ton sent by return steamer, informed
wherein the protocol was unsatisfactory,
and alterations were suggested.
Mr.. Johnson was instructed to have
these speedily acted upon, and to submit
the result Of his conference to the State
Department at as early day as practical
BILE, and now there is reason to believe
that the points of difference have been SO
determined as to insure prompt ratifca-
ton of the treaty by the United States Sen
ate, to which body the administration ex-
poets to submit the matter some time IN
the coming month.
Several radical members of Congress
have INTERESTINGLY given their approval
Of the amnesty proclamation, and leglsla-
ton IL Congress Is suggested IN conso-
nance with the spirit of that document
Senator Ferry, it is said, will at an earl Y
day introduce bill for the purpose OF re-
moving all disabilities whatever from per-
sons who participated in the rebellion. Of
course, as compensatory for this magnan-
unity, a universal suffrage amendment, and
in some instances impartial suffrage amend
ment to the constitution, is expected.
The story told in the papers about an at
tempt by Senators at the close of the July
session TO have General Rosencrans' nomi-
nation to Mexico changed to Russia, and
the refusal of the administration to act
thereon, is entirely new to the President
and members of the cabinet. It is not very
important, probably, but the transaction
as related never occurred.
Judge Busted, whose official action in
the State of Alabama is shortly to be the
subject OF investigation in this city, an
nounces that he is totally opposed to the
removal, for any cause and at any times.
of disabilities from any and all persons who
engaged in the late rebellion.
On Christmas day a number Of persons
of distinction, members of the Supreme
Court, cabinet and military officers, ETC.,
and private citizens, called upon President
Johnson to congratulate him upon his am
nesty proclamation, and the aptness of the
selection of the day for its PRONUNCIATION.