The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1869-05-03
SPIRIT or THE PRESS.
EDITORIAL OPINIONS OF THR LEADING JOURNALS
UPON CURRENT ToPIcs-ooMPmKD EVERY
DAY FOR THE EVENING TELEGRAPH.
THE ALABAMA CLAIMS.
D.on the N. Y. Herald.

From the NJ T. Herald.
By telegram through the Atlantic cable we
have a reflex of the effect produced in Great
britain by the publication OF Senator Summers
sneech on the Alabama claims difficulty, rs well
"a of the ntiatory agitation commenced by the
English press on the receipt of the Intelligence
of 1he rejection by the United States Senate of
tbe Johnson-Stanley treaty or convention of
settlement negotiated by these ministers when
Minister johnson first arrived in London. The
matter is of serious import, and worthy the
attentive consideration of our Executive and the
ooonIe at large, as it shadows forth certain
Poe{tion likely TO be adopted by England in reply
In the words of her Cabinet ministers and the eX-
nrcssion of influential writers of her press. The
Enplish journals have commented extern
si,,eIv ON the subject The London Star, the organ
of Mr. John Bright, and which as such exercises
very considerable influence over the minds OF
tbe people of England, asserts that Mr.. Summers
demands are ''new and startling in their char
acter, and must be regarded merely as "enor-
NOUS" and that If they only shadow the instruc-
tions piven by the Cabinet in Washington to
Mr. Motley, that gentleman will stand in very
NV Mr. johnson, who is classed "a genial diner
oytr now about to bid adieu to the Court
President Grants desire for the continuance of
peace between the countries is, as alleged, OF
doubtful sincerity, and as he wants the natural
ability of the late Mr.. Lincoln, being neither
a LAWYER nor politician, he is by nature lin
tenseiv American" The Star, having thus
induced the inference that General Grant may
become dangerous, goes on to deplore the escape
of the Alabama perceiving rs is acknowledged,
that that fact established q very dangerous pre-
cedent in the event of the future occurrence OF q
national contingency similar to that which eX-
listed In America at that period. Mr. Motleys
rejection as American Minister 10 the court is
aGain threatened in case his instructions should
approach towards Mr.. Summers expressions
either in verbiage or tone. Such demands are
utterly untenable and her MaJestys ministers
must be careful in entertaining them. Sucn is
nf M pr pa anN nG
conveyed in the London Star, and in it we can
perceive full measure of Quaker repentance,
Manchester commercial caution, and words OF
ministerial evasion, such as are used by all Bri-
tish ministers when seated In the council room
in Downing street.
The London Times publishes an article
breathing forth a spirit of war in defense of
the Treasury cash, CHASING Mr. Summers money
estimate of the damages as 'portentous" and
GenOrmOus" and although his address is worthy
of attentive consideration, no cOntrition or
humiliation should either be expressed or en-
dured by England for if such were to happen,
the case would be prejudged against her, and
any project of an equitable settlement defeated.
The Senator's arguments are in this respect
''feminine" +" unreasonable" and ''unstatesman-
like" description 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 n consider
alton of the real points at issue by infammatory
defamation. We are next told that England's S
having thrown her sword" on the side of the
COnfederates during the war would have altered
the issue as in favor of the Union-a statement
which we may be permitted to more than doubt,
and of the truth of which her rulers were GER
tainly not convinced at the time as shown by
their hesiating policy towards both belligerents,
the neutrality proclamation, blockade running,
and general game of fast and loose" without
action. The London Times takes a fling at
American Journalists" the ''viliiers" of Eng
land, and makes way for the London Standard,
Tory organ, which breathes forth n spirit of
defiance to our people, and will resist 'capitu-
laton' by England to the last. This position is
denied by the Liverpool Post, which says that
England cannot afford quarrel, large or small,
with America.
SO much for the outdoor expression. In Cab
met Council the subject was debated 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 assur-
ances of friendly settlement at an early date.
1t will thus be seen, both from our complete
report by cable telegram and new advices, that
the Alabama claims difficulty must soon come to
an issue--an issue either by peaceful arbitration
and the footing up and prompt payment OF oui
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.