Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1869-05-13
CONVERSATION WITH SUMNER.

The New York Herald publishes an account Of
conversation between one of its correspondents
and Mr.. Sumner, the important part of which is
contained in the following extract The Mr..
Thornton referred to is the British minister resi-
dent at Washington: .',
Correspondent-Mr. Senator, your speech on
the Alabama claims is creating considerable feeling
in England, Judging from the comments Of the
English press.
Mr.. Sumner-I am not altogether surprised at
the way they have taken it England does not like
to be told the truth. There never has been time
since the conquest when England liked to be told
the truth, especially if she happened to be in the
wrong. I consider that this is the first time she
has had the truth squarey told her about the Ala
bama claims
Correspondent notice that even your friend Jno
Bright does not agree with you this time.
Mr.. Sumner but he tells the British Cabi-
net in so many words that the embarrassment caus-
ed by my speech serves them right. John Bright
knows very well that England is in the wrong in
| this matter.
Correspondent t-Do you think we will have war
with England, Mr. Senator before this thing is SET
| tied?
Mr.. Sumner-No, sir; don't think we shall
have war. hope there is enough intelligence and
good sense on both sides Of the Atlantic to avoid
that. Our new minister, Mr.. Motley, understands
this whole question thoroughly, and he knows just
what to do and how to do it. =. 90.
Correspondent tone of the English press
is quite begerent, you notice. One Of the papers,
the London Star, said to be John Bright's organ,
says "If Mr.. Motley's instructions are couched
in similar spirit Ito your speech) his mission will
| be fruitless"
| Mr.. Sumner-I am inclined to think that neither
the British ministry nor the British press under
stand our position exactly on this question. The
Alabama claims treaty, as it is called, is the first
instance since have been chairman Of the CONT
tee on Foreign Relations where treaty was ab-
solutey reported against-that is, with the recon-
mendation that it be rejected. | have frequently
recommended some change or amendment In the
terms of treaty, but do not remember to have
reported that treaty ought to be rejected. You
Alabama treaty. Now, as regards my speech that
was delivered, as you know, in the presence of full
Senate. think it was rather pacific in its tone,
bnt it reflects the almost unanimous opinion OF the
Senate, and indeed of the administration. So far
as the President of the United States had consider
ed the subject, he coincided with my views exactly
happen to know this because talked with him
on the question, before my speech was delivered.
When had finished speaking, the leading men OF
the Senate took the trouble to endorse all I had
said. Such men as Mr.. Fessenden, Mr.. Sherman
and Mr.. Howard said that the speech met their
entire appreciation. Mr.. Chandler was quite en-
thusastic over it. What followed? The ipjunc-
ton of secresy was unanimously removed and the
speech was spread before the country It met with
response from the press and the people almost as
unanimous as it had received from the Senate.
What next? On that same day, after my speech
AL M fho ofyy roioofo1 I ,nouod ~
take up and consider the nomination Of Mr.. Mot
lev. It was taken up out of its course not as it
stood on hecalendar, and that without dissenting
voice The mo" of Mr.. McCreery was not even
heard on hisquestion. Mr. Motley was unanimous
| " confirmed Now this was all done in one day,
and it was all of piece. It was all one thing-one
act, as it were The English ministry does not seem
to understand this.
Correspondent According tothe cable telegram,
Mr.. Gladstone seems to think that the treaty was
rejected on political grounds alone.
Mr.. Summarizes; he says he has assurance
from reliable quarters that such was the fact Now
where could he get such assurance2 Certainly not
from any person in this country, whose opinion
from Mr.. Reverdy johnson. Mr.. Thornton is too
well posted to have communicated any such intor-
nation.
Correspondent Probably Mr.. johnson has re-
presented to Mr. Gladstone that the treaty was re-
iected because the majority in the Senate was
against both him and President johnson, merely
as matter Of spite or revenge.
Mr.. Sumner-Very likely; but such is not the
fact The very next day after the Alabama treaty
was rejected, moved in executive session to take
up the British naturalization treaty. which was al
80 negotiated by Mr. Reverdy johnson, and it was
ratified Now if we bad been disposed to act in a
spirit of revenge, We might have rejected that
treaty also. Mr.. johnson, I have no doubt, feels
mortified; but We cannot help that. l am surpris.:
ed at the British ministry, composed as it is of
politicians, that it should go on negotiating this
treaty with Reverdy johnson under the circum-
stances You will notice that the negotiations were
all carried on after General Grant had been elected
President The treaty was signed in January. 1t
was in that peculiar time in our system Of govern
ment between the two administrations, when the
acting President may be said to have nothing in
the shape Of party behind him. Reverdy John
son really did not represent anybody then, at least
he did not represent the majority of the American
people. The British Ministry should have been
sharp enough to have seen this, and postponed
negotiations until the new administration came in
to power. thought once or twice of calling Mr..
Thornton's attention to this, but upon reflection
did not see that had any right to do it There is
curious circumstance connected with the rejection
Of the Alabama treaty, for which am at loss to