The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1869-05-03
THE ALABAMA CLAIMS.

An Interview with Senator Sumner-Supplc-
mentary statement.
On Saturday last correspondent OF the New York
World cOnversed with Senator Sumner in Washing
ton. The following passed relative to the Alabama
claims treaty.
MISUNDERSTANDING to the cable telegram
Mr.. Gladstone seems to think that the treaty was re-
jected on political grounds alone.
Mr.. Sumner-Yes; he says he has assurance from
reliable quarters that such was the fact Now where
could he get such assurance? Certainly not from
any person in this country whose opinion would
amount to anything He must have got 1t from Mr.
Reverdy johnson, Mr.. Thornton is too well posted
to have communicated any such information.
espondent--Probably Mr. johnson has rep
resented to Mr.. Gladstone that the treaty was re-
jected because the majority in the Senate 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
rejected moved in executive session to take up
the British naturalization treaty, which was also
negotiated by Mr. Reverdy Johnson, and it was rati-
fed. Now II we had been disposed to act in a spirit
of revenge might have rejected that treaty also.
Mr. johnson, have no doubt, feels mortified; but
we cannot help that. am surprised at the British
Ministry, composed as 1t is OF politicians, that 1t
should go on negotiating this treaty with Reverdy
johnson under the circumstances. You will notice
that the negotiations all carried after Gene
raj Grant had been elected President. The treaty
was signed in January. 1t was in that peculiar time
in our system Of government between the
two administrations, when the acting
thing in the shape OF party behind him. Reverdy
johnson really did not represent anybody then, at
least he did not represent the majority OF the Amer
can people. The British Ministry should have been
sharp enough to have this, and postponed nego-
tiations until the new administration came into
power. | thought twice of calling Mr.
Thorntons attention to this, but upon reflection |
did not see that had any right to do it.
CorrespOndent-Mr. Senator, do you think the Ala
bama business can be amcaby arranged?
Mr.. SUMNER hope so. When the British Gov
eminent and people understand our position better
/ think much of the difficulty will vanish. You see,
they say, "What is the of such intense feeling
on the part Of the Americans about a few ships /?
John Bull could put his hand in one of his pockets
and pay the damages in an hour" But that is not
exactly the point. They don't look at 1t as we do.
They don't take into consideration the injury they
have done us. AS Richard Golden said, they might
well have battered down all our cities the sea-
board. The injury Great Britain has inflicted ON us
is greater than 1t was in the war OF 1912, much
greater. We have defined our position now, and |
have reason to know there will be no yielding. We
ask nothing but what is fair and people mean to
have justice at least.
Mr.. Motley sails on the 10th Of this month. AS |
have already said, he understands the question, and
is fully apprised Of the wishes of the administra-
tion. Until he arrives in England nothing can be
done. 1t has been reliably ascertaned that the in
struCtons OF this Government to Minister Motley do
tions between the United States and Great Britain.
Nor do they require him at present to propose the
reopening of negotiations for the settlement OF the
Alabama and other claims Our Government will act
with the delberation due to this important subject,
and carefully avoid any cause OF Cifense while firmly
presenting the American side OF the question to
her Maestys Government when occasion shall re.
quire. No one connected with the administration
ter, apprehend any Injurious consequences from the
almost unanimous rejection OF the Alabama claims
treaty by the Senate and this is stated on the au
thOrty of gentlemen who, fearful OF serious dltcu
ties, made special and private inquiry in official cir
cles, and thus satisfied themselves OF the truth Of
This statement