New-York tribune., 1869-05-27
FOREIGN NEWS
GREAT BRITAIN.


eedent was bad one, and the
maritime interests of England were sure to suffer
from it, If a moderate compensation could cancer
this precedent. he would rejoice if it were granted
by England. He was assured that the present MIL
istry would meet the claims of the United States
without compromising the national honor
THE TRIPARTITE ALLIANCE"
PROM OUR own CORRESPONDENCE
LONDON, Mag 13-The fact which at TINS moment
lwarfs all other facts is the beginning OF negota-
tons for an alliance, offensive and defensive, be-
tween England France and Spain against the United
States This telegraphed 10 you two days ago. 1t
is still secret in London. shall say nothing of the
sources of my information, nor can ada much to
the original statement do not know who set this
project on foot-whether it was started IN England
or France; whether conceived in the brain OF
usurper responsible already for so many
mschiefs, OF by some British tool OF
his who fancies he has inherited the mantle Of
Palmerston, and can add another link to the many
the old Premier forged in the chain which binds En-
gland TO Napoleon. But it seems to have sprung up
suddenly. Il was Matched by the heat Of English
passion glowing red hot against America these last
fourteen days OF course it grew out of the Ala
bama 1t matters little whether an English Minis
Ter alarmed by the sudden fear of meeting just
demands turned for refuge TO the old enemy of
England; or whether Napoleon, In his alert way,
volunteered the suggestion of a new alliance. 1t Is
the fashion Just now European circles to resent
what is called the diplomatic arrogance of America.
Napoleon nurses his anger over the expulsion
from Mexico. Spain trembles for Cuba. England
sees her future darkened by the shadow that has
hung over her and paralyzed her ever since the
American war ended. Lulled to sleep by Mr. Reverdy
johnson, she has been rudely awakened by Mr.
Sumner. She breads to lose Canada and her West
India possessions. More than one public man has
expressed his regret that England rejected the offer
of Napoleon to recognize the COnfederacy They
think it still possible TO retrieve at least partly that
mistake. France has possessions also IN danger II
Canada falls to the Republic There is ST. Pierre,
hardly ten miles from the British coast nursery of
French seamen, pet colony for one instance Somany
considerations agree in recommending such an ALI
anco that need not show why the theory is proba-
bic have only to say that the account of the negO
tiations came To in a way which seemed so credi-
bic that was not at liberty to keep silence. cannot
tell how far they have gone still less whether they
will ever result in a secret treaty But l believe
they are In progress and that if the Alabama claims
were to take the shape of demand a menace. the
resistance of England which has become certain, is
likely TO be supported by France. Whether a crisis
would be precipitated by Intervention in Cuba may
be a more doubtful point. 1t is known here that the
Spanish Government feel themselves strong enough
to repel aggression in that quarter They have one,
or it may be two iron-cads, built in England equal
to the best ships afoat in European waters, and able
10 sink a feet of monitors with their shingled sides
of soft iron aud their rckety turrets. Probably our
naval officers know well enough what the fact is.
cannot see that the popular feeling is less strong
against what are now supposed to be the American
demands Nor is it less strong In official circles,
although one journal announces, as if by authority,
that serious trouble is expected don't suppose
War generally expected the Cabinet or out. nor
desired except 10y the party have before called the
war party. But every trouble short Of that Is
dreaded l know the feeling in the Cabinet has
BEEN and continues TO be, one Of great anxiety-as
the mere existence Of a scheme for Triple Alliance
would sufficiently prove. We have arepOrt-it was
sent to the Independence Beige one of the
most trustworthy and best informed journals in
Enrope-that Lord Clarendon responded to Mr.
Summers speech by notifying the American Govern
ment that England would adhere to the principle Of
arbitration for ali claims. You have better means
ihan | of knowing whether that be true. only
know it has been discussed. great many things
nave been discussed. One suggestion is at least
novel-that an International Congress of the
European Powers should be held at Washington,
America, of course TO be represented, and an effort
made for a general adjustment of all matters out
standing The plan of sending an English Embas-
sador to Washington with full powers TO treat
is still viewed with favor by some leading
men. good many names have been suggested,
and latterly with some emphasis that of the Duke
of Argyll Lord Stanley has been mentioned; but
Lord Stanley was the joint author of the first John
Son treaty. and il is by that the Coy
ernment woud 20 outside it's party for envoy.
Luckily Parliament adjourns this week for a fort
nights holiday and nothing viii be settled meantime
Before there be any debate there will have been
time for sober thoughts
LETTERS PROM SENATOR GRIMES AND FRANCIS
W. NEWMAN on MR. SUMMERS sPEECH-RE-
DUCTION or CABLE TOLLs-NR. MORAN.
lFROM OUR own CORRESPONDENT
LONDON, May 13.--Mr. Senator Grimes is at his old
work Of giving aid and comfort to the enemy, the
enemy being in this case not Mr.. Andrew Johnson
but the party in England that hates America The
letter in The Times OF May u. signed An American
Citizen may. suppose be assumed to be Mr..
Grimess production, being dated from the lodging
house where he is staying. He writes apparently
With the object of belittling Mr. Summers
speech, which lie describes as expressing
hf. Summers views only, and published at
his own request and against the wish
of the Senate OF at least without any desire being
expressed bY anybody else for the removal of the in
junction Of secrecy. He assures the British public
that the sole grievance Of America is the escape of
the Alabama, and the cordial reception and support
aiterward given her in English ports resentment at
the recognition Of the Rebel belhgerencv, and the
sympathy shown with the South being only q" the
cmbellshment Of the advocate and orator. Now if
these things true, it may be all right
o say 30; but if they are true then
what all the newspapers in America have
been saving Tor the last six months is not
true and as between Mr.. Grimes on the one hand
Al, H.. A,.,o