The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1871-04-15
TIE JOINT HIGH COMMISSION.
Basis Of Settlement Of the Alabama
Claims Agreed Upon.
New Principles Of Interna-
tional Law Proposed.
Englands Responsibility for the Alabama's
DepredatlOns Conceded.
The Claims to be Submitted to Board
Of Arbitration.
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Final Decisions to be Made Within
Two Years.

WASHlNGIONs apIu ~ AotAs
It is understood that the Joint High Commission
have concluded convention containing the basis Of
a settlement OF the Alabama claims. 1t would seem
that the questions for adjustment pending between
the United States and Great Britain are considered
separately, and tho plan proposed for their settle
ment Is to be embodied in distinct conventions or
treaties which, Of course are subject our side to
the ratification Of the Senate. 1t is said that
the convention for the settlement OF the Alabama
claims has been signed by all the Commissioners;
that 1t is divided INTO eight articles substantially
First-The high contracting parties agree to be
bound In their conduct by the rule that nation
shall be responsible for depredations committed on
friendly Power by vessel fitted out and manned
at neutral port.
Seoond-The high contracting parties shall here.
after enforce this rule In their treaties with oil
foreign Powers, and viii endeavor to induce the
adoption OF tins rule principle OF international
law.
zhird-The class of claims known as Alabama
claims shall be submitted to commission to consist
dent OF the United States. with the advice ana
sent Of the senate one by the Queen Of Great Bri-
tain and Ireland one by the Emperor Of Brazil,
one by the President OF the Republic Of
Switzerland and one by the King Of Italy. This
commission shall meet at washington. within SIX
months after the ratification Of this convention.
The commission shall decide the responsibility Of
Great Britain in each case ana award the damages
that may De found If either Of the three Powers
last mentioned falls to appoint a commissioner the
vacancy shall be filed by the King Of Sweden and
Norway.
Fourth-In case Of vacancy in the Commission
the vacancy shall be filed IN the same manner as
the original appointment.
FJrh-Tne members Of the Commission shall be
sworn not to be preJudlced in advance, and to de-
eide each claim on the evidence presented to them,
being guided however, by the rule laid down
in the first article Of this Convention, namely,
that nation shall be responsible for lepredatlons
committed on friendly Power by q vessel
fitted out and manned at o neutral port. All
cal ms shall be fled with the Commission within SIX
months ate their meeting unless good reasons DO
shown for delay, in which case the Commission may
extend the time for the presentation OF claims.
Final decisions upon all cnas must be made within
two years from the time OF the first meeting
payment or claims shall be paid In gold
at Washington In such manner as the Com
mission may direct. No decision OF the
Commission shall be binding on either Of the high
contracting parties unless agreed to by one OF the
two Commissioners representing those high con-
tracing parties.
StIh-This article empowers the Commission to
employ all necessary clerks and assistants provides
that the expenses Of the Commission shall be borne
equally BY the high contracting parties, and that all
bills shall be paid on the vouchers OF the Commits
sioners and enters into the details with reference
TO these matters.
Serenth-Tnis article provides that In case the
Commission should fail TO agree on any specific
claims, such claims shall be referred to board OF
three members one to be appointed by the Presi.
dent Of the United States with the sanction OF the
Senate, one by the Queen OF Great Britain ana Ire
land and one by the Emperor OF Russia. This board
shall meet at New York, within six months after
the adjournment OF the other Commission, shall take
testimony at length ana decide as to facts, amounts
due, &c. This provision is evidently intended to
cover doubtful cases, with reference to which the
other Commission has not time 10 take the necessary
testimony
Etghh-The last article relates to the expenses OF
the boara last named and is similar to article sixth
In all essential particulars.
Such, 1t is said, is the basis Of agreement which
the Joint High Commission has come to for the
settlement OF the Alabama claims.
ENGLAND.
Couseruafiua Triura1,ia az