Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1871-05-15
THE TREATY.

The full text of the treaty is published,
but there appears nothing of special i'm
portance In 1t not already given in the
sketches laid before the public. The rules
(which the arbitrators in the Alabama
claims arc to be governed in deciding
the matters that come before them are
not perhaps distinctly understood by
those who have had only the published
outline. They are, first; That neu-
trail government is bound to use due dill
gence to prevent the fitting out, arming
and equipping within its jurisdiction of ves-
sells which it has reasonable grounds to
suppose are intended to make war upon a
nation with which it is at peace, also to
prevent the departure of such vessels from
its jurisdiction; second, it should not per-
init either belligerent to make use of its
ports or harbors as the base of naval or
military operations against the other, or
for renewing supplies or recruiting men !;
third, to exercise due diligence in its own
ports and waters and as to persons within
its jurisdiction to prevent any violation of
the foregoing articles and obligations.
These rules are based upon the idea of our
government as to the duties of neutrals.
The adoption of them by the High Com
mission Is long step towards settlement
The British Commissioners were rather
reluctant to adopt them, but did so with
the explanation inserted in the text that
they do not understand such principles oil
international law were in force when
the claims in dispute arose. They how.
ever agree that the Alabama claims shall
be settled upon these principles and that
they win observe them in future They
refuse to acknowledge that the govern
ment Of Great Britain did any wrong in its
early recognition of the rebels as belliger-
ents, but express their regret at the dep
relations which were perpetrated by the
cruisers fitted and armed in their ports
This adjustment of these difficulties will
be satisfactory to our people. The basis
OF settlement is all we claimed, and the
acknowledgement of error all that is nee
essary or could reasonably be expected.
The agreement as to the fisheries is very
nearly the same as that of 1854, in the
Reciprocity treaty. Our fishermen are to
have the right to fish where they please in
the bays. harbors and creeks of the Prov
inces. and British subjects are to have the
same rights upon our coast north of the
seth parallel. This applies only to the sea
fisheries, not to the river fisheries. Fish
oil and oil Of all kinds except fish of the
inland lakes and Of the rivers falling into
them, and except fish preserved in oil.
are to be admitted into each country re-
spectively free of duty. As it is claimed
by the British that our government gets
more value in the fisheries than they do,
Commissioners are to be appinted to de-
termine that matter, and whatever they
decide the difference may be, if any, in
our favor, our government is to pay in
money TO them. 81
The arrangement of this question ap-
pears fair. It is said that the Cauadas
are mot satisfied with it, but probably the
British government will find way to rec
oncile them If it desires to do so. The
consent Of the Dominion parliament and
the Nova Scotia legislature are necessary,
also that OF the British parliament in or.
der to the adoption of the treaty.