New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1871-05-12
THE TREATY or WASHINGTON.


We hope we are not premature in cengratu-
lating the readers of THE TRIBUNE upon the
prospect of an early and lasting peace be-
tween the United States and England. In the
| Treaty which we yesterday laid before tho
public is seen the ultimate endeayor of both
American and English statesmen to settle the
outstanding accounts between the two cOun-
tries on the basis of mutual respect and for
bearance. There has rarely been presented to
the consideration OF the ratifying Power treaty
where the negotiatOr5 have been influenced
so little by personal motives, or by desire TO
Overreach or deceive each other. The High
Commissioners from each side Of The Atlantic
seemed to approach their work with most
serious and impressive spirit, as if conscious
that the peace and weli-being Of civilization
depended upon the result of their efforts. The
consequence of the conscientious frame OF
mind in which the Commissioners wrought
is seen in the provisions of the Treaty.
There is no ambiguity. no loop-hOle
of reservation about it. 1t il simply and
plainly expressed, as BELTS the speech of
Anglo Saxons talking over matters OF vital
interest to both. There is at times abeut 1T
downright frankness of phrase which has an
almost amusing quality-as where, III the 22d
Article, it is stated that the English and
American Commissioners hold directly Oppo-
site views of the relative value OF the Priv
leges conferred upon American and British
fishermen respectively by the preceding articles
Here is an honest statement OF final dlsa-
greement between the representatives OF the
two Governments, and fair proposition to
settle the matter by leaving it to impartial
arbitration. The same unreserved frankncss
is seen in its references to tho transporta-
ton of goods in bond by the one people over
the soil of the other, the navigation of the st.
Lawrence, and the question of the boundary
line on the North Pacific Coast In all of
these important particulars there is a manly
acknowledgment of difference of point of
view, and an apparently sincere Intention upon
both sides to rely upon the decision of dis
interested umpire as to the law ana equity OF
the questions involved.
But these points, weighty as they are. lose
their significance in view of the 0ycrshad0w-
ing importance of the avOwals made and the
propositions suggested i'll the first division OF
this Convention. Tho expression OF regret for
the incidents which gave rise to all our re-
carnations, seems a matter of little gravity Ill
itself, and yet the steadfast refusal to make 1T
has been the principal cause of the failure OF
all former attempts at Cancellation. One OF the
strongest and most effective portions OF that
mastery exposition of the whole matter made by
| Mr., Sumner, two years ago, consisted of his
consideration of the enornity of the Oilcnso
! committed against humanity and against us
by this refusal in cold blood to express the
| least regret for the injurious acts peIpctrated
in the heat of excited times. He justly placed
this indignant susceptibility of our people to q
cruel wrong and slight far above the
sure claim Tor money which was
due for material injuries to our
property and our commerce. We all remem-
Der with what unanimous chorus Of
defiance this representation was answered i'll
England, and how tho organs of opinion at
home which were hostile to Mr.. Sumner
denounced his attitude az one of sentimental
bullying, and said that England never would
submit to it. Mr.. Punch, who speaks for tho
average BritOn with more authoritative voice
| than any other, had o picture representing
Reyerdy johnson looking ut Brother
Jonathan, who is carrying to John
! Bull an OVERLOOKING platter marked Humble
"Pie.n 81 have dined with him Often"
SAYS the well-informed Reverdy. and
81 know he won't eat that" 1t would be I'M
worthy to exult over so signal a proof of tho
Justice, of our position and the sober thought
! Of England as is conveyed i'll those few lines
of manly apology. There is nothing in them
| buniliating to the great and magnnimous
people for whom they are written. But it is
most gratifying to see the British Government
coming forward Loyalty now to express regret
al ,frh fIl al
slant controversy they have strenuouoiy re-
fused either to assume or to condemn
While this amends is Of great Importance IN
reference to the case in hand, the Gth Article
of the Convention marks an era in diplomatic
history. If adopted, it will place Che dntieS
of nemrals on an entirely new and higher
ground than any hitherto occupied. Inc
United Si4tos and England. tao OF tho great