Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1871-05-17
The UpShOt Of the New Treaty be-
tween the United States and Great
Britain.

Britain.
We give elsewhere a sufficiently full sum
mary of the treaty between this Government
and that of Great Britain, Gust sent to the
Senate,) to enable our readers TO understand
what 1t amounts to. Its great value consists
IN the fact that it is a peaceable settlement
of all matters of difference between the coun-
tries; and for this the people of both gov
ernments may be heartily thankful, irrespec-
tive of any balance of advantage which may
accrue to either side. War is destruction,
and the world will be vastly better off when
nations stop that savage and unchristian
fashion of settling uarrels. A people may
have war forced upon them, but they should
keep out of fight so long as they can with
honor and then, if finally forced to it in
selfdefense, they will 20 in with no misgiv-
ings as to the justice Of their cause. IL Ger
tainly shows a marked progress in the affairs
Of nations, that two powers 50 great az the
United States and Great Britain can in a
friendly spirit come 70 an understanding re
specting matters Of difference between them,
and either peaceably adjust them, or provide
for settlement BY arbitrators friendly to
both powers.
II seems probable, from an examination Of
the provisions Of this treaty. that neither
side has got much advantage Of the other.
The English government does not acknowl-
edge its liability for the Alabama claims but
does agree to principles of public law that
l.. l. :. l;.IT 10 IL,
relations committed by the Alabama at least.
It's frindIy expression Of % regret - does n t
amount 70 much about as much as a de-
faulting cashier of a bank might express
when caught and Obliged to disgorge his
plumber The 80 regret " is, no doubt, much
more on account Of the consequences to Eng
land of the escape Of the Alabama, than on
account of the injuries inflicted upon this
country. On these Claims, the Treaty is
evidently compromise.
The provision respecting the claims of
British subjects against this country for dam :
ages either to person or property, growing
out of the war for the suppression Of the
rebellion, will reach to claims Of large
amounts,-perhaps in all as large as the al
ALBANIA Claims,-but it is confidently stated
that only comparatively small amount can
in any court be allowed. These claims are,
Of course, to be settled upon the recognized
principles Of public law, and aresuch, there
fore, as we can be fairly called upon to pay,
and respecting which our government could
not justly refuse to agree to an arbitration
The adjustment Of the fishery question
gives us nothing thatwe do not pay for and
the same is true of the use Of the Canadian
canals, and the navigation Of the St. Law
renee river
The San Juan boundary is a matter Of no
Importance any way, as it is not Of the least
practical consequence to either country
which way it is settled. The main thing is
Treaty provides for.
Again we say that the great value Of this
Treaty is in the fact that it provides for
final settlement of all matters in dispute be-
tween the two governments. 1t does not
give us all we have asked for, nor all we
have insisted upon as our right 1t does not
yield to Great Britain all that Government
has claimed But 1t is an honorable settle
ment of differences and gives hope of peace
for many years between these two great ma
tions, and this is worth more than all else
The indications now are that the Senate
will ratify the Treaty, although there will be
full debate upon it, and a careful examina-
ton of all it's provisions. Doubtless some
notifications will be suggested by Senators
to improve some of its provisions, and per
haps the Senate will finally suggest amend
monts, as that body has the right to DO but II
it's essential features the Treaty as it now
stands will most probably receive the support
Of the necessary two thirds of the Senate, and
he ratified by the English government