Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1871-02-14
Our Relations with Great Britain.


- 70
A COMMISSION To ADJUST ALI DIFFI.
cULTIES.-The diplomatic cOrresRundsuce
between Sir Edward Thornton aud Secretary
Fish, contains the gratifying intelligence that
the outstanding difficulties between the United
States aud Great Britain are ut length in 4
lair way OF friendly adj ustmeut. The con-
illusions arrived IT By the Two governments
through their respective ministers, originated
IN proposal FROM Lord Granville for u joint
high commission to meet At Washington for
the purpose Of treating Of aud discussing the
mode Ut settling the question TO the extent
OF the rights belonging TO the citizens of the
United States aud her Majesty's subjects ON
the Coasts Of her Majesty's possessions in
North America, aud other questions affecting
the relations of the United States to those
Possessions. In reply to this proposal the
Pre"ident suggested, essential to the com.
Plete re>estAblishment Of friendship between
the two nations, the adjustment Of the dit,
ference which arose during the late civil war,
growing out of acts committed by several
vessels. which have given rise to the claims
generally known as the Alabama claims, and
PrOPUsed Its refstence also TO the joint COM
mission.
Lord Granville accepted, with n provision
that all other claims, both OF British subjects
and citizens OF tho United States, arising out
of acts committed during the recent civil war,
be similarly referred aud to this proviso the
President gave his assent, suggesting. how.
ever, that the high commissioners shall con,
slider only such claims of this description IS
may be presented by the governments Of the
respective climants At an earley day to be
agreed upon by the commission. The an.
pOintment Of members OF the joint commission
by the respective governments will complete
this important preliminary. There can be no
doubt that the great mas Of the people of
this country are interested in the preservation
Of the most friendly relations with Great
Britain, and the course agreed upon not only
opens the way to a thorough, equitable aud
honorable settlement Of all differences, but
rebukcs the spirit that would keep alive the
hres OF resentment, and fOolishly imperil peace
full progress aud development.
The President has nominated rs commits
sioners on the part Of the United States, Sec.
reiAIy Fish Judge Nelson, ex Attorney Gen.
er.l lluar, aud Senator Williams. of Oregon,
and cable dispatch states that Earl De Grey
will leave England to-day for Washington, MS
president Of tue commission on the par, of the
British government The President sub.
united the diplomatic correspondence to the
Senate yesterday, in executive session. to.
2e;heT with hIs message making the foregoing
nominations An extended debate cnSued as
to the immediate c"h6rmati"n Of the nomina-
tinns, Senator Sumner leading as was to have
been expected, in the opposition. The whole
proceeding, otherwise, however, is in the ra-
tiOnAl spirit which should actuaie great and
civilized nations in the light Of this nineteenth
century. The Queen. in her speech at the
opening OF Parliament. il will be seen, ex-
presses hope in advance Of \ satisfactory set.
element Of all questions with this county.