The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1871-06-07
THE FRENCH INDEMNITY.
How Germany Proposes to Dispose of the
Money to be Paid by France.
correspondent of the New York Times

A correspondent of the New York Times
writes as follows under date of May 20-
APPROPRIATION OF THE INDEMNITY.
A plan for the appropriation of the French in
demnity appeared simultaneously in almost all
semi-official correspondence yesterday. The
sums to which this plan applies are, first, the
indemnity of two milliards and the interest to
be paid on three ffths of that sum, payable at
later PERIODS second the contribution levied
on the city of Paris, amounting to 200, 600 900
francs; third the amount of taxes and imposts
levied in France by the Germans, and not yet
appropriated to military purposes. No state
ment is made of the exact figures of the latter
amount, but 1t is considerable, and was origi-
nally to be deducted from the indemnity. Out
of this fund 240, ,000, 600 thalers will be assigned
to fund Tor the payment of military pensions
according to the new Pension law just passed in
Parliament; 100000 thalers will be formed
into common war treasure for the Empire, out
OF which all preliminary expenses of future
wars will be betrayed, as far as the fund goes.
This proposal does not meet with particular
favor among the public. 1t is perpetu-
alton of the old Prussian policy of accumu-
lating money in the State treasury, which
must remain absolutely barren, depriving the
industry and commerce of the country of the
benefit accruing from the circulation of so much
specie, and the exchequer of the interest of SO
large sum- Government, in defense OF the
scheme, points to the effects OF this State
treasure in former wars, and especially in the
last. The money was ready as soon as the decla-
ration of war was delivered and had only to be
TAKEN out Oh LHe casQ-rOOu. NObWlIusIanuluS
this advantage the system is one of false
economy. The same amount would have been
forthcoming had the money been applied to
trade. Our Liberal party. eyes this unmis-
the Crown, curtailing Parliament's constitu-
tional power of the purse, with un-
disguised suspicion. Next to these first
and chief items there is a fund to be created for
| the payment of all current expenses of the I'M
perial Chancellerie, which are thus likewise to
| be removed from the control of the national
| representatives. Next comes the money due to
| owners of ships and cargoes captured or Injured
by the French. Another heavy item is the COM
pensation to be allowed to German and Alsato-
! Lotharingian cities for damages inflicted by
| French or German bombardment, cannonade,
etc. Only the principal claims have as yet been
francs, viz:-Strasburg, $4,000, 900; Schlestadt,
| $500, 600; Brisach, 1,300, ,000 and Thionville,
| 100000 francs. Then comes the payment OF
military service by Germans and Alsato-Lotha-
| ringians This includes requisitioned pro-
visions, cattle impressed services of horses,
| wagons etc.
The Alsato-L Lotharingian fortresses are like
wise to be repaired and enlarged out of the in-
demnity. The plans for these works are very
comprehensive, and consequently expensive
| and almost promise to make the places impreg.
nable. Finally, the Germans expelled from
France will receive some assistance-compensa-
tion it cannot be called because it must fall fai
short of anything like the actual loss sustained
| complete reparation for such losses is ol
course utterly fmpractcable. 1t was, however
expected that the Government would appro'
the amount now definitely assgned-tc
that purpose. A large amount o1
money will remain over after these various
items have been disposed of, and that is to be
distributed among the allied powers. 1t is moi
proposed TO form it into joint imperial trea
sure, because the war costs have been borne by
the individual States separately, and the partia
repayment ought therefore to be likewise made
to the separate eXchequers. The amounts dHt
to each State will be regulated by the ratio o
men and horses supplied to the common
army, the half-monthly reports being made tbs
basis of the calculation. North Germany,i hav
most numerous landwehr, will receive the lion'
share.
COMPENSATION FOR CAPTURED VESSELS AMI
CARGoEs.
The regulations by which owners of captured
vessels and cargoes are to obtain compensation
have likewise been determined. The authority
for awarding such compensation Is to be boarC
of six deputies and four vice-deputies, whicl
are to meet before the end OF the present month
and to employ the greatest despatch In acquit
ting themselves of their duties. Half of thi
board are TO be members of the Federal Council
the other half of the German Parliament. 1t vii
have power to require the presence OF any per
} son whose evidence is desirable, and to examin
him upon oath. All damages included in tn
risks provided against by insurance, are 60 Ups
excluded from any claim to compensation. Tn
} value of vessels will be calculated accord
ing to their original cost price, deduction
being made according to fixed scale for ever
! | years wear. Owners will, however, be allowed
If able, TO produce evidence to the vessel
higher value. Cargoes will be calculated at the
value before shipping. Harbor expenses, nt
tary's dues, loss of provisions, expenses for th
sustentation and journey of the crew, and me
I to load and unload cargoes, and all simils
actual outlays, will be reeouped. Moreover, II
. loss of luggage and other private property
2 masters and crews will be repaired, A fxe
tariff has been determined for such reparatiol
Viz.:-To masters, 400 thalers; to first mates, q
4 thalers; to second mates and equals in rank II
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