Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1871-04-15
WASHINGTON.
The Joint High COmmissiOn-Bases
of Rettlement-SOuth CLAIMS
Halls Arctic Expedition.

The Joint High COmmfssiOn-Base
of GettIement-SOuth Claims
Halls Arctic Expedition.
WASHINGTON, April15 1T is understood that
the Joint High Commission have concluded a
convention containing the bases Of settlement
Of the Alabama claims. 1t would seem that
the questions for adjustment have been con-
sidered separately, and the plan proposed for
their settlement is to be embodied in separate
treaties, subject to the ratification Of the Sem
ate. 1t is stated that the convention for the
settlement of the Alabama claims have been
signed by all the Commissioners. and is di-
vided into eight articles:
First-The parties agree to be bound by the
rule that nation shall be responsible for
depredations committed on n friendly power
by vessels fitted out and manned at a neutral
port.
Second Contracting partiesshall hereafter
enforce this rule with all foreign powers, and
endeavor to secure its adoption as principle.
Third-the Alabama claims shall. be sub
mitted to Commission of five members, one
to be appointed by the President of the United
States, with the advice and consent of the
Senate, one by the Queen of Great Britain,
one by the Emperor Of Brazil, one by the
President of the Swiss Republic, and one by
the King of Italy.
Fourth-the Commission shall meet at
Washington within six months after ratifca-
ton Of this convention. The Commission
shall decide the responsibility Of England in
each case, and award damages that may be
found. If any of the last three powers fail
to appoint Commissioner, the vacancy To be
filed by the King Of Sweden and Norway. In
case Of any vacancy in the Commission, it
shall be filled in the same manner as an ORR
ginal appointment.
Fifth-the members shall be sworn not to be
prejudiced in advance, and to decide each
claim on the evidence presented TO them,
being guided, however, by the rule laid down
in the first article, that nation shall be re-
sponsible for depredations committed on a
friendly power by q vessel fitted out and
manned at a neutral port. All claims shall
be filed with the Commission within six
months after their meeting, unless good rea-
sons can be shown for delay, in which case tina
Commission may extend the time for the
present action Of claims. Final decision upon
all claims must be made within two years
from the time Of the first meeting Of the Com.
mission. All sums Of money in payment Of
claims shall be paid in gold at Washington, in
such manner as the Commission may direct
The action Of the Commission shall be binding
on either Of the high contracting parties.
Sixth-the Commission is empowered to EN-
pIoy all necessary clerks and assistants; pro
vided that the expenses Of the Commission
shall be borne equally BY the high contracting
parties.
Seventh-that in case the Commission SHOULD
fail to agree on any specific claims, sucl
| claims shall be referred 10 4 board Of thre
members. one to be appointed by the Presi
dent Of the United States with the sanction
Of the senate), one by the Queen Of England
and one BY the Emperor Of Russia. Thi
board shall meet at New York within eli
months after adjournment Of the otheri til
| Commission shall take testimony at lengt
and breadth as to facts. amounts due, etc
fThis provision is evidently intended TO cove
doubtful cases. with reference TO which III
other Commission has not time to take IN
necessary testimOny.l
Eighth-this last article relates TO the ex
penses Of the board last named. and is simila
70 article sixth in all essential particulars.
The Southern Claims Commission find n
lack Of work TO do. II has been but few day
since they announced that they were ready 70
business, and the number Of claims ehtere
upon their dockets has already reached on
hundred and twenty-five. ranging in amount
from $500 70 $4,000. The Commissioners ar
not able 10 form an idea Of the number Q
eases that will be presented for their action
but they believe there viii be several thou
sand.
Captain Hall. whose expedition TO the Mort
Pole was fostered By the last Congress. is no'
engaged in fitting out his ship called III
Periwinkle. at the wharf In this city. IL
expects to sail in May. The vessel is abou
four hundred tons. one hundred and thirty
nine feet in length. and viii be rigged as
tcpsail schooner. About one hundred an
fly workmen are engaged on the vessel
which il on the ways. The engineers ar
building her in the strongest possible name
far the rough service she Is intended for. an
her boilers will be constructed for the pnrpos
Of using blubber for fuel.
Indications are that the Pennsylvaniasena