Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1871-02-10

the subjects specially suggested for the consid-
Grafton of the proposed joint high commission,
and he fully recognizes the friendly spirit which
has prompted the proposal, The president is,
however, of the opinion that, without, an in
vestigation of class OF questions not alluded
10 in your note, the proposed
high commission would fail to establish
permanent relations and sincere, substantial and
lasting friendship between the two governments,
which, in common with her maiestv's govern
ment, he desires should prevail. He thinks that
the removal of the differences which arose
during the rebellion in the United States, aud
which have existed since then, growing out of
acts committed by several vessels, which have
given rise to the claims generally known as the
Alabama claims, will also be essential TO n res
toration of cordial and anicable relations be-
tween the two governments.
He desires me to say, that, should her majes-
tvs government accept this view of this matter,
and assent that this subject also may be treated
OF by the proposed high commission, and may
thus be put in a way Of final and amicable set
Element, this government will, with much
the part Of the United States, TO meet
those who may be appointed in behalf
of her majesty'S government, and will spare no
efforts TO secure, at the earliest practicable mo-
ment, just and amicable arrangement of all
questions which now, unfortunately, stand in
the way ofentire and abiding friendship between
the two nations. have the honor to be, with
highest considerations, sir,
Your very obedient servant,
HAMILTON FISH.
To Sir Edward Thornton.
MIR. THORNTON TO MR.. FISH.
WASHINGTON Feb. T. 1871.
SILL have the honor to acknowledge the re-
ceipt Of your note ofthe Both ult., and to offer
you my sincere and cordial thanks for the
friendly and conciliatory spirit which pervades
rolf tfN tboF,n rg - &, l., III
you state that the president thinks that the re-
moval of the differences which arose during the
| rebellion in the United States, which have exist
| ed since then, growing ont of acts committed by
| several vessels, which have given rise to the
| claims generally known as the Alabama claims
will also be essential TO a restoration of cordial
and Iamicabe relations between the two
| governments, and have the honor 10 inform you
that | have submitted to Earl Granville the
opinion thus expressed by the president of the
United States.
am now authorized by his lordship to state
that it would give her maiesty's government
great satisfaction if the claims commonly known
by the name OF the Alabama claims were sub
mitted to the consideration of the same high COM
mission by which her maJesty's government have
proposed that the question relating to the Brit
| ish possessions in North America should be dis.
cussed, provided all other claims, both of Brit
| ish subjects and citizens of the United States
| arising out of acts committed during the recent
civil war IN this country are similarly referred TO
the same commission. The expressions made
use of, in the name Of the president, in your
| above mentioned note, with regard to the Ala
| bana claims, convince me that the government
| of the United States will consider il of inn
| pOrtance that these causes of dispute between
| the two countries should also, and at the same
| time, lie done away with, and that you will ena-
BILE me to convey to my government the assent
| Of the president to the addition which thev thus
| propose to the duties of the high commission.
| and which cannot fail to make it more certain
that its labors will lead to the removal of all
| differences between the two countries | have
the honor to be, with the highest consideration,
| sir,
Your most obcdient humble servant,
| EDWARD THORNTON.
The Hon. Hamilton Fish, &c.
MR.. FISH TO MIR. THORNTON.
DEPARTMENT OF STATE,
WASHINGTON, Feb. Sd, 1871. (
have the honor to acknowledge the receipt
fyour note of the list inst, in which you inform
me- Here Mr.. Fish repeats the proposition OF
| Mr.. ThOrntOn.) l have laid your note before the
| president and he has directed me 10 express the
| satisfaction with which he has received the in
| telligence that Earl Granville has authorized
| you to state that her maiestY's government has
| accepted the views of this government as TO the
| disposition to be made of the so called Alabama
| claims.
He also directs me to say, with reference to
y
further claims of British subjects or American
citizens growing out of acts committed during
| the recent civil war in this country, he asSents
| to the propriety of their reference TO the same
high commission, but he suggests that the high
| commissioners shall consider only such claims
of this description as may be presented by the
| governments of the respective claimants, at an
early day, to be agreed upon by the commits
sioners. l have he honor to be, with the high
est consideration, sir,
Your obedent servant,
HAMILTON FISH.
Sir Edward Thornton.
THE COMMISSIONERS NOMINATED
The president to-day sent confidential mes
sage to the senate, nominating Secretary Fish
Minister Schenck, Judge Nelson, of the United
States supreme court, E. Il. Hoar of Massachu-
sets, and Senator Williams, commissioners on
the part of the United States, to adjust the
claims pending between this country and Great
Britain. The senate, on reception of the mes
sage, Immediately went into executive session.
NOT CONFIRMED.
In the executive session of the senate Mr.
Sumner opposed immediate confirmation of the
commissioners. He thought it better to let the
subject go over until the documents should be
printed and the senate have time for examina-
ton. In this Mr.. Davis concurred, but Messrs.
COnkling and Morton urged immediate confirm
alton. The debate took WIDE range, involving
our diplomatic relations, the powers of the pres
ident, and the merits of the plan proposed
The senate adjourned without coming to any
conclusion, but will resume the sube to-mor-
row.
NUMBER OF COMMISSIONERS.
The British government desired that the COM
mission should consist of only three members
but the cabinet at Washington insisted on ten,
and England yielded. All the persons named
were previously consulted and signifed their ac-
ceptanCe.
BRITISH CONCESSIONS.
The government of Great Britain is willing to
give ours the selection of methods of adjust
ment, and even that the United States should
designate the British commissioners.
NO DOUBT OF CONFIRMATION.
The senate will, tomorrow, vote on the nomi-
nations. There is no doubt of confirmation by
NEARLY unanimous vote.
Other Washington Dispatches.