The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1872-06-04
FO REL N
The British Parliament.
The Supplemental Treaty.
An Ugly Question for Mr.. Gladstone


LONDON, June Sin the British House of
Commons to-day Gladstone apologized for not
being able to make definite statement with
regard to the negotiations with the United
States, as he had promised the House. The
postponement of the day of adjournment by
the American Senate rendered full explana-
ton impossible. As to the supplemental arti-
Gle to the Treaty of Washington, he would as
sure the members it did not leave the subject of
direct claims, present or future, open for mis-
understanding hereafter, and in this view Mr..
Schenck, the American Minister, conceded
Disraeli called attention to the fact that the
Premier had omitted to state whether the arbi-
tratiOn was to proceed ON the 18th.
Mr.. Gladstone replied that this date had been
kept carefully in view of the negotiations. ~
Mr.. Horsman put the following question:
Hos the government any reason to suppose that
the United States government is inclined to
withdraw from Secretary Fish's position; that
concession from England must precede any set
Element? VI -7-lgrl 50 lt1f t-aa'
Mr.. Gladstone replied that the understanding
is that the United States makes no claims
touching indirect damages at Geneva
Mr. Osborne considered that the explanation
amounted to nothing. The House and country
were not satisfied. He hoped distinct decla-
ration would be extorted from the government.
and that unless the indirect claims were fully,
fairly and immediately withdrawn Great Britain
will refuse to proceed with the arbitration
(Cheers.)
Viscount Bury gave notice he should move an
address to the Queen similar to that of Earl
Russell in the House of Lords for the with
drawal of Great Britain from the arbitration
unless the indirect claims are abandoned by the
United States
Mr. Otway said they had been warned of the
danger OF fresh engagements with the United
States, and he wanted to know whether any
new engagements had been made or accepted
by the government of Great Britain. VI 81 : 81
Mr.. Gregory begged to know if the govern
ment had the assurance of the American min
lister (Mr. Schenckl in writing. To the latter
question Mr.. Gladstone answered no.
He added that the Honorable member SEEM
ed to think some price had been paid the
United States for Withdrawing the indirect
claims. The impression was erroneous. He
explained at some length the word ''considera-
tion," which he admitted was used in the sup
Elemental article, consideration was covenant
between two nations for the future, and was
reciprocal. He declined to discuss the question
of pressing the withdrawal of indirect claims
while negotiations were still in progress to OBJ
viate the necessity. ssr-
In the House of Lords, Earl Granville also
made statement with regard to the condition
of the negotiations with Washington. Commu-
nications he said continued to be exchanged but
without result and it was impossible to predict
what the result would be- The lawyers of the
Crown had concluded that there was no differ
ence of opinion between the two nations touch
ing the withdrawal of indirect claims The
| only point in dispute was as to engagement for
the future. He was aware of the difficulties of
the moment and hoped they would be overcome.
Earl Russell said the time had come when
plain words were desirable, and he gave notice
THAI he should tomorrow press his motion for
an address to the Queen for the withdrawal of
| Great Britain from the arbitration.
! In the course of the evening the Marquis of
| Hartford inquired whether it was true that the
band of the Grenader Guards had been ordered
TO the United States to attend the Boston Jubi-
lee.
Lord of Lansdown replied that such orders
had been issued with the sanction of the Queen
and the Commander-in-Chief.
| The Duke of Richmond declared that more
irregular proceeding had never been sanctioned.
Earl Granville defended the act, saying that
it was proper to show the good will of the coun-
| try toward America while the treaty was hang
ing in the balance. England had emuated
Russia Austria, Prussia and other powers in
similar acts of courtesy. ash.