Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1872-02-17
The Geneva Tribunal of Arbi-
tration.

London, l6. The case submitted to the
Geneva board of arbitration by the counsel o.
Great Britain in regard to the Alabama
claims, was laid before Parliament and the
published document is divided into the parts.
Part first remarks that no definite or COM
plete statement of American claims has ever
been furnished the Treaty of Washington,
and previous correspondence will supply
however, general definition of the demand
made by the United States.
Rule two of article six of the Treaty of
Washington is quoted as follows:
A neutral government is bound not to per-
init or suffer either beligerent to make use OF
its forts or waters as base of naval opera
tons against the other, or for the purpose of
renewal or augmentation of military supplies
or arms or recommitment of men. This rule
is interpreted as prohibiting the supply of
war and waging vessels from neutral ports,
but as not prohibitory of the sale of arms or
munitions of war in the ordinary course of
commerce. The claims submitted are for
damages growing out of the acts of vessels
respecting which the United States alleged
that Great Britain failed in her international
duty. The tribunal must determine the
question of failure of the duty. If it decides
there has been such a faiidre then it must
award gross sum for damages, or define a
llillt VI lidDlllty lOI tHc SutddhSC VI TIC as
SCISSORS Of said damages. The circumstances
of the sailing of the Alabama, Florida,
Georgia and Shenandoah were materially
dissimilar, but Great Britain maintains that
in respect to none of them has she failed in
her international obligations or rendered
herself justly liable.
Part second gives the history of the civil
war in the United States, showing that the
course of England and maratime powers was
one of vigilant and scrupulous neutrality.
Part third makes statement of interna-
tional rights and duties of the laws of Eng
land bearing thereon, and of the faithful per-
Torrance and execution thereof by Great
Britain during the war. 1t also gives de-
tailed account of the action of Minister
Adams and Earl Russell to prevent the de.
parture of rebel cruisers
Part fourth shows the limits of the powers
possessed by the British government to pre-
vent such departures.
Parts 9TH, 9th, 9TH and Sth respectively pre-
vent in detail facts relative to the steamers
Florida, Alabama. Georgia and Shenandoah.
Part 9th sets forth the steamers Georgia
and Shenandoah were never equipped for
war in the British dominions. Her Majesty
government was only informed respecting
these vessels after there departure. Ala
bama and Florida even did not receive their
ornaments in British dominions The pc
culiar circumstances of the Alabama's es-
cape are recited, and Englands vgilant en-
deavors to prevent her sailing as well as
Americas failure in her attempt to capture
her are insisted upon.
Part 10th complains of disadvantages, I'M
der which Great Britain labors in meeting an
unprecedented case.
The document concludes as follows: While
IT, o,I ba 1anorturn of rabpt prnia-
ers from her ports she cannot acknowledge
the Justice of claims against her for pecun-
iary demands for their acts. The United
States must solidy establish the fact of Eng
lands negligence. England is ready to &C,
cept the award of the tribunal of arbitration
Whether favorable or unfavorable she de
sires only that it shall be just.