Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1872-02-17
The British Case.

ENGLAND DON'T ADMIT ANY FAILURE TO DE-
SERVE HHR INTERNATIONAL OBLIGATIONS.
The case submitted to the Geneva board OF
arbitration by the counsel Of Great Britain in
regard to the Alabama claims has been laid be-
fore Parliament. and is published. The dOcu-
ment Is divided into ten parts. Part one re-
marks that no definite or complete statement OF
the American claims has ever been furnished
The treaty OF Washington and previous CORES
Pondence will supply, however. a general defni-
ton Of the demands made. Rule two OF article
six OF the treaty Of Washington is quoted, as fol-
lows A neutral government is bound not to
pei init or suffer either belligerent to make use
OF Its ports or waters as the base of naval opera
tons against the other, or for the purpose of re-
newal or augmentation of military supplies or
arms, or the recruitment OF men," This rule is
interpreted as prohibiting the supply of war
prehibitOry of the sale OF arms or munitions of
war in the ordinary course Of commerce. The
claims submitted are for damages grow
Witch out the United states alleges tha
Great Britain failed in her international duty
The tribunal must determine the question of
failure Of duty. lift decides that there has been
such failure, then ii must award the gross sum
for the damages, or define the limit Of liability
for the guidance OF assessor of said damages
The circumstances OF the sailing of the steam
doah were materially dssmilar; but Great
Britain maintains that in respect to none OF
them has she failed Of her International Oblipa-
tons or rendered herself justly liable. Part
u
States, showing that the course of England and
the maritime powers was one of vigiant and
scFupulOus neutT atty. Part 3 makes abatement
OF international rights and duties, of the laws of
England bearing thereon, and Of the faithful
performance and execution thereof by Great
Britain during the war. 1t also gives adetailed
account OF the action of Minister Adams and
Earl Russell TO prevent the departure OF the
rebel cruisers. Part shows the limits of the
powers possessed by the British government to
prevent such departures. Parts 8, and re-
spectively in detail facts relative to the
steamers Florida Alabama, Georgia and Shenan.
doah. Part 9sets forth that the steamers Georgia
and Shenandoah were never equipped for war in
British dominOns. Her Majesty's government
was only informed respecting these vessels after
their departure. The Alabama and Florida,
even, did not receive their ornaments in British
doninions. The peculiar circumstances Of the
Aiabama's escape are recited, and England's
vigiiant endeavors to prevent her sailing, as
well as Americas failure in the attempt to cap
ture her, are insisted upon. Part 10 complains
OF the disadvantages under which Great Britain
iabors IN meeting an unprecedented case. The
document concludes as follows: While Eng
land regrets the departure OF the rebel cruisers
from her ports, she cannot acknowledge the
Justice OF the claims against her for pecuniary
damages for their acts. The United States must
solidly establish the fact of England's negli-
gence England is ready to accept the award of
the tribunal, whether favorable or unfayorable.
She only desires to be JUST