The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1872-02-07

CsAwss xssssrday-fhs Alaba.a Treaty
d - Americas Senate a.A IL ess
Bsitisf fsrtiaasst-Anaesty sad EAu.
..a.-.
1t is little remarkable that ct the SANS
moment, in the Senate Of the United States
and In the British House Of Commons, the same
question should have been occupying attea-
ton. That question was the misunderstand-
Ing that has arisen as to the Interpretation
and scope to be given to the recent treaty. bv
which 1t was expected that the difficulties
arising out Of the Alabama claims vere
finally and amicably settled and provided for.
The question came up In the Senate Ia tho
form of resolution, offered by Mr.. Edmunds.
of Vermont, asking the President for informa-
ton respecting the alleged intention OF the
English government to revoke the treaty I'M
less the claims Of our government wers
and In manner agreeable to that
Of Great Britain. The resolution gave rise
to discussion of some length and importance,
in which the mover of tho resolution expressed
himself In q manner that might be regarded
as decidedly smacking of war. Mr.. Trumbull.
who is always moderate and sensible In his
views, criticised the taste Of indulging In war
sentiments at time when the two nations
were engaged in giving effect to Q treaty
which was designed to remove all feelings a
irritation and hostility. Mr.. Cameron, Chair
man Of the Committee on Foreign Relations,
who might be supposed to speak by authority,
said he was quite sure that the President was
not in possession of the information asked for,
and avowed his disbelief In the intention attxt-
buted to the British government. How little no
knew Of what he was talking about will be
seen by glance at the speech of Queen Vic
toria, on the opening of the British Parliament
just at the very moment that this discussion
was taking place In the Senate. The position
ascribed to the English government, and which
Mr.. Cameron did not credit, was laid down
in language that could not be doubted or
misconstrued. The Queen says that In tho
included which were understood, on her part.
not to be within the province of the arbitra-
tors and she adds that she had caused
friendly communication on the subject to be
made to the government of the United States.
The claims to which Her Majesty refers are,
ages resulting from the depredations of tho
privateers. It is difficult to understand how
such an important point in the negotiations
could have been left open or doubtful, but Il
appears that such must have been the case.
Even so, however, we think that that point
and decision of the arbitration. If they did
allow consequential damages the line would DO
drawn, doubtless, 30 as not to ex-
tend the principle unduly. It might
not be feared, for instance, that they would
allow compensation for the decay and loss Of
our commerce, which Is attributed by soma,
not to the natural effect of an oppressive tariff
and illiberal navigation laws, but to the terror
inspired by the British-built privateers sailing
under the Confederate flag. The British gov
eminent might wisely have taken that view Of
the case and trusted to the judgment and
impartiality of the arbitrators.
The Congressional Committee which has been
80 long engaged in exposing the beauties Of
our Custom House system here has had an
additional duty imposed upon it, by resolu-
ton, adopted yesterday by the Senate,
instructing 1t to inquire into the abuses and
extortions alleged to be practised at Quaran-
tine and into the health regulations of this
port generally. If the committee obey its
instructions 1t will have to rescind it's resolu-
ton of adjournment, which was fixed for next
Saturday.
A bill was reported from the Finance Com.
mittee Nor the redemption of the three per
cent temporary loan certificates at q rate not
exceeding three millions per month. Tho
Amnesty bill was afterwards taken up and
debated.
The House proceedings yesterday were mot
marked by any interesting features. An hour
and half was spent in flibustering to defeat
che desire for new drawing of seats, and the
rest of the day was consumed in a debate on the
Educational bill. The dispute between Dela-
ware and Massachusetts for moral supremacy
was not resumed, and the discussion was con-
sequently tame and spritless. The vote on
the bill is to be taken to-day, and there ID
every indication that it will pass as q party
measure, Mr.. Farnsworth being the only re-
publican who has indicated any Opposition
| to it.
THE SALT DUTY.-The Committee of Ways
and Means have under consideration the ques-
| ton of abolishing or modifying the duty on
salt and are hearing evidence from the ''salt