Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1872-02-07


THE FISHERY QUESTION.
1t appears that direct vote was taken in the
house committee of foreign affairs upon the mo-
ton that the fishery bill he reported with the
recommendation that it should not pass. This
was negatived-7 TO 2. The committee then
directed the chairman to report the bill without
amendment, by vote Of to 2. II is expected
that the bill will pass the house and, of course,
the senate.
THE ALABAMA CLAIMS BUSINESS.
The cabinet to-day discussed, in an informal
manner, the recent reports from England with
reference to the treaty of Washington, with
unanimity Of sentiment TO adhere to the position
assumed by our government.
The Republican, which is inspired by the d.
partment of state, and is regarded as semi Off
clal, says: "The English excitement over THE
American claims, as presented to the tribunal of
arbitrator at Geneva, is regarded here in the
best informed official circles as a matter of do
nestle concern only, produced by local causes
and DESIGNED to accomplish local effects upon
English politics, and nothing more. Dispatches
OF the most trustworthy character received in
this city yesterday from London, justify the
view taken by the state department, and war
rant the clearest inference that any vigorous
movement on the part of the American govern
ment in the present posture Of affairs, would
awaken genuine surprise in Lord Granville, and
transfer the demand for explanations from this
side Of the ocean to the other. Up TO the pres
or statement has passed Upon the subject that
is being so sensatOnally treated by the press of
the two great commercial cities The genuine
establishment of the English government and
people at the size and scope Of the American
demands is complete vindication of some late
silly accusations that the points Of the Ameri-
can case had somehow found their way into I'M
friendly hands; that the surprise Of the Glad
stone cabinet was unleigned, is attested by the
extraordinary means adopted by it to avert the
disastrous use it was feared that the Dsraeli
party would make of the American statement
in the parliamentary session beginning to-day.
"ln The opinion Of those best calculated to
judge, nothing less than an absolute fear that
under an outburst of popular Indignation Dis
racli would force through vote of censure
upon the government for its share in a treaty
which gave opportunity to what wonld be stig-
matized as insulting and extravagant demands,
could have tempted the liberal cabinet to the
dangerous cXpedient of reSorting to irs SEMI
official organs to open an unofficial hut offensive
warfare upon the argument oil the United States
as presented at Geneva. That this was the NOV.
ing cause of the whole affair there Is now neith-
er room TO doubt nor deny, but there is great
doubt if the English government has been a
cOnsenting or approving party to the extent dis
cusSion has been carried by the press that is not
restrained by official connection with the liberal
party. A secondary motive with the English
government has been desire TO influence the
the Geneva conference. The tribunal is not at
present in session, and its members, il is hoped
in England, cannot fail to be impressed with the
general European view of the extravaganza and
untenability OF the American demands as reflect
ed in the European press. This is an important
point with Mr.. Gladstone and his colleagues, be-
cause, though the proceedings of the tribunal OF
arbitration should be carried through amicaby
to a final award, there will be a necessity for
much skillful management in passing the conse-
quent appropriation bill through the house of
commons"
Advices from Minister Schencb confirm the
statement that the attacks on the Washington
treaty were instigated by the Gladstone govern
mcnt, to Offset the attacks of tories to the effect
that England was over-reached IN the Alabama
negotiations. Another view indicated by Mr.
Schenck is that the English furry was ali
gotten up to prejudice the arbitrator against
the American case. There have been rumors
in circulation in Washington that the English
press have been made the vehicle of stock
Jobbing operation. Secretary Boutwell, saws the
whole thing is job. The president stated yes
terday that the demand Of the English govern
ment that the confederate loan be considered as
proper claim conflicts with the constitution.
The suggestion which the president had heard
that il would be acceptable 10 England TO
withdraw our claim of consequential damages
was one which had been submitted to the JOINT
high commission, when the American govern.
ment indicated its Willingness TO accept a gross
sum in lieu of such damages, but the propos-
ton was rejected.
Leading republican senators and representa-
tvcs were considering at an early hour this
morning the propricty oil Introducing resolutions
Of inquiry into each house OF congress, that
therc may be declaration of opinion on this
conduct on the part OF Great Britain. Some are
OF the opinion, however, that it will be best to
wait until the real text Of the queens speech
reaches here before any demonstration Is made,
Meanwhile 1t is agreed on all sides that ,he
United States government is the sole Judge Of
the character Of the case II presents to the