The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1872-03-23
THE ALABAMA CLAIMS.
Lord Derby's Inquiry as to the Policy
Of the British Cabinet.
Legislative Comments on tho Treaty Of Wash
ington and Advice Against Con.
tinued Concession.
The Newspaper Press Ahead OF the Parlia-
ment-M Ministers Still Reticent.
IelEsRIn TO THE new yuak HERALD.

1tlfeun TO THE new yoK HERALD.
LONDON, March %, 1872.
During the session Of the House of Lords
this evening the Earl of Derby. in accordance
with a notice given on Tuesday night, pro-
posed his question as to the course the gov
eminent intended to pursue with regard to
the Treaty Of Washington. He hoped ''the
Minister Of Foreign Affairs would be able to
state that Her Majesty's government was pre-
pared to maintain the ground taken at the be-
ginning Of the present session, and decline to
admit the claims for indirect damages made
by the American government before the
Geneva tribunal. All knew that the public
anxiety was great. 1t was an anomalous state
of things, that, while all the newspapers Of the
country were discussing this question. Parlia-
ment should be forbidden from debating It,
He warned the government that the doctrine
that they had already sacrificed much for peace,
and better give more than fail, was dangerous
He asked further, if Great Britain would ap-
pear before the Geneva Board under the cir
cumstances?
Earl Granville replied that Mr.. Gladstone
and he himself had already given, answer to
these questions, to which nothing could be
added at present. Complete publicity at this
juncture was impossible.
4 The Earl of Malmesbury objected to the
continued silence of Parliament. If the
Treaty of Washington had been discussed last
year the present difficulties would have been
averted.
Lord Westbury spoke In condemnation Of
the conduct of the American government. 1t
had been distinctly promised that indirect
damages would not be pressed, and it would
be contrary to England's honor to admit them
after such mutual understanding.
Earl Granville intimated that the treaty had
been misconstrued.
WHAT THE PREMIER HAS ALREADY SAID.
Lord Granville having referred to Mr..
Gladstone's previous statements the following
synopsis of the former debates is given:-
In the House of Commons on the 10th
instant Mr. Horsmau reminded the Parliament
that he had already notified the government
of his intention to question it relative to the
Alabama claims case, and he now begged
for reply. Was the Ministry prepared to
give the Parliament assurance that, in case
fresh negotiations were entered upon with the
American government, no proposals would be
finally accepted until they had received the
sanction of Parliament
Mr.. Gladstone said he was sorry that he
was unable to answer the question. He had
had no opportunity to give the subject the
consideration it demanded, or even to consult
with his colleagues.
When the House of Commons assembled
next evening Mr.. Horsman asked the govern
ment to assure Parliament that in case fresh
negotiations relative to the Alabama claims
were entered upon with the American govern
ment, no proposals would be finally accepted
until they had received the sanction of Par
lament.
Mr.. Gladstone, in reply, said he informed
the honorable gentleman last night that he
had been unable to consult with his colleagues
on the subject. He added that he was yet
without the opportunity to do so, and con-
sequently was not able to give the assurance
asked for. He would state, however, that
Parliament would be informed at all times Of
the spirit, aim, direction and policy of the
government on all important questions. So
far as the Alabama claims were concerned,
he believed the speech Of Her Majesty at the
opening of the session gave all the necessary
information.
LORD aRANvILLEs NOTE DESPATCHED FOB
WARRINGTON.
1t is said that the steamship Baltic, which
left Queenstown at half-past four P. NJ. to-
day for New York, bears out for Washington
the second note Of Earl Granville on the
Alabama claims case. The Baltic is due In
America on the 31st inst.
GERMANY.