New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1872-05-06
OUR RECORD on DAMAGES BY PMvATEERs

OUR RECORD ON DAMAGES BY PRIVATEERS
TO the EdttOr OF The Tribune.
SIR: In The London Times Of April 10 there
is an editorial comment pamphlet recently pub
lshed in America Tho Neutrality Question" 10
this pamphlet there some remarkable statements
that IL true, should he generally known this
side Of the water This appears anonymously though
The Times alleges IL is written by eminent and well
known American jurst 1t contains earnest effort 10
show that tho Government OF the United States arc
more interested in having tho Treaty OF Washington fail
than in having the present complications about consc-
quential damages adjusted. without entering at any
length examination OF this pamphlet there arc
portions Of II that should claim the attention Of all fair
minded men everywhere.
IL Is stated that the claims OF Government upon
England Ia direct conflict with all past history
on this question OF the duties OF neuras; that during
the administration OF President Monroe pnvateers
fitted out and thoroughly armed AMI crews enlisted,
with American officers in the port OF Baltimore, by per-
sons who represented the nsrgent coonsts OF Portu-
gal then engaged IN effort to achieve their indepcnd
ence That tho Minister Of Portugal called tho special
attention Of Government to these violations OF
neutral obligations, and although 1t was shown beyond
reasonable doubt that these vessels with their arms
and equipment board and with the flag of the insur-
gents flying at their mastheads sailed from Baltimore TO
prey upon the commerce OF Portugal Ia the Alabama,
yet subsequently, when demand was made upon the
United States for Injuries thereby sustained amounting
10 over million dollars, our Government, ,
through John Quincy Adams then Secretary Of State
assumed the position that neutral could not DO held
responsible the acts OF such vessels thus escap
from our territory committed beyond the jurisdiction OF
the United States That although t.ese chins were ear
nesty pressed our Government for years. Portugal
succeeded In obtaining any redress satisfaction
That subsequently, when the United States made claim
for damages against Portugal for allowing English
man 10 attack and sink an American prvateer,
the General Armstrong, In die Portuguese harb0r of
Faya the Government OF Portugal proposed to submit
their claims above, against the United States aud the
claims OF the latter against them, TO arbitration That
we positively refused to submit their claims against
TO arbitration, but willing 10 srbtrae claims
against them. Portugal being weak power had no al
submit to this injustice. The arbitrator
selected was Emperor Louis Napoleon who decided
that we had no lust claim INST Portugal inasmuch
prvateer first fired upon OF the boats of the
English man-Ofwar.
Can 10 he possible that the above facts forth
accuratef II So IL IL q TRANSACTION that should
blush of shame every American who feels any pride In
his country. How with such record make any
demand whatever against England for the depredations
Of the Alabama. either direct or consequently But II
this statement IL erroneous, there are many who would
be much obliged TO The TRIBUNE 10 show the error by
documentary evidence. aud set the matter NJ rest for
On the other hand, If the statements IA alleged
against our government true are we not noWn duty
bound 10 submit these claims OF Portugal against rs To
arbitratiOnf INQUIRER.
kep- YOrk, April q, 1872