The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1872-04-30
THE MEETING AT GENEVA.
Exchanging the Counter Cases at Geneva-Ths
Protest and Counter Protest-who Was
There and What Was Done.

= ~. 49, GENEVA, April Is, 1871.
The 18th day Of April Is hereafter to appear as
historical landmark In the relations OF America
and Great Britain, II 1t proves to be true, as
we now suppose 1t must, that the continuance OF
the Geneva Arbitration case has virtually been
checked by the days proceedings. BY the provi-
sions OF the treaty this day appointed for the
interchange OF the reply to the "case,n with such
additional documentary evidence as in the wisdom
OF the respective governments 1t might be deemed
necessary to hand in.
MEETING AT GENEVA.
Il had been rumored that Count Sclops, the,ar-
bitrator named by the King Of Italy, and under
whose presidency the Commission has been con-
stituted, would come to Geneva. THIS proved err
roneous. On the American side Hon. John G. Ban
croft Davis put In an appearance late on Saturday
night and was Joined on the following morning by
the Hon. Caleb Cushing, and Mr. Charles Beaman.
Hon. w. M. Evarts remained at Paris These gen.
tlemen, as on the previous occasion, had descended
at the Hotel Beau Rvage, while at ncighboring
house, the Hotel des Bergues, had descended the
British Commissioner, Lord Tenterden, accom-
panied by two secretaries, The gentleman from
Great Britain Is one OF the under Secretaries OF
State in the Foreign once, holding, therefore po-
sition similar In character to that OF Mr.. Davis
under Mr.. Fish.
EXCHANGE OF CASES.
The City Council OF Geneva had as In the month
of December, placed large han In the Hotel de
Vile at the disposal of the Commissioners On
Monday morning, about ten O'Clock, four large and
heavy packages Of printed matter, duly got up in
snow-white paper, tied up with the indispensable
red tape, and decorated with enormously large
seals, were deposited In q common hack, called
from the stand opposite the hotels, and conveyed,
in charge Of responsible servant, to the Hotel de
Vile, whittier Mr.. Davis followed on foot, accom-
panied by his son. Lord Tenterden was
likewise punctual in his attendance. and
the formaty OF exchanging the d0cu-
ing exciting or hilarious in the proceedings so far
it occurred to me, on the contrary that there was
something mournful In the proceedings, and grave
doubts arose In my mind whether we were not at
tending funeral ceremony rather than assisting
at an event in which both nations should find here
after cause for rejoicing.
THE CEREMONY WAS ENTIRELY PRIVATE,
Lord Tenterden and Mr. Davis being left to them
selves, together with Mr. Favrot, the gentleman APP
pointed to act as Secretary to the Arbitrators The
remaining gentlemen named above retired to the
garden which adjoins the venerable edifce, and
there found present also the Hon. Horace Rubee,
United States Minister to the Swiss Confederation,
resident at Berne, and the Consul, Judge Upton,
resident at Geneva Az about eleven O'clock Hon;
papers had taken place, but under protest. The
nature Of the protest could not be dvnlged 1t being
mutually agreed between the commissioners OF the
respective governments that nothing OF the con-
tents should transpre before the documents reached
headquarters.
THE COUNTER CASE.
Great Britain, i have good reason to believe,
makes no allusiOn whatever to what Ia known as
"indirect damages" The document ITSELF e., the
printed paper-was exchanged probably In Pick
wickian sense prior to the 10Th. However that may
be- it is formidable paper, which has to be gone
over carefully and 1t will require several days to do
so. Under the circumstances 1t would be quite pre-
mature to express any opinion, even by those who
initiated in the mysteries OF the case. The
case, however, as above stated, was accompanied
on the English side with protest. setting forth
certain reserves, which are probably wholly In
admissible and may prove fatal to the continuance
OF further negotiations. believe / may add that
this protest has been met by q counter protest on
the American side.
THE DEADLOCK.
Little hope is entertained that the American gov
eminent can accept the views of the protest. The
will fall. therefore, on the British government
II the arbitration Is not to be proceeded with.
Should the go on, nevertheless, 1t must be be-
cause the British government mOdifies or with
draws the protest.; otherwise the proceedings will
assuredly terminate. A deadlock having thus been
reached we must look to Washington for further
news ss'
Hon. r. Davis proceeds to morrow to Berlin, after
paying visit to the President OF the Swiss Confede
ration. General Gushing returned to Paris this
evening.