, 1872-10-18
THE GENEVA AWARD,


Hon. Caleb Cushing Interviewed OF
the Subject. -
spsciaz Despatch to The Chicago Tribune.
NEW YoRK, Oct. 17.-Caleb Cushing has ar
rived III New York, after O quiet run from
Hayre, md OF course has been duly interrogated
by reporters. h1r. Cushing thinks the Ameri-
cans should be entirely satisfied with the Gem
eva arbitration and fifteen millions in hard cash.
Concerning Sir Alexander Cockburn's dissent,
h1r. Gushing says it las no other value than as
being the opinion Of one of the arbitrators, and
that Of an eminent lawyer. In it lie opens many
new phases Of the subject which are en-
titled to regard. But the opinion does not
in the slightest alter the case. The Court
decided by majority of to in
and England must assent to it, though her arbi-
traitor might differ from it, We can only know
how the Administration in England feels about
it when the Government meets. On the whole,
I am inclined to believe the people Of England
the arbitration has turned out The claims
now under consideration by the Mixed Commits
sion, and made by British subjects against this
Gorernment,. will all together amount to very
little over one million dollars. They will never
come up to two millions. This will leave very
handsome margin on our side.
Reporter. Was SIS, 600, 900 all you claimed7
Mr. Cushing. Oh. no. It was for depredations
COulu1LLeQ upon American Vessels Dy the Ala
bamn, Florida, and Shenandoah. Thesewere all
the claims considered, indirect claims being aban-
doned at an early stage.
Reporter. Did you consider these claims justi-
fable?
Mr. Cushing / think they came within the
meaning Of the Treaty, but as they were not al
lowed, why, it is no use speaking about them.
Reporter. Let me ask you question which
seems to puzzle great many: Has the quee-
ton been decided that neutral power has not
70 oil r. Anr+>
while another power is at war?
A1r. Gushing. Tint is not exactly the question.
The matter covered by the Treaty Of Washington
was that neutral power was bound to use due
destined for an enemy in time Of war. Mr.
Gushing continued that he did not go to England
In France, however, it was the general opinion
that. the United States had achieved great VIC
tory. Regarding the secret sessions OF the
Tribunal, he said, how would it have looked to
have the deliberations on. such important mat
ters before the public gaze? It does not
seem to have struck the people generally that
these gentlemen were judges celebrating upon
verdict. There was no debating or argument
Everything WIS written and presented to the
Board in printed form. Before the Court had
opened the United States had presented eight
octave and England five folio volumes, and all
proceedings take up twenty five volumes. The
papers would be taken home and read and stud
led The agents had the business OF reading
over and presenting papers for the consideration
read aloud. The proceedings we're Of amost dig
ni1ed character seldom anything approaching
joke being broached, though, Of course, It
would be more than human nature could stand
thing to relieve it occasionally. think never
saw anything more dignified and more impres-
siye than on the last day. when Count Sclopis,
President Of the Board, read the award. On
wives and families Of the A1bitratora and Coun-
sci on each side. In all, about thirty-th1ee
sessions we're held, stretching over period Of
three months from the 14th OF June to the 18th Of
September. Sometimes three and again four
sessions we're held in each week.
Reporter Were the Arbitrators friendly and
sociab1e among each other? How WAS it about ]
Sir Alexander Cockburn, the English Arbi-
traitor?
Mr. Cushing. Well, he remained entirely
private, and neither visited nor received any
visits. We wondered at it, though this is matter
on which would rather not touch. Otherwise
q very pleasant soclabiity existed.
!. Reporter. What Was the composition of. the |
Board, mentally? |
Mr. Cuehing. Very fine, indeed. Mr. staemfi
vas President Of the Swiss Republic, havins |
been three times in the Presidential chair. He |
ls ut present member OF the National Assembly. |
7 ne 9t same as our Congress- and holds @ very |
high and honorable position. During his |
experiences In his various positions be has |
become thoroughly acquainted with law, though !
not lawyer. Baron 1tajuba, OF Brazil, was also
Of the position, and Count sclopis the Italian
rbitrato1, is q man eminent for his acquire |
nents.
Reporter. presume you are glad the whole
matter is terminated.
Mr.. Gushing. Heartily glad. twas terrible
bore all through. I am proud Of the SUCCESS
8e haye had, but have never done drier work
n my life. All our debates were in the French,
oresn language to bis own. M % but % the Freach dav
he only one We could meet on. Sir Alexander
Jockburn spoke it best Of any one in the Board.
His mother WAS French.