New-York tribune., 1872-06-24
THE QUESTION IN WASHINGTON.


THE QUESTION IN WASHINGTON.
TIE ADMIN sTRATnON ELATED-HOw TIR WHOLE
NATTER HAS BEEN BUNGLED.
qBI TRgEGRAPH TO THE TRlBUNKl
WASHINGTON, June %, 1872.
The few members of the Cabinet now in Washing
Son seem to he greatly elated over the new turn
which the Treaty complications have taken and
there seems toDe doubt this time. that the con-
troversy arising out of the indirect Alabama claims
will be speedily and amicably closed. Indeed it
may be said FIAT all controversy has already ceased
by the decision of the Board OF ArbitratOrs that the
indirect damages claimed by the United States in
connection with the Alabama claims were not
within their jurisdiction and could not therefore,
be entertained by them.
Inouiry has been made during the past two days
in competent official quarters to how the subject
came before the Board, inasmuch as the British
Government has not assented to the amended Sup
Elemental Article, and therefore, could not bring
the subject officially before the Tribunal any more
than the United States Government could The
answer was that the ArbitratOrs had technical juTs
diction of the question of jurisdiction; that the
cases of the two Governments have been submitted
To the Board, and that the American case
indicated determination to make claims for indi-
rect damages The English case, when submitted,
was without any proofs, as was that of the United
States. The Board having been informed by the
English Government that an adjournment would be
desirable in order that the additional negotiations
might be carried on with the United States on the
subject Of indirect damages the members at once
went into a discussion Of the question of
adjournment, when, in the course of the
deliberations the subject of the consequential dam
ages came up and finally the members of the tribunal
decided that such claims could not be considered,
and thus the matter rests. Both Governments are
relieved from further anxiety upon the subject, and
the Arbitration viii now proceed. Perhaps the En-
glish agents may ask for brief recess, which will
not be opposed although the counsel of the United
States ready to proceed.
Early in It's sessions the question as to whether the
Board will hear oral argument whether it win re-
ouire them TO be printed will be decided 1t is not
expected that the deliberations of the arbitrators
will close in less than year. Among the important
questions TO be decided is to the liability of
the English Government for vessels other than the
Alabama and Shenandoah The English are sensi-
tive on this point, and Sir Edward Thornton, the
English Minister here, recently said that it was
beyond reason for the United States to hold the
English Government responsible for the Florida and
other similar vessels. But as nine-tenths of the
claims under dispute grew out of the depredatons OF
the Alabama and Shenandoah the SUBJECTS not as
serious as it might be. The Board will also have to
decide as to how the claims shall be paid,
whether sum in gross shall be allowed
the United States by the English Government, OF
whether certain rules and principles shall be laid
down as a basis of settlement of claims without re-
gard to the amount and shall stipulate that claims
presented under such conditions shall be paid by
England after passing Board of Audit, TO be Sc
lected by the two governments. If a sum In gross
e. allowed the United States, that Government will
assume all the claims and pay them to the indlyid-
ual claimants.
fovo fha
anxiety which have arisen out of the silly conse-
quential damages is freely charged as due to the
desire of Secretary Fish and Bancroft Davis to make
a great show and buster and frighten the English
Government. The result is apparent. The conse-
auential damages were presented and urged; they
were demanded the Secretary said in effect
that the Claims should not be withdrawn-that
they must go before the Arbitrators, and on this
the United States Government would be firm. This
the English Government would not listen to- and
also took firm stand. Then the Administration
began to back down, and gave England TO under
stand that we did not desire any money in settle
ment. but that we wanted the principle settled by
the Arbitrators so that it would never arise again.
ShH the English refused to go on, and die
tated an additional Article. to the effect that
no claims for consequential damages would
be made. The Secretary swallowed this
Jut the President, 10 escape responsibility IN
The matter sent it TO the Senate The Administra-
tion Senate consented 20 the additional article but
amended IL so as TO make the article principle to
e observed in cases arising in the future. The Eng
fish Government refuses TO accept this and at
length the Arbtrators have decided that the claims
have no business to be presented under the Treaty.
and 20 the Administration is just where it was be-
fore II made up its case with the exception that 1t
Is Inundated by the silly attempt TO do something
great. aud it's signal failure