Herald and tribune. [volume] (Jonesborough, Tenn.) 1869-current, 1872-03-28
THE ALABAMA CLAIMS.
Lord Derby's Inquiry as to the
Policy Of ilse British Cabinet.

TIeleSram to the New York Herald
LONDON, March y, 1S72.-During
the session of the House of Lords thiseve-
nlng the Earl of Derby. in accordance
with a notice given on Tuesday night, pro-
posed his question as to the course the
government intended to pursue with re-
gard to the Treaty of Washington. lie
hoped the Minister of Foreign Affairs
would be able to state that Her Maiesty's
government was prepared to MAINTAIN the
ground taken at the beginning Of the pres
ent session, and decline to admit the
claims for indirect damages made by the
American government before the Geneva
tribunal. All knew that the public anx-
iety was great. 1t was an anomalous
state of things, that, while all the news
papers OF the country were discussing this
question, Parliament should be forbidden
from debating it. He warned the gov
ernnent that the doctrine that they had
already sacrificed much for peace. and
better give more than fail, was danger
ous." He asked further, if Great Britain
would appear before the Geneva Board
under the circumstances?
Earl Granville replied that Mr.. Glad
stone and he himself had already given
answer to these questions, to which moth
ing could be added at present. Complete
publicity at this juncture was impossible.
The Earl of Malmesbury objected to
the continued silence of Parliament. If
the Treaty of Washington had been dis
cussed last yeaI the present difficulties
would have been ayerted.
Lord WoStbnrv snolo =, oonJo~o.o,
of the conduct Of the American govern
ment. 1t had been distinctly promised
that Indirect damages would not be press
ed, and it would De contrary to England's
honor to admit them after such mutual
understanding.
Earl Granville intimatcd that the treaty
had been miscoDstrued.
Lord Granville having referred to Mr..
Gladstone's previous statements the fol-
synopsis of the former debates is
.tu
In the House of Commons on the 10Th
instant Mr.. Horsman reminded the Parli- !
ament that he had already notified the
government of his intention to question it
relative to the Alabama claims case, and
he now begged for a reply. Was the
Ministry prepared to give the Parliament
that, in case fresh negotiations
were entered upon wal the American
government, no proposals would be finally
accepted until they had received the sane
ton of Parliament?
Mr.. Gladstone said he was sorry that
ne was unable to answer the question.
lie had bad no opportunity to give the
the consideration 1t demanded, or
,ven to consult with his colleagues.
When the House Of Commons assemb-
ed next evening Mr.. Horsmau asked the
to assure Parliament that, IN
,ase fresh negotiations relative to tie
Ala bama claims were entered upon with
he American government, no proposals
would be finally accepted until they had
eceiyed the sanction of Parliament.
Mr.. Gladstone, Ill reply, said he inform
ID the honorable gentleman last night
hat be Lad been unable to consult with
lis colleagues on the subject. He added ,
hat be was yet without the opportunity
o do SO, and consequently was not able
ogive tie assurance asked for. He would (
tate, however, that Parliament would be {
at all times of the spirit, aim,
and policy of the government 7
n all important questions. So far as the |
AiaIama claims were concerned, he be- /
the speech of Her Majesty at the
Pening Of the session gave all the neces-
airy information.
1t is said that the the steamship Baltic. t
Inch left Queenstown at half-past four 2, v
| to-day for New York, bears out for Il
Washington the second note of Earl Gran t
on the Alabama claims case. The q
'altic is due in America Oh the 3Ist inst.