The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1872-06-19
the treaty had met with unexpected discontinue.

the treaty had met with unexpected discontinue.
1t is q part or
THE SECRET HISTORY or THIS TRANSACTION
that the Senate amendment was anticipated and
perhaps prompted by the State Department, or
more properly by the Cabinet Up to
last Saturday, when the Board met at
Geneva, neither government had in the language
OF prominent Washington Official 'sbudged an
inch from the line of programme laid down by the
provisions OF the treaty. Particularly was and is
this the case with the United States, which latter
government filed its argument with the Board in
accordance with those provisions at that time. The
British government, however, did not file It's argu-
ment at that time. This fact, however, does not
In the opinion Of the United States amount to a
violation Of the treaty. 1t is, nevertheless
A HoN-oBsERvANcE OF ITS PROVISIONS.
The technical difference between the terms vic.
lation and non-observance are apparent, and ac-
cording to the opinion entertained here WILL If it
exerts any influence at ALL rebound to the benefit
Of the party which has strictly observed even the
most minute stipulations of the treaty. We now
claim that the Board has supreme and absolute
control over the whole question We appear in the
position OF a party before Court of Justice, the
opponent to which is liable to lose his case by de-
fault The British motion before the Board
is to adjourn or postpone. and, 80 far
as the State Department Is advised,
NO DEFINITE PERIOD OF ADJOURNMENT
has been mentioned. The statement that Great
Britain desired postponement until February has
been made possibly with authority from that side
OF the water, but as matter OF convenience it Is
not acceptable to our government. We could not,
after the ratification and exchange of any new
article and the meeting of the Board in February,
have time for the completion OF necessary legsla-
ton regarding free navigation, the fisheries, lim-
Der on the st. Johns River, &c. &C.. before the 4th
of March, when Congress must necessarily adjourn
The next meeting of Congress,
IN DECEMBER, 1873,
would be the first occasion offered in which to COM
plete this legislation. Again. If the selection of
board of assessors should be decided upon it would
be necessary that Congress should make provisions
therefor. However, the government here Is not In
the least anxious about this feature of the CASE and
having strictly complied with all the requirements
Of the treaty will abide the decision Of the Board,
WITHOUT FEAR OF UNAVOIDABLE RESULTS.
money award under any circumstances would
not be paid down. but would bear interest from the
date of the award, and If Great Britain should lose
the case by default, which Is not expected, the
United States would gain nothing except the in
terest on the amount awarded. The Board, under
the provisions of the treaty, Is requested to reach
final
DECISION WITHIN THREE MONTHS, 'sIF POSSIBLE
The words "if possible" do not make 1t man.
datory on the Board to reach that decision before
the 18th of August, and consequently II the pro-
ceedngs now 60 on without adjournment
it does not necessarily follow that the end
will be reached before next year. II an
adjournment Is granted our government
will receive any communication that may be
offered by Great Britain In a friendly spirit, but
having taken the Senate into confidential relations
regarding the pending negotiations, and having
presented the Senate amendment,
NOT EXACTLY AS AN ULTIMATUM,
but as the most favorable terms OF accommodation
in power, will be compelled to await the reas-
sembling of that body before another agreement in
the premises may be reached.