The Emporia news. [volume] (Emporia, Kan.) 1859-1881, 1872-02-23

aggregate some S30,OOO,OOO, viz:
Compensation for the vessels and
cargoes destroyed by the anglo-rebcl
cruisers; enhanced payments of mar
Inc insurance; expenditures incurred
20 chase or capture the cruisers; dam
ages caused 70 persons on board the
vessels destroyed; and interest from
July, 1883, upon all these amounts.
These claims have been fully en-
dorsed by the American people, who
will stand in q solid phalanx to sus-
tain them. And England does not
object to the conference deciding
them. They may be considered as
peaceably settled, in our favor.
The claims which have caused so
much angry excitementand the pro-
priety of which we have to consider,
are the following:
v. For loss In the transfer OF tho
American commercial marine to to the
British nag. Amount not yet estima-
ted.
VII. For prolongation of the civil
war, later the battle of Gettysburg,)
the addition Of large sum to the cost
thereof and OF the suppression of the
rebellion. Amount not estimated, but
to be computed upon the degree of aid
given to the rebellion on account of
the rebel cruisers.
In regard TO these claims, Queen
Victoria said, In her opening speech
to Parliament, on the 9Th:
The arbitrators appointed, pursuant
to the treaty OF Washington, for the
purpose OF anicably settling the Ala
bama claims, have held their first meet
ing In Geneva. In the case submitted
by the United States large claims are
included which we're not understood,
on my part, to be within the province
of the arbltrAtors. On this subject
have caused friendly communication
70 be made to the government OF the
United States.
Mr.. Disraeli said:
These claims are impractical and pre-
posterous, and If admitted into the
conference, would be fatal to the power
and honor of Great Britain.
Mr.. Gladstone, prime minister
said:
Ours Ii the only fair and unmistaka.
BILE Interpretation OF the treaty. The
prepoSterous character of these Amer.
lean demands of itself fully prove!
their absurdltv, for they are such tina
no people In the last extremity of wal
or In the lowest depths of nationa
misfortune, with the spirit of the peo-
pie OF England In their hearts, coulC
ever submit to. (Cheers.)
And all England appears to agree
that the treaty was not understood
to include the presentation of these
claims, that 1t is unfair for the Uni
ted States to strain q techicality o
the treaty in order to obtain di
plomatic advantage, and that If per
sisted in England will regard thu
spirit and intent of the treaty vi
olated by us, and will therefore
refuse to take further part in o.
abide by any decision of, the Gene
va conference. Thus all the claim
remain as unsettled rs ever. AND
this attitude of England is respond
ed to In America by threats of war
capture of British possessions, anC
destruction of British commerce
The world is astonished to see IL
two most enlightened nations sud
denly cease rejoicing that their dis
agreements were to be amicabll
adjusted, and stand facing eacl
other like gladiators, breathing only
defiance and threats of mortal in,
Jury.
In this unexpected crisis, the frs
question for us to consider is no
our ability to whip England. The
first thing is not to build more
monitors, or buy more gunpowder
or calculate how to mostly quickly
capture Canada or sink Englisl
merchant vessels. The Fenians have
arranged for all that. No-thes'
are not the proper issues of the
hour. The first thing is to find ou
which government has managed tC
evoke the worst passions of botf
nations. Which is responsible fol
this change from peace to threaten
ed WARP
First, be sure we are right - then
70 ahead. II these claims are JUS
and fairly within the treaty, w
must stand up to them, no matter
how long It takes to secure them, o.
what foes we confront. But if they
arc not fair, let US be wise, patriotic
courageous enough, to say so frank
~ and fearlessly. Let US act like I
free and intelligent people, empow
cred to call our government to strlc
account in all matters. instead o
blindly following II, in either wa
or peace. The American people ar
not 90 Russians to Gar, or French
to an Emperor. President Gran
and his Cabinet are but public serv
ants temporarily employed to carr.
out the public will. Before W
give way to unthinking passion AM
say the conferences must decide thes
claims, let those who make then
show clearly why they are made
and what benefits the people of tn
United States can expect to obtail
by having them pressed upon tn
conference.
We learn slowly. Few stop to in
auire.w what the proposed war is to b
about. But many hastily condemn
every suggestion that springs from
common sense and considerate, un
selfish patriotism. Does this coun
try mead to exhibit its bravery an
81 strength, in WARP Does Englsn
question our valor or our resources
Do we need to conquer more terri
tory7 Can blood only satisfy on
injnries7 Are Q hundred thousan
more widows and orphans on tn
psnaion roll, and 9 public debt neve
TO Be got rid Of 90 absolutely essen
tiAl 90 our national honor that W
must have than regardless OF cost
This IL the occasion for our boaste
Intelligence, selE-poise, moral cul
tire aud courage, to bear gloriou
fruit. We can easily defy England
We con ssizs CAnada. We can swee
commerce from the seas. But ca
We conquer ourselves. Can we keeI
true to Justice and Humanity Ca
49, the ostensibly sovereign people
scaiGiy notify the administrator
that &c nast not precipltate war, o
-Oe0olDae psaas. or prevent the sci
tRSmNnk OF our approved claims