The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1872-04-25
PROSPECT OF A PEACEFUL SETTLEMENT.
The American Government About to Pro-
pose a Compromise.
How the Consequential Damages Claim
Will Be Determined.
A NEW PRINCIPLE OF INTERNATIONAL LAW.
The English and American Governments
Approaching Solid Ground.

Approaching Solid Ground
WASHINGTON, April "a, 1872.
There has been good deal OF excitement in dip
sumed by the Alabama question. While the Presi-
dent and Secretary of State have been eager for a
peaceful settlement Of the question they are still
res0lute to defend the honor of the country, and
not permit the English to force us into false posi-
ton.
very strong lobby has been and is now at work
to force withdrawal of our case, as presented at
Geneva This lobby is peculiarly constituted. All
the business interests of the country, especially
those interested in foreign securities and the en-
ployment OF foreign capital In this country, have
been urging the administration to settle the ques-
ton upon an amicabe basis. In the last few years.
especially since the laying of the Atlantic cable the
business relations between America and
England have known a prodigous increase.
The success Of the Syndicate national
loan was altogether owing to the good
feeling that followed the signing OF the washington
cannot sell bond Mr.. Boutwell,, who is anxious
to continue his work Of funding, finds the work
arrested, and II the misunderstanding con-
tinues will be compelled to fall back upon
Germany. Private enterprises, although backed
by the strongest houses, are dead. A few
days SINCE to give an illustration from
letter addressed to government by an
eminent New York banking house-a bond
was offered In the London market, being first mort
gage gold bond upon Wisconsin railroad. Although
in ordinary times the bond would have noated
easily, there not single bid, and the loan was
withdrawn, and the Northern Pacincs are farng no
better. In fact all business Of a financial character
is at an end, and the representatives Of these in
forests are pressing the government very strongly
Tor settlement.
In addition to this the liberal republicans are
making q vigorous effort to unite the disconnected
business elements with them upon the basis OF dis
satisfaction with the treaty. Mr.. Sumner, whose
speech against the Johnson-C Clarendon Treaty was
regarded as the strongest possible presentation Of
the case against England and the argument in
favor Of indirect damages, now insists
that he meant his speech, not in
literal but ngurative sense-that he urged the
indirect damages as rhetorical reason for the
direct claims, and as rhetorical reasons for demand
ing the largest possible indemnity from England
The distinguished Senator expresses great surprise
at the claims as presented In the Geneva case, and
is open In his declaration that they will not be sus
tained In the Senate.
Some of the administration Senators, headed by
Mr.. Carpenter, take the same view Mr. Cyrus W.
ously urging the withdrawal OF the case, and bring
ing the most doleful accounts Of the anger and
modification Of the English Mr.. Field had q long
interview with Assistant Secretary OF State
Hale urging the absolute withdrawal Of the case.
He had fortified himself with opinions from many
eminent lawyers, and was busy in advancing his
plan Of settlement.
In this state OF public feeling the HERALD sugges-
ton came like water upon a parched and sandy
soil. Mr. Fish says he is willing to accept 1t II
offered. This is, as you will remember, that both
nations agree to the principle of international law
that no neutral shall be liable for con-
sequential or indirect damages for the in
juries inflicted upon the commerce OF
friendly Powers at war with each other;
Upon the acceptance Of this declaration as part
of the treaty the United States will withdraw Its
case and England will proceed with the arbitration.
Mr.. Fish urges In support Of this view that,
with six thousand miles Of sea coast and
the difficulty of watching all tho ports, 1t
would be material advantage to the United States
to have the whole question settled so far as mari
time nations concerned, by the withdrawal Of
the whole principle issue at any future time.
The President has expressed no opinion upon the
new point. He is resolute on the whole question
and disposed to resent the imputations made by the
English statesmen upon our national frankness and
good faith. He has been very decided upon the
whole question ever since the outset, and is espe-
cialy sensitive about the warlike threats against
this country. He Is also known to have very de-
cided convictions upon the subject, and 1t Is still
matter OF doubt whether he viii permit Mr.. Fish to
assume the position.
Sir Edward Thornton Is expected here tomor-
row. The Secretary Of State especially requested
him to return as he was anxious to consult with
him upon an important matter. 1t is known that
the proposition to be considered Is substantially
what was printed in the HERALD.
! Advices received here this evening inform the
government that the subject was preached to Sir
Edward yesterday Informally, by friend Of the ad
mlnlstratlon. The Minister expressed his hearty
acquiesence in the proposition and said he had no
doubt the British government would consent. When
this was known cable despatch was sent by an
Indirect friendly source to Lord Granville, to know
what the Gladstone Cabinet would think of the
compromise If 1t took an official shape. No reply
has been received although one Ia exnected To.