The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1872-02-23
Charles Francis Adams and Minister Thorn.
toms Visit to the Secretary.
Reported Resignation Of Collector
Arthur.

The city was quiet to-day, with almost Sabbath
The Senate and House had adjourned q few COM
mittees transacted some drowsy routine business.
The local professions took advantage OF the I'M
usually bright weather to celebrate rhe day with
drums aud nags and promenading. The President
and members of the Executive family left town at
noon.
The morning mail brought the text OF the note
written by Lord Granville TO General Schenck in
reference to the Alabama case and the Geneva
tribunal. 1t does not differ materially from the
despatch indicating Its tenor telegraphed by cable
from London. but is written in the elaborate
diplomatic phraseology characteristic Of the COM
munications OF the British Foreign Minister The
point OF the note Is virtually what expressed by
the Queen in the speech from the throne This is
clothed with proruse assurances of the friendship
entertained by the English for America the regret
felt at the existence OF any misunderstanding and
the expression Of an earnest wish that some means
may be found to reconcile the difficulty and enable
the two countries 10 proceed with the arbitration.
extracts from the English and Continental news.
papers. commenting upon the treaty, carefully col.
lated and arranged by General Schcnck, ana making
several hundred pages. The Secretary after studying
transactng the routine business OF the department.
closeted himself and prepared draft OF tho note
to be sent in reply. The Secretary was at work
upon this until late hour this evening. 1t will be
submitted to the President to-day and after receiv.
Ing his final approval will be sent to England by the
steamer which sails on Saturday. The promptness
with which Mr. Fish has prepared this note Is
characteristic OF the patience and Industrious care
which he bestows upon the business Of his depart
ment. The exact words OF the despatch have not
franspired The Secretary has written 1t person.
ally, and enough is known to indicate the position
assumed by the American government. The Amer
ican Cabinet VIII reciprocate the kind wishes ex-
pressed by England, and, carefully reviewing the
negotiations, VIII show that America has acted
In all things fair to England; that there has been
no surprise or misunderstanding; that SO far from
America opening the claims for consequential
damages In the Geneva cease" these claims we're
clearly stated by Mr.. Fish In the preliminary dis
'cussions in the sessions Of the Joint High Commits
sion. This being the fact, the Secretary does not
see how England can ask America to withdraw or
amend her case, without compelling her to admit
that she In some way took advantage OF the
British Cabinet; that the honor OF America is as
v,,s,
the American people, however earnestly they may
desire this treaty, cannot accept it at such a
sacrifice OF the nations dignity as assent to Eng
lands demand would imply.
The Secretary has given much thought to the
subject, and, in fact It has been the engrossing
topic IN the minds OF the President and Cabinet
TO she exclusion OF sensation subjects like the
French sales Of arms, the general order business the
Terwilliger Investigations and schurz's clumsy.
imeagre rhetoric, which the Cheap Jack correspond
1t is interesting to know the views entertained By
the English members OF the Joint Commission.
They contend that the presentation Of claims for
Indirect damages was never entertained by the
'negotiators OF the treaty for a moment.
They say that England is afraid that the
arbtrators selected from Switzerland, Italy ana
Brazil would be interested in awarding a sum in
gross for indirect damages, by way Of lettering the
stronger nations from allowing any assistance 60
from their ports in case Of war to assist beligerens
They empnatcally assert that arbitration, far as
the Geneva Conference is concerned, is at an end
until the question Of indirect damages is decided.
as England will not file counter statement until
the subject is disposed Of
The American members of the Joint High Conn
mission admit the awkward position the United
states has placed itself in at this juncture, In in
Guiding claims for indirect damages, and which she
cannot withdraw in view of the political situation
In the United States. 1t Is we'll known that the
English Minister feels anxious personally as 10 the