The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1872-04-13
FOREIGN.
THE GENEVA ARBITRATION.
Interesting Debates i'm Parliament.

LONDON, April 12.-In the House of Com
mons this evening Mr.. Rathbone asked wheth-
er the Government had sent or intended to send
lts counter case respecting the Alabama claims
to the Geneva board.
Mr.. Gladstone replied that the case had been
prepared and despatced to Geneva. Touching
the contents OF the document, he would say
| that there was nothing relative to claims for
| indirect damages. A note accompanied the
case containing declaration on the part of the
Government for the purpose of reserving all the
rights appertaining 10 the Queen in this arbi-
tration, so that in future the Government would
not be fettered by any implied compromise
MI Schenck, the American Minister, had been
duly informed of the course TAKEN and notified
Lord Granville that there was no objection ON
ms part. The American counter case would be
presented to the Geneva tribunal without prem
dice to the rights of either party. Mr. Schenck
nad since informed Lord Granville that the
Government of the United States concurred in
this view, that the presentation of their counter
case would not effect the position assumed by
Great Britain on the question of indirect claims
Disraeli wanted to have the papers produced,
and asked whether Lord Chief Justice Cock,
burn was to resume his duties as member of
the Geneva board.
To the latter question Mr.. Gladstone replied
affirmatively. He promised that the British
counter case would be laid before Parliament at
an early day. He praised the House and Eng
land for their forbearance and the people and
Congress of the United States for refraining
from attempts to embarrass the question The
last note which was sent to Washington had
not yet been answered When the reply was
received no one would be more willing to make
the House completely acquainted with the de-
tails OF the negotiations than himself.
Disraeli said he wanted to impress it upon
the Government that the country was DESTROYS
OF clearly understanding the conditions under
which the Government sent its counter case to
Geneva. This very act admitted on the surface
the justice of the American claims for indirect
damages.
Earl Granville in the House of Lords to-
night, made replies in substance the same as
those of Mr.. Gladstones, to question put by
Lord Stanhope.
Earl Russell thought the Government had
failed to escape from difficulty. He declared
that they ought not, under any circumstances,
to consent to the consideration of claims for in
direct losses.
Lord Russell then gave notice that on the 22d
inst. he should bring in motion for an address
to the Queen, praying that instructions be given
that the proceedings before the arbitration at
Geneva be suspended till the United States
withdraw their claims for indirect damages /
The Duke of Richmond wanted to have an
understanding so there would be no possibility
of the arbitgators saying to England ''You
complied with the treaty; you entered YOUR
counter case; therefore we shall proceed to a
decision.
The Marquis of Salisbury regretted that the
government had abandoned the last chance of
PAOeNoeAho oSoiSe bhC CAcICiSc VI LHt UeneNd
board jurisdiction over indirect claims because
the arbitrators might award lump sum with
out specifications.
In the House of Commons late in the eve
ming, Sir Wilfred Lawson moved an address to
the Crown praying that measures be taken for
tho withdrawal of CT Britain from any treaty,
binding her to interfere with other nations by
war After protracted debate the motion
was negatived, 126.to q.
The Times ON the Alabama Claims.
The Times on the Alabama claims contro-
versy says: 'The British government will de-
liver its counter case at Geneva the 15th," but
will not regard this act as prejudicng the posi-
ton it has taken in opposition to the American
claims for direct damages. If the United States
shall not before the tribunal is ready with its
award have abandoned its claims for conse-
quental damages, then Great Britain will with
draw her ratification of the Treaty of Washing
ten.
Revolutionary Movements in Spain.
MADRID, April 12.-An armed band of Re-
publicans had appeared at Wendell. Seventeen
miles from Tonagona, $50 Carlists stopped
train on the railway and plundered the goods
and express cars but did not modest the passen-
gers. They also cut the telegraph wires and
communication with Barcelona Uninterrupted
The Governor of Corona telegraphs that the
troops are operating against the insurgents
The iron workers of Barcelona have struck
work. The landed propretors of the provinces
have organized parties to pursue the marauders
Fights have already taken place with robbers