Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1873-09-29
THE MINED CLAIMS COMMISSION


The Mixed Claims Commission for the
settlement of American and British Claims
under the twelfth article of the treaty Of
Washington, has concluded its labors in
manner which seems to be generally sat
isfactory The claims presented on be-
half of citizens of the United States were
nineteen in all, thirteen of which grew
out of the St. Adams raid four for the de-
tention of vessels at Calcutta loaded with
saltpere, one for an improvement in fire.
arms which had been adopted by the Brit
ish government, and the other for the en-
pulsion of an American citizen from the
island of San Juan.
The British claims were Of a miscella-
neous character, from those for trifling
losses by Sherman's march to one for a
quicksilver mine in California valued at
nearly fifteen million dollars. Between
such claims as those were claims for dam
ages arising out of capture, detention and
condemnation of vessels as prizes during
the war, the appropriation by the United
States government of their cargoes, and
also Of quartermaster' and commissary
stores in the Southern States during the
rebellion, the destruction of property by
United States forces, the destruction of
property by rebel forces, the allegcdn n-
lawful arrest and imprisonment of British
subjects, claims on Confederate bonds,
claims for damages in consequence of the
enactment of the legal tender act by which
British creditors were compelled to accept
greenbacks in lieu of gold in settlement
of claims against American citizens and
corporations. These and hundred other
claims of similar character were pressed
upon the attention of the Commission.
The result is that while about ninety
five millions of dollars were claimed, the
sum of $1,929.8 only was allowed,
about two per cent. of the demands. This
sum all goes to British claimants, the AM
erican claims being disallowed. Some of
the American claims were from citizens of
Boston, but we judge from the articles of
the press that the result of the Commits
sion is satisfactory there. The Journal of
that city in an editorial says:
"We are bound to believe, from the high
character Of the Commissioners Of whom
the Italian Minister at Washington acted as
Presidsnt-and the long and laborio hear
ings which they gave the various matters be-
lore them, that these decisions have been, on
tne whole, rightly rendered. Certainly, the |
claimants have had every opportunity for gre
sGenting their cases fully and fairly. The
government and the people will cheerfully
acquiesce IN the result 1t affords but an
otner proof OF the wisdom of that ioternationa,
pohcy which was inaugurated by the Joint
High Commission. Here were questions smrb
as have repeatedly involved great nations in
long and bloody wars, and they had ALREADY
kindled warm passions on both sides If tho
water. The good sense of the race, however,
has prevailed, and through the friendly
courses of arbitration everything is settled
and good feeling is restored. The United
States at least may well be satisfied. We Sc
cure the Alabama claims, put the fisheries on
good foundation, obtain the island of San
Juan, and cut the British claims through the
whole war period down to two per cent.-to
say nothing of establishing a great principle
OF international law certain to be of value in
the future"