New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1876-06-10
CURRENT TOPICS Al THE CAPITAL.
AN OFFER BY ENGLAND REPELLED.

WASHINGTON, Friday, June ., 1876
Upon May 81, Sir Edward Thornton, the
British Minister read to Mr.. Fish telegram from Lord
Derby stating that Mr Hoffman had suggested addi-
article the treaty OF 1912, and that Lo Derby
thereupOn proposed article taken from the draft OF
treaty which under consideration in 1873 but which
failed Of being celebrated by the refusal OF the United
States assent to of its terms. This article subor-
dnated the treaty OF Is i2 the operations and pro-
visions OF the British act OF Parliament Of 1870 which
has been the very point in controversy in the WnslOw
case. Mr. Fish expressed to Sir Edward Thornton
greet and surprise that Mr. Hoffman should have made
any suggestion tho question. Mr. Hoffman had no
authority whatever to make 10 entertain, any such
proposition, but strictly limited 10 the conveyance
Of specific instructions from his Government Mr.. Fish
requested Mr.. Thornton to Lord Derby to this
effect He said the proposition OF Lord Derby could not
be entertained 1t would cOnccde OF the grounds on
which the United states stands; II would he unwise 10
attempt to patch up" the treaty OF 1912 Ia word,
the proposition courtcously but most positively
PEELED the very to the knowledge Of the
United States. II is presumed that Lord Derby was In
formed OF this interview and OF the positive nature OF
its results. Mr.. Hoffman Immediately informed by
telegraph and subsequently, by IN AZ thlt bs cJdGot IN
proved.
THE STEAMBOAT BILL As AMENDED
The changes proposed by the Senate Com
mtee on Commerce the House Steamboat BILL IA re-
ported from that Committee by Mr.. Dennis today,
ni,roglycrrine stricken from Sections % and ~,
which to the mode OF packing marking and ship
ping dangerous articles. The Committee also strike ont
the Section 80, which provides that pilots and
engineers vessels who shall be licensed such
shall officers of said vessels subject to the
same obi cations and entitled to the privileges as
other licensed officers OF steam vessels, and that none
except American citizens shall be licensed pilots and
engineers The personal liability section Is amended
By the Senate Committee as to read IA follows:
Whenever damage il sustained by any passenger or
his baggage DosOn fire. collision other cause
Tho master OF such vessel either OF Them
and vessel hall he liable 10 each and every person
injured. TO the full amount of damage. II it happens
through any neglect failure 10 comply with provisions
OF this title, through known defects or I'M
perfection VI the steering apparatus. or OF the
hull. But II such explosion fire, collision, or
casualty shall without the fault lTYlty or knOw
edge owners the total liability Of such owner
or owners respectively shall in case exceed the
amount value OF his their interest in such vessel
and frei hts then pending and any person sustain
ing injury through the carelessDess negligence,
OF wifu misconduct OF master, mate, engineer, or
pilot or his neglect refusal to obey the laws
ing the navigation NJ such steamers may sue such mas
ter, mate, engineer, pilot and recover damages for
any such injury caused by any such master mate en-
geer pilot and such officer may also be Imprisoned
not exceeding three years.