The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1878-05-11

United States, signed WhhJ ~ lalhlllhlly
known as the Treaty Of Washington, for
an amicablc settlement Of all causes OF diff
ference between the two countries" The
substantial basis Of that treaty had been
previously laid by private conferences be-
tween an agent of tho British Government
and Mr.. FISH, in concert with few others,
who were taken into the secret negotiations
and committed In advance to the proposed
policy.
Under the demands for reparation made
by Mr.. SEWARD and Mr.. ADAMS for losses
inflicted Oh American commerce during the
rebellion by tho open completely OF the
British Government and its official agents,
and the claim for indirect damages urged
by Mr.. SUMNER and others, taken in conncc-
tion with the unsettled state Of Europe,
England was most anxious to effect settle
ment, particularly after the emphatic rejec-
ton by the Senate of the JOHNsoN-CLARI.N-
DON treaty Mr.. CoBDEN had estimated, In
1864, the actual destruction Of American ves-
sells at about fifteen millions OF dollars, but
he considered that "a small part Of the In
| Jury inflicted on the American marine"
war cloud was hanging over Europe
| then as now and ready to burst with ter
| rifle force. England knew by her own ex-
pericnce what injury few well appointed
| cruisers could do to commerce, and she de-
sired first Of all things TO tie the hands OF
the United States, so that in case Of a great
foreign war; there would be no Alabamas
| and Shcnandoahs 10 rctallate on her marine
for the losses inflicted ON ours during the
civil war. Her sagacious statesmen were
willing to pay down given sum Of money,
discussion in Congress and elsewhere, and
to silence an agitation which at one time
threatened to assume the gravest aspect
and the largest proportions.
Therefore, when Mr.. FISH was captured
In the secret initiatory negotiations by the
offer Of a money indemnity, he was ready to
sacrifice the policy and principles which the
| United States had uniformly maintained as
n neutral from the foundation OF the Gov
eminent. Still, there were serious difficulties
to be overcome. The people OF the United
States were smarting under the wrongs Of
| England and public sentiment was avcrse
TO any diplomatic arrangement by which
| they would bc compromised. They were
| willing TO wait for an opportunity to settle
| the outstanding claims in their own way,
and TO recover the commerce which had been
| lost through the dcprcdations OF the insur-
gent cruisers armed and equipped in British
ports.
No time was lost, after the basis Of the
| treaty had been agreed upon, In organizing
the Joint High Commission. England sent
| five OF her ablcst and shrewdest men, who
| united rank and social distinction with ex-
pericncc and knowledge Of the task they
! had in hand. seconded by the choicest
trained skill OF the Foreign Office for the
work Of details. The Earl DE GREY and
RIpoN, Sir STAFFORD NoRTHcoTE Sir Ed
WARD THORNTON, Sir JOHN MCDONALD, and
Mr.. MONTAGUE BERNARD, represented
Great Britain, while on our side to confront
| them were Mr.. FISH, then Secretary OF State /;
| Mr.. r. G. SCHESCK, OF Emma mine distinction;
Judge SAMUEL NELSON, then in the decline
OF his life; MIR. +. r. HoAR, and Mr. GEORGE
II. WILLIAMS, pow familiarity known as
LANDAULET WILLIAMS"
The British Commissioners at once set
themselves TO work to conquer the preiu-
dices OF society. They entertained magnin-
Gently, visited everybody, expended large
sums Of money, courtcd the press, and in
the end, with limited exception. captured
| all Washington for liberal treaty. A live
Earl for social lion and liberal outlays in
the most captivating methods had won
derful effect on the sentiment OF the capital,
which was visible in many outward forms.
Meanwhile, tho GRANT Administration, with
Mr.. FISH as the manager, made the treaty a
test Of political loyalty and OF social recog-
milton.
The treaty was concluded May 7, 1871 the
Senate approved it May "a, 1871 1t was rati-
fled by the President May "a, ls7l ratitica-
tions were exchanged at London June H.
1871, and the treaty was officially proclaimed
July I, 1871. The Republicans had an over
whelmlng majority in the Senate, and voted
down amendments offered by Mr.. THURMAN
Mr.. CAssERLY. Mr.. BAYARD, and others
Knowing that it would not stand discussion
the Republicans refused To remove the in
junction OF secrecy from the proceedings
the vote, or the debate, and to this day they
are all hidden from the public eye, for reasons
that are well known TO the authors and abct
tors OF this diplomatic surrender to Grca
Britain.
The rules imposed by that treaty are a
follows:
, a neutral Government Is hound
First 20 use due diligence TO prevent the fitting on
arnng equippins, within it, Jurisdiction. Of any We
sci which has reasonable ground 10 bchevo intendc
TO cruiss or to carry war against power with wh
peace, and also tousc like diligence 10 prevent u,
departure from It's Jufi,p ton ct any vessel Intended
cruise carry above, such vessel having bee
specially adapted IN whole part within such juri
. dlcuon, t. wariike u-e.
Secondly, not To permit or sunor either hclligeren
make it, ports waters as the base Of naval oper
against the other or for the purpose of the renew
or augmentation Of military supplies arms, the r
% cruitment of men
Thirdly exercise due diligence in It's ports an
waters and, - To- all persons within IT'S jurisdiction,
. prevent any violation Of the foregoing Obligations an
duuesn
England could we'll afford to pay iiftce
, millions to settle our claims for losses an
- injuries. and TO have these rules adopted, b
which We are to act for her protection as
, police on our own soil and against our ow
: citizens. Tho United States have Away
fulfilled the duties Of a neutral honestly, an
. must continue to act in good faith But il
. hardly to he expected that in the event {
y war the American people will strain
- point TO do more than duty demands {
them for the benefit of Great Britain,