The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1883-04-08

Claims Growing Oss Of che Ale xaudria Riets
The Khedivs Overriding the Law.

-Ino Anoohvo VvefttouoB toe hsaWs
WASHINGTON. April 6.-Some interesting
questions have arisen regarding the Settle
ment OF claims OF foreigners upon tho Govern
ment OF Egypt growing out OF the riots OF last
summer. In 1860 an act was passed by Con-
gress giving certain judicial powers to Min
listers and Consuls or other functionares OF
the United States In China Persia. the Otto
man empire. and other non-Chrlstian coun-
tries. In pursuance OF treaties with those
powers. And In 1874 an act was passed pro-
vding that whenever the President OF tho
United States shall receive satisfactory In
formation that the Ottoman Government. or
that Of Egypt. has organized other tri-
bunals on basis likely to secure to citi-
zens OF tho United States. In their dominions.
the same impartial justice which they now
enjoy there under tho judicial functions exer-
ciscd by the Minister. Consuls. and other func-
tionaries OF the United States" pursuant to
the foregoing act Of 1860. he is hereby au-
thorized to suspend tho operations Of said act
rs to the domnions In wh&ch such tribunals
may be organized. SO far as the jurisdiction Of
said tribunals may embrace matters now cog
nizable by the Minister. Consuls or other func-
tionaries OF tho United States in said domin.
ions. and to notify tho Government OF the
Sublime Porte. or.that OF Egypt. or either OF
them. that the United States. during such sus-
pension, WILL rs hIOToSdlu, h'ctpt tuelT Clti-
zens the jurisdiction Of. the tribunals aforesaid
over citizens OF tho United States which has
o Sasn oseTs 81 tho uned
President Grant issued his proclamation In
conformity with this act on the 9th Of March.
ized. Indeed. there were three inferior courts.
styled Courts Of the First Instance. with
six Franks and four natives The Western
powers rsprfesentod were the United states
Rrsa Frnncs had ths nr,viIern q, rsnressn
atiSGn n The court but neglected neg to nominate
was agreed that the Franks should have ma
i2rity Of the inferior and suReri;Gr courts The
oarts Of fs tPs Franz
whsh the system ys BY the
powers. Handsome salaries were provided to
Th @.g IRIS lie @ these courts COVERS civil
causes between natives and foreigners and be-
OF natonShes
foreigners with the Egyptian Governmsnt,it
''dnIras." or private estates. and those Of mem
beers Of his family. These courts have cogni;;
| zance OF other matters also. including penal
offences and may summon jurles.
But in the adjudication of claims founded on
H BY tine
abide the jurisdiction Of this international
be claimants. and issued a decree referring
their decision to. a Commission composed Of
| laid down his own terms, which are far from
being liberal. Article 2 Of the decree. dated
Jan; ID. 1888. constituting the Commission. is
| In these words:
No right o, indemnity shall be allowed for indirect
Of a d2 % s o
81 any Sn OF rents or r iroPs Men ihe d y
or pledge in the hands e I
| party.
| n = 4
unjust Why. shout: :!@eiry and articles Of
| yirtu be paid for Tsncn the claimant Is n pawn
n pto wen hy Mh
such articlcs-paintings, statuary and the like
the R9ssesson Of which can be easily ProySn
and earpets pThsro could a BE- IN
proving tho possession OF valuable jewelry.
found secret Of such possessions. among their
at Least r%to also Is
thinEs are sure not to Conceal M them from init
mate friends and guests. and II they are Of
ny w at ns nnd
praise the losses sustained by the Europeans
and Americans in tho riot was made last fall.
nounced the Accord IN, arrived at between his
Government and the Governments OF the inter
mixed Commission, But this November an
nouncement antedated the decree which OK
ssvs
and American Governments arc not bound by
it, ThSy Sgsh to maxi Hrbns sne
able lesson in Western. jurisprudence-that er
| post f1cto laws are not binding
Well-groundcd complaints have been made
ton and it may be hoped that tho American
and European Governments will not submit to
| Its enforcement.
There may be reason for an exception made
by the decree Of Nov. 4 TO jurisdiction OF the
mixed Commission. although 1t Is not apparent,
1t Is as follows:
The mixed tribunals will not .ake;no OF any de
mands for indemnities against the Egyptian Govern
ment for losses which may have happened In Egypt
since the 10th OF June 1882.
1t il addod that special Commission will
be appointed to take charge OF such cases.
A question arises in regard to the power oil
the President In the premises. Does his as
sent to tho decree Of tho Khedve, by which tho
International Courts are superseded amount to
a revocation Of the pr9clama,ion Of Gen: Grant
that law and the power Of the Minister. Consuls
&c.. revivcd2 Can the President. under the act
Of 1874. make partial suspension Of the act oil
1860?
| Too Much Honesty.
| From the arkansas Traveller.