Year: 1871

Basis OF Settlement OF the Alabama Claims


Agreed Upon-England's Responsibility


for the Alabama's DepredatiOns Com


ceded-Ftn01 Decisions to be Made Within


Two Years.


It is understood that the Joint High Commission
have concluded convention containing the basis
ofa settlement Of the Alabama claims. 1t would
that the questions for adjustment pending between
the United States and ireat Britain are considered
separately, and the plan propose1 for their sett =
ment is to be embodied In distinct conventions or
treaties, which, OF course, subject side to
the ratification OF the Senate. 1t is said that the
convention for the settlement of the Alabama
claims has been signed by all the commissioners;
that is divided into eight articles, substantially as
follows:-


First. The high contracting parties agree to be
bound in their conduct by the rule that nation
shall be responsible for depredations committed on
friendly power by vessel fitted out and manned


Second. The high contracting parties shall here
after enforce this rule I'm their treaties with all for
eign powers, and will endeavor TO induce the adop-
tion OF this rule principle of international law


Third. The class OF claims known as Alabama
claims shall be submitted to a commission to consist
OF five members, to be appointed by the Presi-
dent Of the United States, with the advice and
sent of the Senate, one by the Queen OF Great
Britain and Ireland, one by the Emperor of Brazil,
one by the President of the Republic of Switzer-
land, and one by the King of Italy. This
commission shall meet at Washington, within six
months after the ratification OF this convention.
The commission shall decide the responsibility of
Great Britain in each case and award the damages
that may be found. If either OF the three powers
lsst mentioned fails to appoint a commissioner the
NaCdncy Snall De ulleu Dy Ine Ming Ol OWeueu aHu
Norway.


Fourth. In case of a vacancy in the commission
the vacancy shall be filed in the same manner as
the original appointment


Fifth. The members OF the commission shall be
sworn not TO be prejudiced in advance, aud to de-
eide each claim on the evidence presented to them.
being guided, however, by the rule laid down in the
first article of this convention, namely, that a
nation shall be responsible for depredations commit
ted on friendly power by a vessel fitted out and
manned at a neutral port all claims shall be
filed within the commission within six months after
their meeting unless good reasons be shown
for delay, in which case the commission may
extend the time for the presentation of claims.
Final decisions upon all claims must be made within
two years from the time OF the first meeting OF the
commission. All sums OF money in payment OF
claims shall be paid in gold at Washington in such
manner as the commission may direct. No decision
of the commission shall he binding either of the
high contracting parties unless agreed to by one Of
the two commissioners representing those high
contracting paI ties.


Sixth This article empowers the commission to
employ all necessary clerks and assistants, provides
that the expenses OF the commission shall oe borne
equally by the high contracting parties, and that all
bills shall be paid on the vouchers of the commits
soDers and enters into the details with reference to
these matters


Seventh This article provides that in case the
commission should fail to agree on any specific
claims, such claims shall be referred to board OF
three members, one to be appointed by the Presi-
dent OF the United States with the sanction OF the
Senate, one by the Queen OF Great Britain and Ire
land, and one by the Emperor OF Russia. Ths board
shall meet at New York within six months after the
adjournment OF the other commission, shall take
testimony at length and decide as to acts amounts
due, etc. This provision is evidently Intended to
cover doubtful cases, with reference to which the
other commission has not time to take the necessary


Eighth The last article relates to the expenses OF
the board last named and is similar to article sixth
in all essential particulars.


Such, it is said IS the basis OF agreement which
the Joint High Commission has come 10 for the set
tlement OF the Alabama claims.