Year: 1871

l.


the times indicative of the peaceful soiu-
ton of international differences by con-
ference and compromise rather than oy
the arbitrament of war. 1t CLOSES Ihe
history of a series of negotiations with
out parallel in diplomatic annals. DlI-
ferences between England and The United
States had arisen which, with each years
ex iration. were increasing with intensity
and bitterness. Ten years ago, when we
were brought to a struggle for the exist
ence of our nation, the ruling classes
of England turned the cold shoulder to
our appeals for aid and sympathy in sup
port of the cause ofliberty against slavery.
But the greatest injustice toward this ma
ton was the fitting out and sending forth
the Alabama to prey upon and commit
havoc among our commercial marine,
producing incalculable injury to the
shipping interest of the country, which
wears will not retrieve. Other wrongs
were perpetrated by England which were
calculated to intensity the feeling of
hatred and spirit of retaliation by us to-
ward that nation, which it was believed
nothing but bloody, red-handed war
could satisfy and efface. Happily it is
now ended, and by the work which is now
complete the bitterness and ill-feeling en-
gendered by the wrongs and insults of
the past may be considered as buried,
never again to berevived.


With pride and pleasure do we welcome
the era of diplomacy and negotiation by
the peaceful determination of conven-
tions, where difficulties and differences
between nations may be discussed,
weighed and adjusted to the satisfaction
of the people, without resort to arms.
'Peace hath its victories no less renowned
than war;" and it is cause for rejoicing
and congratulation that the two foremost
nations of the earth have set an example
which can not but be felt and acknowl-
edged throughout the civilized world.


1t is true that in the treaty just ratified
our nation has been triumphant in the
of what was claimed in rela-
ton to the Alabama and her depredations
upon our commerce, and the English rep
resentatives were frank enough to admit
the fact Long and bitter have been the
disputes between the people of the two
countries over this single subject, which,
at one time, threatened to bring on war,
but this was happily averted. In the
treaty about to be promulgated, the honor
and interests of our country have been
perfectly guarded in every respect, and
they are amply secured by the guarantees
contained therein. This is a subject Of
congratulation.


The settlement thus reached marks an
era in progress and civilization which can
not be too deeply impressed upon the
hearts and minds of our people. For the
first time in the history of modern ma
tions England has been magnanimous
enough to offer an apology not extorted
by military defeat. For the first time in
the history of diplomacy confession of
wrong and a declaration of regret has
been embodied in treaty. 1t was no
humiliation for England to do thus much
toward bringing about the final settle
ment. 1t was only justice, and granting
it secured the happiest results.


q treaty is a compromise, and compro-
mise involves concession. There have been
some concessions made unfavorable to us,
which ought not, perhaps, to have been
made This, however, is the result of
compromise among the members of the
commission charged with the duty Of ad-
Indication and settlement of all differ
ences existing between the two countries.
Lord Ashburton and Reverdy Johnson
had essayed the performance of the task,
but there was failure in both cases.
The treaty known as the Clarendon-J ohm
son treaty was more favorable to our in
terests than the one now made, but it was
the beginning of the end. At the time
that treaty was made it became apparent
that a peaceful result might finally be
reached by adopting the same course. Our
Senate rejected that treaty because of the
opposition of Mr.. Sumner, who, at the
time it was brought before that body,
delivered speech of great force, power
and eloquence, which secured its rejec-
ton. 1t will be remembered that in that
speech of our greatest statesman, full
and complete statement was made of the
wrongs which had been inflicted upon us
by England, and excited feeling of in
tense indignation and evaporation
throughout the whole country. Time and
reflection assuaged this hostility toward
a nation with whom we are closely allied
in all that pertains to national
greatness, progress and civilization,
and the treaty now ratified il


the result. There is no doubt, also


that England, as we have before suggested


in these columns, sees danger before hel


arising from the events which have tran


spired in Europe within the past two


years. Her power and prestige are no


now what they we're when she fought one


half the continent of Europe and subsi


died the other. Two great colossal.


now stand out in bold relief with threa


and menace for the overthrow of tn,


only obstacle in their path of conques


and vassalage. England looks eagerl.


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