The New York Herald Newspaper, May 1, 1869, Page 3

THE ALABAMA CLAIMS. Senator Sumner’s Speech in England. Its Effeet on the People and Government. WHAT ENGLAND SHOULD DO IN REPLY. A Cabinet Council and Opinions of John Bright, Lord Clarendon and Mr, Gladstone. SPECIAL REPORT BY THE ATLANTIC CABLE TO THE NEW YORK HERALD. Lonpon, April 30, 1869, ‘The London papers this morning open their edito- Tial pages with comments on the speech lately de- lvered by Senator Sumner in the United States Sen- ate on the subject of the Alabama claims and the re- Jauons generally existing between Great Britain and America. The writers suppress the text of the speech, however. : The London Star, John Bright’s organ, says that the claims of Mr, Sumner are so new and startling and 80 vaguely, put that they must be regarded sim- ply as enormous and withal unexpected; that if they convey merely the shadow of his instructions Minister Motley will come to the English metropolis in a Very different official guise from that under which Minister Jobnson, the genial diner out, now about to bid adieu to the Court and people, arrived. The Star deplores the rejection by England of the early overtures made by ex-Minister Adams for a settle- ment Of this question. President Grant is not, it is said, a whole souled lover of peace as was the late Mr. Lincoln. He has intense determination of char- acter but isa Western man, without that natural genius which served Mr. Lincoln, who, instead of reading, had actual experience of the world. Presi- @ent Grant has no training, either as a lawyer or a politician. He 1s intensely American and the entire world is acquainted with his reso- Toteness of purpose. After defending England from the charge of a general sympathy with the rebel confederates the writer confesses that the escape of the Alabama from England was both deplorable and disgraceful, forming the worst precedent Great Britain could establish for the future in such like contingency. The Star expresses, however, its amazement at the character of Mr. Sum- ner’s demands in reparation. If Mr. Motley’s Anstractions are couched in a similar spirit his mission will be fruitless, as the extra- vagance of the propositions will strike the public at once, Every one knows how anxious the British people are to deal fairly on the subject; but they justly consider that if her concessions are to be merely used as standpoints for further and at present unheard of demands England must carefully cousider the position, lest by yielding unadvisedly she should establish a worse precedent than even that of burning ships on the high seas by admitting a dis- cussion of demands utterly untenable and which @ught to be resisted. The London Times designates the estimates of American damages put forth by Mr. Sumner as por- tentous, as it has already reached £422,000,000, and may in the future embrace tne possible eanrings of all the soldiers drawn from the fields of productive labor by war. The speech, it adds, is worthy of Mr. Sumner’s ability, and deserves an impartial consideration, He wants, however, something more than national reparation from England, asking for contrition and a public bumiliation. The 7imes asserts that in this England is cruelly wronged, and America has had no useful object served. Expressions of regret and penitence are required by treaty. Treaties of peace, however, @ictated by conquerors at the head of armies are found to be unencumbered by such expres- sions. An acknowledgment of moral liability for these claims, made before hand, would prejudge the controversy and stuldfy the proposed settle- ment. In the event of an arbitration court declaring England not liable to pay damages would her apo- Jogy be taken back? The view taken by Mr. Sum- ner’s argament on these points ts peurile, un- reasonable and unstatesmanlike. The Times argues ‘that the concession of belligerent rights to the South was simple act and fact not dependent on the Union blockade, for had there not been a blockade it would not have altered the case to any appreciable degree. The prevailing tone of Mr. Sumner’s speech is characterized as pas- sionate and remonstrative, and his menace betrays @ one sided partisanship lamentable as coming from @representative of @ great country. Mr. Sumner makee, it is said, no complaint against France, although the Emperor Napoleon was desirous of re- cognizing the independence of the Southern con- federation- It is alleged that though England is held forth as the only foreign Power implacably hostile to America it is not too much to say that one mo- ment during the war the fate of the American Union depended on the voice of England, whose sword thrown into the scale would have altered the result. She declined the contest,.and it evinces ®@ degree of unfairness bordering in infatuation to leave this consideration out of account. Itis a common practice with American journalists and poli- tucians to vilify England, and the protective tariff Plan is popular with them merely as likely to inflict ‘an injury on Great Britain. Let atonement be made for the use of insulting language by individuals, and it will be seen whether England and America, by a retrospective verdict of public opinion, will continue the cultivation of mutual respect, which is as ne- ceasary as in the private relations of life. Nations, as such, only deal in overt acts, and these consti- tute merely possible subjects for pecuniary compen- sation. The London Standard, a tory organ, says that the American Senate has done more than reject the treaty, as it has given the world reasons to believe by Mr. Sumner’s speech, which, as endorsed by that supreme body, covers all questions of the foreign diplomacy of the country. The English people now know what Mr. Motiey will have to aim at in his ef- forts to arrange the Alabama claims on the former basis, now wasted away. In some respects good will ensue from the candor which the American Senate displays. Formerly the dan- ger was that England would step beyond ® due regird for the national honor and dignity and allow the claims; but now when the demand has assumed its present proportions they will feel assured that even with John Bright in the Cabinet they are safe from a chance of disgraceful Capitulation. The American claim can hardly be described in serious language and its terms not ex- cite indignation. They might as well argue against @ proposal for American troops to hold the Tower of London a8 a material guarantee, or that the Prince of Wales should be sent to Washington and placed fm the hands of the federal authorities as a hostage for ngland’s good behavior in the fture. The policy of England on this subject is no longer an open question. America has formaily recorded her resolution that there shall be no settioment of the Alabama claims short of that England shall surrender at discretion and sub- mit to any punishment which the United States Sen- ate, in ite supremacy over the affairs of the world, May choose to inflict, In other words, she has de- @ided that the Alabama claims shall not be amicably settled, whatever may ensue, The interval at the present day is long between national hatred and Dombardment, it 1s useless to ignore and dangerous to forget that the feeling in America is one of intense and unmitigated hatred toward Great Britain, and ‘that a war with England would be regarded as a na- tional luxury, but expensive. England has not only admitted that such a war would be expensive, but deplorable, Under the circumstances it is Probabie that the Americans will elect to keep the Alabama claims in reserve and await ther oppor- tonity for revenge more cheaply. War is not an agrovable solution, thougb involving danger rayne | NEW YORK HERALD, SATURDAY, MAY 1, 1869—TRIPLE SHEET. than dishonor, and fs may be better to accept any settlement which the present administration in Lon- don may bave made if the attitude of the American Senate was less ridiculous, Mr. Sumner’s speech creates an intense excite- ment in political circles. Ata Cabinet meeting yesterday the subject of the speech was informally discussed. Mr. Bright declared that the embarrassment which its publication produced served Englana very pro- perly, but he agreed not to consent to entertain the terms of settlement foreshadowed by Mr. Sumner. Lord Clarendon expressed his belief that the ac- tual negotiations going on between the two coun- tries on the subject were of a far less extreme cilaracter than the speeches of American Senators or articles in the public press. He hoped to find Mr. Motley as courteous as Mimster Johnson had been. The present adminis- tration was eager for a lasting continuance of fendly relations with the United States. Mr. Gladstone professed to have good assurance from reliable quarters that the recent rejection of | the treaty on this subject by the American legisia- ture was purely a political movement, The present administration will endeavor to settle the Alabama question on hberal and honorable terms. Outside the tone of the English pecple 1s anti-American, and more so since having read only a partial publication of Senator Sumner’s argument. OPINIONS RECEIVED BY MAIL, Tone of the English Press on the Rejection of the Alabama Treaty by the United States Before the Reception of Senator Sumner’s Speech. The London Datly News of the 15th ult. speaks in the following manner:— * The Alabama treaty, so laboriously negotiated by Lord Staniey and Mr. Reverdy Johnson, may now be considered as done with. Its rejection by the Senate of the United States has been almost contemptuous; but we fear that the single Senator who voted in its favor is @ type of all 1ts friends in American society. The Ame is who are for an immediate and friendly settlement with ua are only to be counted by units; but we believe we may add that if those who are for percent demands may be counted by tens, those who are for doing not ings at present may be counted by hundreds. It more and more evident that to the bulk of the Ameri- can people this Alabama matter is in no way @ money claim; but it is a grievance of sentiment—the worst kind of grievance to bear, and the hardest to remove. Our cousins are offended; and a money settlement will not appease them. ‘The very fuss we made with their Minister has rather irritated than soothed them. Our cousins may be assured that their rejection of the treaty will neither diminish our desire to act honorably by them nor our readiness to treat on the bases of conces- sions already made when they shall be in the mood to negotiate a final settlement. The London Zelegraph of the same date renews the subject as follows:— ‘The rejection of the Alabama convention when it should come formally belore the United States Senate was an event for which we bad been pre- pared through many indications, both of popular temper and of oficial purpose. But the majority by which the Senate on Tuesday last refused to ratify the treaty was scarcely anticipated, even by those who took the most serious view of the matter, Only a single Senator voted in favor of ratilication; fifty-four voted against; and thus the rejecuon may be considered virtually unanimous. Such a decided resolution as the Senate hus just taken does seem at first sight to augmentthe dim- culty of regaining the pease in which Mr, John- son’s labors had placed us. The Americans inexo- rably repudiate the very possibility of a doubt that the Clans they make on us are valid, whether in themseives orin the grounds on whici they are based. All that we fancied to lave been accom- plished, in the anxious months preceding November last, will now require to be done over again, with a most material dilference. The only terns which two successive governments have regarded as compatible with the national honor of England have been per- empvtorily deciared inadmissible by the other party to the controversy. And the declaration assumes all the more emecance when we consider the impor- tant political change which has occurred within the Unted States between the signature and the rejection of the treaty. The new Minister will reach our shores armed witb a suificient warning to avoid two thingse-giowing and reckless after-dinner speeches, and concessions that waive the main point for which the Americans contend; but it ts scarcely to be ex- that the representations of Mr. Motley will ring about any such result. Nevertheless, the es- sential friendliness and the intimately-associated interests of the two countries combine to counsel some honorable middle term of settlement; and we mae very least be sure that Mr, Motley will do not vo make matters more difficult by permitting 2 2 known personal predilections to influence Ww i ection. He stands pledged through his own reputation to pursue the path assigned him by government with moderation, calmness, and ap honest desire for an honorable arrangement; and we feel confident that he will not be 1ound wanting to lf. ‘The London Standard of the 17th ult, also contains an article on the same subject, which it sums up thus:— We have spoken of Mr. Reverdy Johnson as an envoy from the American people to the people oi England. ‘This 1s, im fact, the true light in which to regard him, and both he and we can view with un- alloyed satisfaction the resuit of nis labors in this capacity. In saying this we do not wish to derogate from his abilities as a diplomatist. The proposed convention between the United States and England, popularly calied the “Alabama Claims Convention,” the articles of which were agreed to between Mr. Jobnson and Lord Staniey, seemed to us admirably ada) to the ‘settlement, on an equitable basi of the poomng dimiculties between the two countries. If 1 any fault it ‘was the comparative venial one of conceding rather more to America than she was asked to concede to us. The United States Senate in rejecting it have acted with a singular disregard for the imterests of their government, and would appear, indeed, to have sacrificed them toa blind feeling of political animosity towards the representative of @ President who was detested by the republican majority. In throwing the treaty overboard they have done us no harm, as it is not iikely that more favorapie terms will be conceded by any government of Engiand. In repudiating his oficial acts they are powerless to mar tne moral effect of Mr. Johnson’s mission or detract from the regard which we aii feel over here for the man who, Wherever he goes, carries our best wishes with him and deserves our Kindest remem- brances. The Liverpool Post of the 15th ult, has a long leaded editorial on the subject, which it treats in a frank, independent manner, It says:— Property has been destroyed, and somebody should bear the loss or somebody should pay for it. The Americans say the English must bear the loss, for they permitted the Alal to leave an Engush port and commence the destruction of property. uch destruction of property had not, and tould nut have, the remotest influence on the war. It oxer- cised no such influence. But we must not disguise from ourselves the fact that Jonathan has got the right end of the stick in hia hand, and that there- fore the sooner we adjust the matter the better. Experience has shown that in every quarrel with us he always wins. in this case the common sense of mankind is on his side, and perhaps it would be wise to pay the money and have done with it; for paying the money would have a better effect, would seem more honorable, than obyecting to details and diplomatically objecting here and there, wich ob- jections will ultimately come to on We cannot afford a juarrel with America; we can, perhaps, still less afford a litte quarrel. We want trade; we want cotton; we want a market for our manufactures; and a quarrel, little or big, will inte! little or much, to our disadvantage in this arfmatr, @ appprehension of a war will aifect the grows of cotton in the Southern States of America; e apprehension of a war will enco' extrava- gant expenditure in American manufactures, in order to rival our own; and the apprehension of a War will interfere in a matter per! not less ser. ous—the growth of cereals, the imports of which we stand so much in need of. The Americans will pro- bably say, ‘We don’t Want Lancashire to purchase or use up our cotton; the Continent will take itall. We could do without exporting our breadstuifs to the Mersey, because France and Germany would take all we have to send, and send the produce of their flelds to feed the English people.” The gee eat of protection would be acceptable to the American ne a owing to their absurd misconception oi free le; and thus Jonathan may think that he ia in a condition to press hard in the iment with John Bull, and watt, assured of the uitimace success of his argument. We cannot afford experimenis like this, Some member in Parliament ought to get up and ask the Foreign Secretary what is the amount claimed for the damage done to American trade and shipping by the Alabama. It is @ considerable sum, bul, comparatively, it is a trifing sun and, whether large or trifing, the debt should be ad- justed honorably and honestly as speedily as pos- sible, There is danger, too, in delay—very great danger in delay; for the anticipation of delay may encourage the Opposition to defeat the Irish Church bul and fill Ireiand with active treason. Active treason in Ireland cannot be otherwise than adverse to the peace and prosperty of Great Britain; and ihe prosperity of Great Britain, though essential to her- self, may be regarded with toieravle indisference, with tolerable distike, and with positive hostility vp sowe of our continental neighbors, THE JOURNALISTIC SCANDAL. The Philadelphia Press and Bulletin Sued for Libel by Mr. John Rassell Young—Damages Laid at $100,000 in Each Case, PHILADELPHIA, April 30, 1969. Mr. John Russell Young arrived here this morning, and through his counsel, Hon. Benjamin H. Brew- ster, Attorney General of Pennayivania, entered suit in the United States Circuit Court againat Forney's Preas and the soontng Dermat, for publishing tie 1i- belious articles from New York Sun of eat NATIONAL SUNDAY SCHOOL CONVENTION. Third and Last Day’s Proceeding»—Increased Interest— Addresses by Rev. Dr. Stephen H. ‘'Tyng, Mrs. Jeannette P. Heath and Others The Adjournment Last Night, Yesterday was the third and last day of the Na- tional Sunday School Vonvention, which has made the city of Newark, N. J., the cynosure of thousands of eyes in all parts of the Umited States during the past three days, As on the preceding days, each of the sessions was the occasion of a large and interested attendance. ‘The afternoon one was an improvement every way on tne forenoon, and the evening one the best of all, at least as regards the unparatieled de- gree of interest manifested in the doings of the Con- vention. The morning session was called to order soon after nine o’clock, 2nd in the absence of Mr. George 1. Stuart, the presiding oft one of the vice presidents, Mr. W. A. Wisong took the chair, After a hymn and praver by Key. W. H. Byron, of Wisconsin, reports from Lie SLX sections on pastors, superintendents, librarians and retaries, teachers of senior and Bible classes, teachers of juvenile or intermediate classes, teachers of infant and primary Classes were. ie. Rey. J. H, Vincent, chairman of the section on teachers of senior ana Bible classes, stated, among other things that a great difficulty existed among teachers apout dress, ‘This was especially so among the young Indies, By suc the lessons were almost entirely neglected, Rev. George A. Peltz reported the section on pastors. God was thanked for the zreat good eifected as indicated by the national gathering. The pastors recogxuize their relation to the work as of the closest andmost solemn charac- They believe that no ayatem of preaching w childreu can be presert ail places and times and diversities of % they tirmiy beleve that the services of ry Bllould be carefully adapted to the wants of all Christ's little ones, and convinced that uniform , conduce. greatly to the Jessons, properly efficiency of our schools, ‘The report was adopted with unanimity, Tne re- mainder of the session was devoted to interesting addresses by various speakers. ‘the afternoon session, a before intimated, was the occasion of a very large After the sing- ing of ahymn by a band of” Mittie wanderers the Howard Missi man, of Newark, 01 the,chair, Over an ussion of the pl the spirituality and day schools?" of various theories on the sul ‘were made Lt ir. George H. Mclivaine, of Peoria, Nl.; Rev. R. Meredit! Newark; Deacon Byron, of WI New York; Mr. J. C. Baxter, of New Y Jacobs, of illinois; Rev. Mr. Pierce, of Paterson, N. J.; Mr. William Reynolds, of Peoria, Ill, and Mrs, Jeannette P. Heath, of Kansas. This iady made a very deep Impression on all present, and elicited the warmest sympathy on all sides by her natural, womanly timidity, yet glorious courage im the cause of Christ and the litte ones. In her remarks she expressed again her sorrow that the Convention had not invited more oi the woman element among its nization—Wwoman, Whose heart and soul and life and body were in the work, ought not to have been ‘isconsin; te ee tus ignored. She forgave the men, however, because they had looked out for the boys, whom, she said, were the hope of the country. In the meantime George H. Stuart and Rev. Dr. 8. H. Tyng were observed to appear on the platform, which was the signal for unmistakable manifestations of approval. As pre- siding officer Mr. Stuart made himself exceedingly popular by his urbane and courteous style, as weil asready aptness for any emergency. Soon after Mr. Stuart presented Dr. Tyng as the ‘General’ of the nation’s Sunday schools, Dr. Tyng addressed the Convention at considerable length, in the course of which he said too much charge was placed in the hands of the young; the old_were not worn out yet, and they had experience. His plan was to send the leaders, the Christian rich men and the influential men among the Pepe and increase the spiritual- ity. He endorsed what his sister in Christ, Mrs. Heath, had said. It was woman’s mission to pro- ceed m the work of instructing the young, but fash- ion had carried away Christianity out of the hearts of the mothers of the land. The Doctor was exceed- ingly happy and effective in some of his well Sue gested illustrations and anecdotes, and was repe: edly applauded. The Chairman then paid a touch- ing tribute to the memory of the late Dudley 8. Tyng, son of Dr. Tyng, whom he described as the noblest specimen of a Christian he had ever known. Pre- vious to adjournment the foliowing resoiutions yere resented by the chairman of the Committee on lutions, Mr. J. B. Tyler, and unauimously en- aorsed:— Resolved, That we give devout and hearty thanks to Al- mighty God for the good hand of His providence and grace that has been upon us, and upon the Sunday school work, and npon the children 'during the ten years since last we met in National Convention. Resolved, That we hail with peculfar gratitude and pleasure the very large attendance at this third National Sunday School Convention, and especally the delegations from all sections of our now united country. May we ‘be still more clonely united in Christian work and sympathy and love; one in Christ, in the care of the children; one and inseparable, now end ever. Reesolvod, That wa rejoice in the spirit of Christian union which has been mantfeited by this Convention, demonstrs ing that whatever our denominational differences we are vi wo tunolved: That we glndly recognize in this National Co jesolved, That we gladly recognize in mal Con- kere and all Sunda: evangelical instruction of the jes that recruit and organize and drill the great national Sunday school army, the true conservator of our free inatitutions. Kesolved, That this convention values the Sunday school, pot only as'a medium of direct and positive Hible instruction, but asa valuable auxiliary to the household study of God's word, and as supplementary of home instruction; we hereby express our conviction that these, diferent departments of Bible instruction are, and ought to be, entirely harmonious and mutually helpful. Resolved, That this convention attaches great im- portance to the Mission Sunday School in the work of home evangelization in our elties and large towns, as weil as the sparse population of the country, and as an important means of employing the lay element of our churches, also as an essential agency in teaching and upilfting the masses of the common people. Resolved, That this convention desires to encourage by all reasonable’ means the organizations of State, county and town conventions and institutes, and the organization of district schoolhouses and Sunday ‘schools in settlements re- mote from churches, and also to encourage all voluntary Sunday school labor. Resolved, That we recommend the formingin each Babbath school of normal classes for the cureful training of teachers ; that we deem tho plan of establishing a normal college for the training of Sunday school teachers, as recommended by ths Now York State Association, worthy of careful con- sideration, and also recommend that Rev. J. H. Vincent, of New York, bo added to the Committee, Resolved, That we commend to the attention of all large conventions the plan of dividing into. sections—pastors, superintendents, in class intermodiate teachers and each class by themeeives, for specific instruction and familiar con- ference, and afterwards bringing condensed reports before the mass convention. Resolved, That we have heard with peculiar joy the en- couraging reports of the condition of the Sunday sciool work In all paris of the ‘as presented at this convention. Greatly increased interest is everywhere reported. Higher standards are sought and improved methods of instruction introduced. Resolved, That we recognize with gratitude the new and increased prominence given to the spiritual edicieney of our schools, to the idea of the Immediate conversion and subse- went Christian training of the children, “+All our ehildren for Jeaua” is our motto and watchword. Resolved, That thie convention earnestly recommends the teaching of the children the evila of intemperance and the practice of total abstinence, In the evening, long before the hour of ning the concinding session in the First Baptist church, every available yee sitting or squeezing spot was seized by the individual party of at least 4,000 persons, Hundreds of ladies were compelled to stand throughout the entire evening. Such enthusi- im and unanimity of feeling could not be surpassed, The usual devotional exercises, consisting or sing- ing by the little Wanderers and a prayer by Rev. Dr. Taylor, being conciuded, the chairman of the Enrolment Committee, Mr. Brower, made a report, from which it appeared there were twenty- nine States represented, as well as England, Canada, t and Africa. Delegates to the number of had entered their names, and these were from every section of the nation. The remain- der of the session was devoted to brief, interesting addresses from @ host of speakers, all breathing cat nestness and fervor in the cause of Christ and Sun- day schools. These were interlarded with hymns and occasional prayers. The singing of the “Song of the Repubiic” by Chaplin McCave was very fine and impressively grand. Mr. McOabe’s fine, manly bass voice re-ec! in every part of the edifice. At half-past ten the Convention adjourned sine die, to meet three years hence at Indianapolis. TELEGRAPHIC NEWS ITEMS. Keller's hardware store in Evansville, Ind., was entered by burglars on Thursday night and $2,200 worth of revolvers ana fine cutiery stolen. The chair factory of John Buchur & Co., Evans- ville, Ind., was destroyed by fire yesterday morning. Loss $6,000; insurance $2, ip local ofices, The Gettysburg imbrogiio relative to the Kata- lysiue Spring has been adjusted, the parties last in ossession retiring, and their snecessors will con- nue the business under the same corporate nam Governor Stevenson, of Kentucky, in order to low the condenined time to prepare for death, has granted a respite of thirty days to John Conley, a negro murderer, who was to have been hanged at Louisville yesterday. An Englishinan named Charles Hawkins, aged twent, wo yeara, Wi run over t the cars at Churehviile, N. ¥., on Thurs .ay night, and had both of his logs crushed so badly that ne died in four or five hours afterwards, inton, alias W, Bentiey, who was ar- rested in Wilmington, N. C,, some time ago for forgery, has been identified as an old forger by & detective trom Ilinoia, and was surrendered yester- day on the requisition of the Governor of [iinois on the Governor of North Carolina, Frank Swift, of eeene coleortty, and James Boyle rode on velocipedes from Syracuse to Roches- ter, & distance of ninety miles, in firteen hours. ‘They left Syracuse on Thursday evening and arrived at Wocheater ut eight o'clock last evening and = bited at the rink. ‘The time given is the riding time. ganizations bavin children. Success THR FLORIDA CRors.—From ail sections we hear favorable reports of tne srowing crops, not only as to quality, but to quantity. en with an ord nary season and the ordinary area planted, we might count on a good crop, but we have reason to belleve that fully one-third more ground is planted, and if no bad luck, we can count on fully doable the quantity of products. ‘This will bring money and immigra- tion, and still farther promote the development and imdystry of Florida.—vacksonvilie Union, Avril 22. WASHINGTON. Growing Discontent in Rela- tion to the Cabinet. A RADICAL BOLT IN PROSPECT The Republicans in the Northwest De- manding a Change. HONEST OLD BEN WADE SNUB3ED. Decision Relative to Bankers’ and ‘Brokers’ Taxes. ASSESSCR WEBSTER SUSTAINED. WASHINGTON, April 30, 1869. Cabinet Meeting. All the members of the Cabinet were present at the meeting this morning with the exception of Postwaster General Cresswell. x4 The Reported Recognition of Cuba by Great Britain. ‘The statement that the British government is about to accord belligerent rights to the Cuban revolution- ists 18 not credited at the State Department. Secre- tary Fish has received no mformatton corroborating the statement, and considers its verification one of the most unlikely things 1n the world. Our govern- ment believes that while we have the Alabama claims suspended over the head of the British lion that just now very tame animal will not dare to take any step likely to bring it into collision with the strength of Spain, or any other European power. So far from dreading such a step on the part of Eng- land, our government would regard it as a very fa- vorable circumstance to the early acquisition of Cuba on the one hand, and the destruction of the British commerce on the other. Radicals Dissatisfied with Grant’s Cabinet— Growing Disaffection in the Republican Ranks—The Next House of Representatives Democratic. The dissatisfaction among the radicals with the Cabinet and the general course pursued by the ad- ministration ison the increase. Since the publica- tion of an editorial in a prominent radical newspa- per in the West, understood to be the organ of Senator Trumbull, of Illinois, the leading radicals here from the West are more bold and outspoken in their criticisms of the members of the Cabinet and the character of the appointments made by the President. A Western radical Senator to-day gave it as his opinion that the editorial in question reflects the sentiment of a clear majority of the republicans in the Northwest. He farther stated that unless the Cabinet was reconstructed he believed both the ad- ministration and the party would be steadily dezeaied before the people during the next four years, and that in the next House of Representatives the democrats would have a majority: The masses of the people, he said, have no confidence in the wisdom or ability of the major- ity of the members of the Cabinet. They may all be good men and mean well, but they do not excite en- thusiasm among the people. This same Senator informed your correspondent that he was daily in receipt of letters from some of the must intelligent and influential men in his State containing just such complaints against the Cabinet as were set forth in the editorial of the Western rad- ical newspaper. The manner in which Grant made appointments was also damaging to the success of the party, this Senator thought. Of course, he said, there would always be disappointed men at the beginning of a new admin- tion, but Grant had contrived to disappoint ten mea where he need not have disappointed one. Those who conceived that they had been badly treated by the administration were at home busily at work bringing it into disrepute and making it unpopular. This could not, in his opinion, be done successfully if there was a strong popular Cabinet and the President was judicious about the manner of making appointments. Nearly all the Senators and members who remain here talk in this way in private on the subject of the Cabinet and the ap- pointments, and they all agree that unless some change 18 made in the meantime the republicans will lose the elections next fall tn all the States, v Grant Goes Back on Ben Wace. It appears that the President promised the friends of old Ben Wade that he should be one of the com- missioners to examine and report upon the final com- pletion of the Pacific Railroad, To make sure of the matter Zack Chandler called upon Grant before leav- ing the city and again brought it to his attention. ‘The President replied that he had sent Wade's name to the Secretary of the Interior and that ne would certainly be one of the commissioners, Whether Secretary Cox opposed the appointment, or what hitch took place after old Zach Chandler was at the White House 1s not known, but the name of Old Honest Ben Wade does not figure among the list of commissioners, and his friends freely accuse Grant of having gone back on him. Protection of American Citizens Abroad. It is not true that the administration is preparing @ prociamation or any State paper m which will be announced its policy in regard to the protection of American citizens abroad, and what it will require foreign governments in acknowledgment of the po- tency of American naturalization papers. The statement that Secretary Fish was preparing such a document was based solely on a despatch sent to the papers a few weeks ago representing that Secretary Fish intended to extend protection to American citizens in every part of the world, and would issue instructions to all our repre- sentatives abroad calling their attention to the pro- per course to be pursned in all cases where the rights of American citizens might be called tnto question. In furtherance of this policy Secretary Fish has from time to time forwarded instructions tothe American Consuls in Cuba and other places how to act In certain emergencies, and what course to pursue in relation to events that had already transpired. Further than this Secretary Fish does not intend to make any public announcement of policy on this subject. Minister Rosecrans’ Despatches—Critical Con- dition of Mexico. ‘The statement that Dr. Brink, United States Vice Consul at the city of Mexico, yesterday brought im- portant despatches from Minister Rosecrans has ex- cited public curiosity as to their contents, ‘They were delivered to President Grant to- day, and by him transferred to the Secre- tary of State. Although their precise terms have not yet offictally transpired it is stated in usually well informed circles that General Rosecrans—who, contrary to former rumors, is on pleasant and friendiy terms with the Mexican government—has communicated to our own government his views of the condition of that country, showing the dan- gers to which it is constantly exposed from demestic disturbances, and the pecu- ‘niary embarrasaments which prevent its national and social improvement. He makes various sug- gestions, and recommends the immediate action of the government in affording to American citizens such guarantees of protection as will encourage them to avail themselves of the opportunity to se- eure important materiai interests to the United States and at the same time benefit the repubiic of Mexico. ‘The Charges Against Minister Hnale. ‘The friends of John P. Hale, Minister to Spain, are making a vigorous effort to get the President to allow him to remain at Madrid long enough to make a defence against the charge of smuggling goods mto Spain under his franchise as United States Minister. The plea they put forth fs that, as matters now stand, Mr. Hale is practically diagraced, not only at home, but abroad. To remove nim without giving him an opportanity to establish hts tnnocence would be to stamp with official approval the belief of his own government in the truthfulness of the charges made against him. Mr. Hale's friends do not ask that he remain permanently at Madrid, but only long enongh to allow the sharges against him to be officially investigated, He has written to te President personally about the matter. Unfounded Charges Against Consul Hale. ‘The oMcials at the State Department say there 1s no information in their possession to sustain the hewspaper against Charles Hale, our Consul at Alexand! Egypt, and from his character and high standing it is not believed he would do any- thing that would lower the dignity @ a representa- tive of the United States, Hale is a nephew of the late Edward Everett, It is surmised that the charges have been made by some personal enemy. General Grant Not to Visit California. Representative Sargeant, of California, asked Presi- dent Grant to-day, as a matter of interest to the Pacific coast, whether he intended, as reported, to visit Califorma during the coming summer, when the President replied that the distance was too great, and, besides, he could not spare the time from his oficial duties. Return of Secretaries Fish and Boutwell. Secretary Fish reachea here this morning after about one week’s absence in New York. During his absence, it is said, some very important despatches have arrived, calling for grave considerations of the government. Among them are some from Minister Rosecrans in Mexico, stated to be of the highest importance. Secretary Boutwell returned to the city this morn- ing, and was at the department attending to busi- ness. Expected Arriva) of General Lee. General Robert E. Lee is expected here to-morrow, and it is understood that before leaving the city he will have a private interview with the President, at the latter’s request, The Union Pacific Railroad. The President of the Union Pacific Railroad Com- pany having written to the Secretary of the Interior that the road is nearly finished and that the rails of the two roads will probably be joined next week, the latter replied to-day that it is deemed advisable the commissioners designated Wo examine the completed sections of that road upon which a report has not yet been madé should examine and report upon the Toad from the thousand mile post to the Promontory Summit as soon as the requisite forme are complied with. Pacific Railroad Commissioners. The Secretary of the {terior has been informed by the following named gentlemen of the accept- ance of their appointinents by the President, under the joint resolution of Congress, approved April 10, ascommissioners to examine and report upon the condition of the Union Pacific and Centrfi Pacific Railroads:—General Joseph F. Boyd, of Kentucky; Samuel M. Filow, of Pennsyivania; Edward PF, Winslow, of lowa; General Hiram Walbridge, of New York. Appointmects by the President. The following appointments have been made by the President:—Alred Sanford, Supervising Inspec- tor of Steamboats for the Fourth district. Pension Agents.—Alexander Clapperton, at Fort Gibson, Cherokeé Nation; Harrison Adreon, at Bal- timore, Md.; Samuel McKee, at Louisville, Ky.; William 0. Goodloe, at Lexington, Ky. William Vincent has been appomted Receiver of Public Moneys at Fort Dodge, lowa. The New York Postmaster. General Patrick H. Jones, the newly appointed Postmaster of the city of New York, arrived here to- day, filed his bonds and received his commission in due form. General Jones, who has a host of friends here, was overwhelmed with congratulations at his good luck. He left for New York by the evening train, and will probably assume duty to-morrow. Resignation of Assistant Attorney General Ashton. J. Hubley Ashton, First Assistant Attorney Gen- eral, resigned to-day for the purpose of practising his profession. Mr. Ashton was appointed Assistant Attorney General under Mr. Bates by President Lincoln in 1864. He served under Attorney Generais Speed, Stanbery, Evarts and Hoar, and during his term of office argued some of the most important prize cases in the Supreme Court for the govern- ment. In 1867 he resigned under President Johnson, but was reappointed at the earnest request of Mr. Evarts when that gentleman became Attorney Gen- eral. Mr, Ashton purposed tendering his resigna- tuon when President Grant was elected, but at the request of Attorney General Hoa re suited until the pressure of appointments was over, Walbridge A. Fieid, of Boston, his successor, will enter upon the duties of the office to-morrow and act as Attor- ney General during the absence of Mr, Hoar, who left Washington to-night for Massachusetts, to be absent for a week. Another Change in the Patent Office. Mr. Barnett, another principal examiner at the Patent Oilice, got his walking papers to-day. An Office in the Treasury Department Abol- ished. The connection of Simon Fowle, a special attor- ney, appomted by Secretary McCulloch to at- tend to certain customs revenue cases in New York, terminated to-day by order of Secretary Boutwell. This step was taken by the Secretary from the con- viction thatall cases in which the United States are interested as a party should be entrusted to the ofl- cers of the law duly appointed for this purpose. Changes in the Congressional Printing Office. A.M. Clapp, superintendent of the government printing, has removed ©. E, Lathrop, foreman of the Congressional document room; Mark Woodward, assistant foreman, and John C. Franconi, foreman of ‘the Executive printing room. The last named gentleman bad been for thirteen years connected with the office. The Barenu of Military Justice. It has been erroneously stated that the Bureau of Military Justice has been abolished. The bureau consists of Judge Advocate General Hoit and Assist- ant Dunn, and is maintained under provision of law, ‘The recent order merely made transfers and aseign- ments of officers heretofore performing judge advo- cate duties in the South and elsewhere, under direc- tion of the bureau. Reports of New York National Banks, ‘The abstract of the fifty-six national banks of the city of New York at the close of business on the iith inst. shows the aggregate resources to be $426,000,000, including legal tenders, $17,000,000, and three per cent certificates, $31,000,000, Fees of Collectors of Customs. The Attorney General has decided that coliectors of customs are entitled, since July, 1896, to retain $2,000,a year out of the moneys received from im- porters for the storage of goods in private bonded warehouses. He has disallowed the claim of naval oMicers and surveyors to this compensation, unless when performing the duties of coliectors. Decision of Commissioner Delavo—Bankers’ and Brokers’ Taxes. The Commissioner of Internal Revenue has de- cided in the matter of the appeal of Clark, Dodge & Co. from an assessment made by the Assessor of the Thirty-second district of New Yor! First—That a person; firm or company having a plaee of business where credits are opened by te deposit or collection of money or currency sabject to ve paid or remitted upon draft, check or order, or where money ts advanced or loaned on stocks, bonds, bullion, bills of exchange or promissory notes, must be regarded as @ banker or bankers, under section seventy-nine of the act of June 30, 1864, as amended Jul is66, and as such are lianle to a tax of one tweniy-lourth Of one per centum per month upon their ital employed in the business of banking beyond the avei amount invested in United states bonds, and @ like tax of one twen- ty-fourth of one per centum upon the ave “nt of depoaits of Money subject to payment check or draft, or represented by certificates of ¢ posits or otirerwise, whether Umi on demand or ai some future day, under the 110th section of the said act of June 30, 1864, as amended; and that under this ruie said Clark, Dodge & Co, are bankers, and are liable to said Lax on thelr capital end deposits. ‘That in ascertaining tie aimount ol capl- tal of such person, firm or company, all moneys used and employed in the business of banking, ex- copt deposits, should be regarded as capital ana taxed as such; and it is immaterial whether this capitat is furnished by the person or ersons constituting the firm or company, or borrowed for the pur of bering used in the business of the bank, and, if borrowed, it is tmma- terial upon What i@ngch of time the joan is made, In large cities, where money is borrowed, short loans, Irequentiy changed, farnish ‘as certain and reliable capital for banking purposes as much longer ioans in the country. In all such cases the average amount thus borrowed and employed in the busi- hess of banking should be ascersained and treated capital. * ere Ty ‘hn ascertaining the amounts of de- posits there should be included as deposits the average per month of sums of money deposited with such persou, firm or company, subject WS ment by check or draft, or represented by ceruifl- cates of deposite or otherwise, whether payable on demand or at some foture day, for Which auch ver. 3 son, firm or company interest, a3 well as all like sams for qhias no thierest is paid. capital and deposits employed in bankers. sina ane Reiunding Taxes on Tobacco and Cigars. The Internal Revenue Bureau has issued new blank forms and regulations for the refunding of taxes, under the act of April 10, 1869, upon tobacco, cigars and snuff, The claimants are required to furnish evidence, proving to the satisfaction of the commissioner that the tax mmposed by said act has been previously paid, which evidence must in all cases include the affidavit of the manufacturer or some other person who paid the tax, corroborated by the certificate of the assessor and collector who made the assessment and collection, or the assessors then in office, in describing the goods, the kind, the number of boxes or packages, the marks and brands thereon, the collection district, the number of the factory and the inspector's name, must all be given in full; and im all cases where claims are made for refunding tax paid on tmported cigars, oefore any elaim can .be allowed @ full and complete identification of the gooas must be made, and where the goods, either foreign or do- meéstic, have passed through different hands since the payment of the tax, it will be necessary to trace the goods through the different names by which they have passed from the importer or manufacturer to the claimant, and any failure of the claimant thus to identify and trace back the goods of the person or persons who paid the tax will be held as sufficient reason for rejecting the claim. All affidavits re- quired to be made under this general regulation must be made before persons competent to admin- ister oaths. All certificates of collection of internal revenue must be authenticated by their oMictal seal. The form is intended alike in a case where claims are made for refunding tax paid on imported cigar8— as on cigars, snuif and tobacco of domestic manu- facture, LITERATURE. Reviews of New Books. REALITIES OF IRISH LIFE. By W. Stewart Trencn. Boston: Roberts Brotnets. ‘That Mr. Trench has written a work of more than ordinary interest we readily admit. Any person that takes up this book will, after reading the first chapter, assuredly desire to continue perusing it until the last page has been read. We have no doubt that all Mr. Trench relates are ‘‘realities of Irish life; but we do not think that he has writ- ten in as fair and impartial spirit as he might have done. Your most libera!-minded Irish Protest- ant has an instinctive prejudice against his Catholic countryman. Mr. Trench is not only an Irish Pro- testant, but he is also a ‘born aristocrat.” The-mts- fortune of being a younger son, however, compelied- him tu Jabor for a living, aud he became the “agent (synonymous with the ‘“overseer’’ of the South) for the proprietor of several large estates in Ireland. His experiences while hoiding this respon- sible position are given in this volume, and we need searcely say that as they include the Kibbon con- spiracies, murders, riots and kindred popular mant- festations against English misrule, they combine to make up one of the most entertaining of books. Mr. Trench 1s evidently one of those Irishmen who have resolved to forgive their Catholic neigh- bors for the centuries of ill-treatment which they have compelled them to sumer. He prob- ably thinks, “Well, we have been rather too hard upon these poor devils; Jet me say nothing ing hard of them.’? [tis undoubtedly true that there is not a singie unkind sentence about “the Roman Catholic poor,” as Mr. Trench calls them; but it is equally true that not an act of violence, not an out- Tage is related that is not so much evidence against these peopic. The caim, dispassionate manner in which every incident 1s narrated makes this evidence all the stronger. Everything is given as it appears. We are shown the sfriace, but of the undercurrent nothing is said, save in the very last chapter, and then on'y in a few words. Mr. ‘Trench evidently desires to serve his Roman Catholic countrymen, bat we do not believe that this book will serve his pur- pose. It is interesting from beginning to end. There are many terrible, some affecting and a few humor- ous events told ina style of admirable simplicity. Mr. Trench, however, does not tell us this: Whence arose the necessity for his book. . ‘fue ScrENCE Ora New Lire. By John Cowan, M. D. New York: Cowan & Company, Publishers. ‘This is a very good book 1n its way, but full of the most eccentric theories imaginable. The idea that because amanor a woman 1s addicted to lying, stealing, licentiousness, or other crimes or sins, his or her children will inherit these failmgs, 1s one of those theories long since exploded. The very worst of mortals may have the very best of chiidren, and, vice versa, the very best Of parents may have the worst. of offspring. forbid that vice should be hereditary! The author of this book most urgently women to remain maids ail their lives rather than marry men who use tobacco. Good Evings! When we consider that at least three-fourths of the total number of men in the worid induige in their “chew,” tyeir snuff, thetr cigar, their cigarette, or their pipe, we trembie lest this advice be taken. Furthermore, Dr. Cowan is disposed to maké the propagation of the human spe- cies a science. This is a subject requiring so much reflection before a decision can be safely arrived at that we must decline entering upon its merits or demerits, It seems possible that before the science could be perfected the millennium will have arrived and the end of time have come. SPRINGDALE ABBEY : Extracts from the Diaries and Letters of an English Preacher. Edited by Joseph Parker, D.D. Philadelphia: Claxton, Remsen & Halfelfinger. 1869. ‘The diaries and letters of an “English Preacher” are so frequently “stale, lat and unprofitable” that we opened this book with the most melancholy feelings imaginable. The perusal of a few pages, however, convinced us that here we had an excep- tion to the general rule. Not that “Springdale Abbey” is @ work of rare merit, except in so far as it is readable and interesting. Tbe writer or editor (they may be both in ove) are rigid Church of Eng- jand sectarians; he has no mercy for Particular Bap- tists and other denominations; but everything is said good humorediy and m a spicy, entertammng style. THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. e- Meeting in Favor of Lay Representation in Williamsburg. A meeting in favor of lay representation in the General Conference’ of the Methodist Episcopal Church was held last evening in the South Second street church, Williamsburg. The meeting was largely attended by members of the churches of the denomination in the district, and a lively interest was manifested im the proceedings. After the singing of a hymn Rev. Mr. Adama offered an impressive prayer. Brother Hoyt called the meeting to order, and on his motion Brother Trusiow was chosen president. A large number of vice presidents and secretaries were also ahiounced. Rey. Dr. Andrews, of St. John’s church, first addressed the meeting. He ore that the great juestion to be considered was nal interest to the jay and clericai members of the Chureh. It was first broached in 1861, when unusual political excite- ment prevailed. In 1864 the General Conference of Philadeiptia adjourned with the understanding that Jay members might take part in future coaferences if they so elected by petition, And now it is in- tended (o have a vote upon the question in the dif- ferent churches in June next. r. And con- gratulated the laymen and clergymen of the Church on their harmonious action heretofore, He thought that the whole question was one of expedtenc and not of divine right. The best government in Church and State is that tn which all classes ure rep- resented, and this principle was nobly illustrated in our late great conflict for national life. The strife at it in Ireland—the gem of the sea—tis also ilns- trative of the question under discussion. Dr. An- pe closed aah an eid ee are my jay representation in the General Col * Brother Oliver Hoyt apologized for the absence ot Judge Reynolds; and then proceeded to speak on the general question, He fully endorsed the position taken by Dr. Andrews. He thought that ail the heretofore known in Churen wos” caused by the exciusion of laymen from the government of the © ‘hurch. He believed that the clergymen were unselfish and pure in their actions, but tat the lay element vou be a cource of strength to them. It is as much the right of members:of the Chureh to have a‘voice in the government of the Church ae it is the right of the citizen (0 lave @ voice in the government of the State. Mr. Hoyt believed that tl uiect of having Jndies voto on the question Was to de! the repre- sentation of laymen; but if the ladtes voted in the affirmative, as he belleved they woud, the enemies ‘of the solicie Would be disappointed and the ladies would lose none of the love which they now com- mand. Tudeed, Ray Ag | command a greater of Christian love. He had no doubt, under any circumstances, but that there would be a hearty co-operation between the laity and the ministry of the Church, Rev. W. il. Boole said his name was not on the programme and there was no speechinhim. He was not disposed to take sides at present. He heard uments on both sides, Some were and others bad. The Church ts not indebted to either clergymen or laymen. It owes its prosperity to God alone. Two objections are raised against the admis- sion of lay delegates. One is that they would, de- stroy our- system of itineracy, and the otner is they would ruie the ministry. But Mr. Boole not believe that such would be the resuit. He finaliy concluded that he would vote in favor of lay delega+ tons, The meetive adjourned after the doxoloay was