The New York Herald Newspaper, February 10, 1871, Page 5

OUR ENGL ~ DIFFICULTIES. An Auhicabie { Settlement of the Dif- ferences Between Kugland and America to be Arranged. A. High Commission of Arbitration Ap- pointed in Each Country. The Joint Commission to Sit in apse The Fishery Question, the Alabama Claims and All Minor Difficul- ties to be Discussed. The Earl de wens Chairman of the English Commission. Secretary Fish Chief of the Ame- rican Commissioners. Whe Queen’s Announcement of the Matter to Parliam:nt. President’s Communica- tion to Congress. Disenssion in the Senate Executive Ses- sion Over the Nominations for the Commissioners. The Senator Sumner Opposing Their Confirmation. SKETCHES OF THE CONMISSIONEES, The Bill of Damages Against Great Britain. THE BRITISH COVMISSIONERS. SRECIAL REPORT TO THE HERALD, eee At Sea for Washington To-Day—Names of the English Delegates, * TELEGRAM TO THE NEY! YORK HERALD. Lonpoy, Feb. 9, 1871. IT am euabled to inform the HERALD spe- tially by cable that the Right Hon. Earl de Grey and Ripon, Lord President of her Ma- Jesty’s Conneil; Sir John Rose, Sir Joha A. Macdonsla, Sir Edvard Thornton, wit). one mtleman learned in and an authority on in- fernational law, will sail from England for Wasbingion to-morrow. They are commissioned to sit with the mem- bers of the Joint International Commission ealled to consider the Alabama claims and Canadian fisheries questions and other sub- Jects of dispute, His Grace the Duke of A follow within a short spa With respect to the constitution of the Com- ission Ican siate that the British govern- { thent desired that the Commission should con- sist of only three members; but the Cabinet at Washington insisted on ten, and Englaad ‘yielded. ' The five Commissioners on the part of Great Britain have been appointed and their names are as follows :— The Earl De Grey. Professor Montagu Bervard. Sir Edward Thornton. Sir John A. Macdonald, of Canada, Sir John Rose. Secretary of the Commission, Lord Ten- Yerden. The Earl De Grey and Ripon also sails for the United States to-morrow. THE QULEN’S ANNOUNCEMENT 10 THE BRITISH PAR) IAMENT. Anxiety of the Britih Government to Preserve Amicable Relations w ta tae United States. Argyll will probably of time. Queen Victoria, in the course of her speech @elivered at the opening of the British Par- Nament yesterdey, made use of the following rant (Imes (durimg tho recess) several | Questions of in ance have arisen, which are Not yet adjusted, and which materially affect the Telations between the United States and the terri- tories and people of British North America, One of them, iu particular, which concerns uie fisheries, Calis for early settiement, lest the possible in @retion of individua's should impair the neiglvor’, Bhderstanding which it ts, on all grounds, so de- | Rirable to cherish. engaged In amicable communi- | h the President of the United States, in | order to determine tae most convenient mode of | treatment for these matters. 1 have suggested ine Appolntment of a joint commission, and 1 ho Bgreed lo a proposal Of the President that this com- mission sould be gulhorized, at the same time and In the same manner, tw resume the consideration of the American claims growing out of the circum: Btalces of the late war, This arrangement will, by common consent, in- Dluse ali claims ior compensation which have been, Dr may be, made by each government or by its elit Zeus on the oiler. THE PROSIDENT’S ANNOUNCEMENT TO CONGRESS. The Nomination of Commbsstoncte on the Part of the United States, Wastunaron, Feb. 9, 1871, The President sent to the Senate to-day a special message on the Alabama claims and \ Fishery question, in which he states that Great Britain has consented to have these matters teferred to special high joint commission, | which now Tho dbmniaiacioasre will meet in Washington and all questions pending between the two governments will be referred to them. The President has appointed as Commis- sioners on the part of the United States Secre- tary Fish, General Schenck, Justice Nelson, Ex-Attorney General E. R. Hoar, and Senator Williams, of Oregon. The British government has also appointed a commission which will leave England for the United States next Satur- day. The change determined upon yesterday in the number of members of the commission, adding General Schenck on the part of the United States and Sir Edward Thornton on the part of England, has, of course, changed General Schenck’s plans, His intended de- parture next Wednesday is consequently in- definitely postponed. THE PRELIMINARY NEGOTI- e ATIONS. Correspondence Betweon the British Minister at Waczhington and Secretary Fish—The Fish- ery Que tion, the Alabama Claims and All Jatornational Questions Arising Out of the Recont Civil War to be Settled by a Joint High Commission. Wasnincron, D. C., Feb. 9, 1871. The President seut to the Senate to-day a brief Message, enclosing the followlag correspondence, Sir Edward Thornton to Mr. Fi WASHINGTON, Jan. 26, 1871. Srr—In compliance with an instruction received from Larl Granville [have the honor to state chat Her Majesty's government deem it of importance to the good reiations which they are ever anxious should subsist and be strengthened between the United States and Great Brituin, that afmendly and com- plete understanding should be come to between the two governments as to the extent of the rights which belong to the citizens of the Bnited States and her Majesty’s subjects respectively, with reference to the fisheries on the coasts of Her Majesty’s possessions in North America and as to any other questions between them which affect the relations of the United States towards these possessions, As the consideration of these matters would, however, myolve investiga- tions of a somewhat complicated nature, and as it is very desirable that they shoula be thorongh'y exa- mined, I am directed by Lord Granville to propose to the goverument of the United States the appoint- meni of a Joint higu commission, which suali be composed of members to be named by each govern- mept. It shail hold its sessions at Washington, and shall treatof and discuss the mode of settling the different questions which have arisen out of the fisheries, as wellas those which aect the relations of the Cnitel States towards her Majesty's posse: sions in North America, Tam confldent that tnis proposal will be met by your government in the same cordial spirit of friendship which bas induced her Majesty’s government to tender it, and I cannot doubt that in that case the result will not fail to con- tribute to the malutenance of the good reiatious be- tween the two countries, which Iam convinced the government of the United States as well as that of her Majesty equaily have at heart. T have the honor to be, with the highest considera- tion, sit, your most obedient, humble servant, EDWARD THORNTON, * ‘The Hon, HAMILTON Fish, &¢., &¢., &C. Mr. Fish to Sir Edward Theraton. DEPARTMENT OF STATE, WASHINGTON, Jan. 30, 1871. Str—I have the honor tu acknowledge the recetpt of your nove of Jannary 28, In Wileh you inform: me in compliance with ractions from Eart Granville that her Majesty’s government deem it of importance to the good relations which they are ever aoxlous should subsisi and be strengthened between the United States and Great Britain, that a frieadly and complete understanding should be come to between the two governments as to the extent of the righis which belong to we cit zens of the Unite. States aad her Maje sty’s subjects respectively, with reference to the on the coast of her Majesty’s possessions in North America, and a3 to any other questions between them which affect the relations of the United States towards ; these possessions. And further, that as the consider. tion of th ons would tayolve tay of asomewinat complicated nature, and as itis very desirable that they should be thoroughiy examined, you are directed by Lord Granville to propose to the govern nent of the Uniied States the appointment of a joint tigh commission, Which shall be composed of members to amed by each government, shall hold its sessions at Washington and shall treat of and discuss the mode of settling the differences which have arisen out of the fisheries as well as those which affect the relations of the Umited States towards her Majesty's possessions m North Ameiica. Thave laid your note before the President, who instructs ne to say that he shares with her Ma- jesty’s government the appreciation of the import- ance of a friendly aud compiete understanding between the two governments with reference to the subjects speciaily suggested for the consideraiton of the proposed joint high commission, and he fully recognizes the friendly spirlt which hag prompted the proposal. The President 1s, however, of wo opinion thet without the adjnstment of & class of qnestions not alluded to in your note, the supposed high commission would fail to establish the perma- neut reiytions, and the sincere, substantial and last- ing feudship between the two goveraments, which, in comwwon with het Majesty's government, he de- sires should prevail. He thinks that th noval of the diflerences which arose during the rebellion in the United States, and which have existed since | then, growing out of the acts commit several ver generally known as the “Alabama clatins,” will also be essential to the restoration of cordial and amie: bie relations between the two governments, desired me to say that should hee Majesty's Goveramens accept this view of this matier, and assent that this subject also may be treated of by the proposed Ligh commission, and may thus ve put in the way of a final and amicavle settlement, this goverument wii with much pleasure appoint high commissioners on the part of the United States to those who inay be appointed on p sty’s government, and will spare no efforts to secure, at the earliest practicabie moment, a juss and amicable arrangement of ali the questions unfortunately stand in the way of an entire and abldlag frleudship bevweea the two nae ORs. L have the honor to be, with the highest considera- tion, sir, your very obedieat servant, HAMILTON FISH. Sir Epwanp Tronytos, K. . B., &e., &. ed by the Siy Edward Thornton to Mr. Fish. WASHINGTON, Feb, 1, 1871, the honor to acknowledge the receipt jur note of the Sot ult. and to oer sou my sin- cere ant cordial thanks for the friendly and concilia- tory spirit which pervades ft, With referenes tothat part of it imwhich you state that the President thinks that the removal of the dimerences which Ing the rebellion Jo the United states, h have existed since then growing out of the comiitted by the several vessels which have given rise to the claims generally known as the “Alabama © y will ‘O be essential to the re- storaiion of cordial and amicable relations between Sm—I ha ot tae two governments, I have the honor to inform yo that “I have submitted to Earl Granville the opinion thus ‘ex- pressed by the President of the United states, the iriendliness of which, J bog you to believe, I fully appreciate. { am now authorized by his Lordship to state that it would give her Majesty's govern- ment great satisfaction if the clatms commonly Known by the nameof te “alabama claims’ were submitted to the consideration of the same high commission by which her Majesty's government have proposed that the questions relating to the Britisn possessions in North America should be dis- cussed, provided all other claims, both of British | subjects aud citizens of the United States, arising out of acts committed during the recent civil war in this country, are similarly referred to the same com- mission, The expressions made use or in the name of the President im your above montioned | Dote w#h rogara to the “Alabama claims’? convince me that the government of the Uniied States will consider it of importance that these causes of dispute between the two countries should also and at the same time be doue away with, and that you will enable me to convey to my government the assent of the President 19 the addi- swhich have given rise to tne claims | tion whica they thus propose to the dutics of we high commission, and which cannot fall to minke it more certain that lis labors will lead to the removal of all differences between the two countries, I have the hopor to be, with the highest con+ sideration, str, your Most obedient, humble servant, EVWAKD THORNTON, The Hon. HAMILTON Fisn, &o., &e., &e. Mr. fish to Sir Mdward Thornton. DEPARTMENT oF STATE, WASHINGTON, Feb, 3, Ls71. Srs—I have th? honor to ackaowledge the receipt of your note of tie tst instant, in whieh you toform me that you are aatLorized by Earl Granville to state that it would give her Majesty’s governments great | satisfaction if the claims commonly known oy the name of tho “Alabama claims” were submitted to the consideration of the same high com- mission by which her Majesty’s government have propesed that the questions relating to the British possessions in North America, should be diseussel, provided that all other claims, both of British subjects and citizens of the United States, artsing out of acts committed during the re- cent civil war tn this couucry, ave similarly referred to the same committee, T have lala your note be- fore the President, and he has directed we to ex- press the satusfaction with which he has received the intelligence that Earl Grauville has antnorized you to state that her Majesty's government has accepted the views of this government as to the disposition to be made of the so-called “Alabama claims.” He also directs me to say, with reference to the remainder of your note, that if there be other and further claims of sritish subjeci3 or of American citizens, growing out of acts committed during tho recent civil wer in this country, he assonts to the propriety of their reference to the same high commission; but he suggests that the high commissioners shail con- sider only such claims of this description as may be 1 presetited by the governments of the respective imauts at an early day to be agreed upen by the commussioners, Ihave the honor to be, with the highest consid. eration, sir, your Qvedient servant, HAMILTON FISH, Sir Ep warp THornToN, K. C. B., &¢., &G The Vertal Proceedings in the Nogotintions— What Is to be Adjudicated Upon by the Commission=The Navigation of the St. Lawrence, the San Juan Boundary and the Fenian Damages in Camada te be Dis- cussed. WASHINGTON, Feb. 9, 1871, ‘The President's message sent to the Senate to-aay upon the subject of a jomt commission to adjust ali outstanding questions between the Unitea states aud Great Britain substantially confirms the state- nients publisbed in the HERALD, The commission on the part of the United States was at first :n- tended to consist of but three members. Yester- day tis was changed to five members and General Schenck included tn the list, contrary to the orig!- nal {dea, Necessarily the correspondence is very brief, a3 only 80 Much ® the various taterviews ve- tween Sir Edward Thornton and Mr. Fish ast was necessary to reduce to wriiing has been submitted to the Senate. In these interviews Sir Join Rose appeared as the representative of Canadian in- terests. Sic Edward Thornton’s proposition was to inélude in the matters to be submitted to the Commis> sion the question of the lWabillty of the United States for the Confederate aebt, ie- ing informed thet such a consideration or quasi recognition of the rebel debt would be uacon- sututional on the part of tae United States it was dropped at once. Upon several occasions the British representative assarea Mr. Fish that the question of the Msheries would not be permittea to annoy the United States in the fature, as the British government bad authorized him to say that the froedom of the iushure fisheries would be exteaded to us wcconditionally, That is, % was understood that the Canadian government would be instructed to restore tne license system, This, of course, does not appear im the message or corres. pondenee, as it at prosent 13 regarded merely a3 an imformal promise given as evidence of the desire of Eugiand to remove all future cause of fl! feeling. The first proposition made by Sir Hdwerd Thornton looked only to the appointment of a com- mission to adjudicate the questions between the United States and Qsnada as set forth in the President's Message. Upon being informed of the Willingness of our government to view the sugzes- tion of a commission favorably, provided all qnes- tions between us and Great Pritain were meluded, and especially the Alabama dificulty, the British government assented by cable, and hence tne full nature of the inquiries which will come before the joint commission, ‘The questions are:— Forst--The Alabatna claims and all matters con- nected with the conduct of England during our civil war. Second—The fisheries question, which embraces our claims for illegal seizures and imprisonment of our citizens since the abrogation by Canada ef the license system last year. The commission will clso devermine the question of the rights of American | fishermen under the treaty of i914, and adjust, ir possible, the pretensions ef the Domini to the headland constraction, by which they claim the right under tue treaty io © our fishermen from the Bay of Fundy, the Chaleur and outside of alize drawn r treme headlands of the Nova Scotia coast, a cons struction which, if enforced, would, im many in- \ stances, exclude our fisherinen from going within | tician, He was born in Scotland iu 1821, bat went sixty miles of the absolute coast, and thus nullify | ¢ Canada at an early age. Here he studied ty provision of the treaty which provided that, in | jaw, and after bis admission to the bar cases of distress by weather, &c., our ves | gistingnisned himself in his profession and in sels can seek shelter im the harbors of} polices, He served for many years ta the tish North American possessions, with the exception of the Bay of Fundy. This extraordinary “headiand” construction was never attempted to be enforced, and as regards the Bay of Fundy, Lora | Aberdeen, on the part of England, in 1°45, watved the enforcement (while claiming, nevertheless, that It was correct) upon tue spirited remonstrance of the Americaa government in the case uf the seizure of the American fishing schooner, Martha Washington. While the volautary promise has been given that the license system shall he restored, yet itis important that the proper construction of the treaty of 1818 shonld be definiti dasted. In the disposition of this question the privileges the Canadians aow enjoy of fishing in certatn American waters will probably be continued, Thiva— claim of Cauada for alleged damages from Fenian ratds, Fourth—The navigation of the St. Lawrence and | 1843 was chosen & Representative in Cougress, Prom. the rights of the United States to the free ingress | 1548 to 1850 he held the position of Governor of this aud ogress of the lakes, State, and was a Senator in Congress from 1851 to Fin—Tie San Juan question, which has remainea unsettled for several years, the American govera- ment claiming the island and harbor of San Juan as f belonging to the Ualted States under the treaty, | while Great Britain maintains that it ds included In British Columb: The Queen's messenger, Who was anzounced in the HxRaLp to-Gay as beiag on his way and ex- pected by the nextsteamer, due on Saturday, brings the formal gland to the appoiniment of the comumission ie formal approval of Sir Ed. ward Taornton’s course. As the matter was con- ducted by cable up to the point of our acceptance | of the proposition for ascommission this jormal | | written assent by the British government is deemed The recent negotiations would seem to account for the tuaction of the State Departineut 1g not re- spouding to to request of the chairman of the Com- mittee on Foreign Adairs of the Senate that the de- partment should faruish the committee a draft of a biliembodying the views of the governmout a9 ex- pressod 1 we Presidents Messages | represented be ws re-elgcted to Congress and served four ad- NEW YORK AKRALD, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 1871—WITH SUPPLEMENT. It will be well for the Alabama claimants to un- derstand ihat the proposed action is not expected to mterrupt the determination of Congress to pro- vide tn good faith for carrying out the recom- Mendation of the President's Message re- | garding the adjudication and the assump- ton of the Alabama claims, In fact, the Aqjudication of these claims will be an aid to the | commission, which cannot be expected to go tuto | details of individual cases, The commission will give its attention to matters pending between the two nations, tadependent of individuals, THE DISCUSSION IN THE SENATE. The Nomluntions for the Joint High Com- mission on the Part of the Urited States Not Yet Confirmed—~evutor Sumner in the OppositionThe Debate Quite Penceadle, WASHINGTON, Feb, 9, 1871. As soon as the character of vhe Presiaenv’s Mes- sage became Known that body went into executive sion for the purpose of discussing its genoral feae tures a3 Well as the confirmation of the members of the High Commission on the part of the Untied States, When the name of Senator Willams was announced a3 among the special High Commission that gentleman, owing to his modesty, left the Senato and aid not participate in the proceedings, A proposition was made by Senator Conkling to contirm the members of the Commission at once. This was objected to by several Senators on the ground that a matter of so much importauce should reccive deliberate consideration, Mr. Sumer made the point, as did Mr. Trambail also, that there was no law or treaty under which the commission could be appointed. It was stated that there was a general statute under which the President could appoint commissioners, It was under this statute that the St. Domingo commis- stoners were appointed, Mr, Sumner and other Senators did not think that & commission of the character indicated by the message of the President came within the provisions of this statute, Garret Davis made the potut that the members of this commission would be endowed with all the powers of ministers plenipotentiary and envoys extraordinary, and that iney could not be ap- pointed except under treatyeof a special act of Congress. He read trom all the statutes relating to the appointment of commissioners of a diplomatic character from the foundation of the goverument to lle present time, A question was raised as to the appomtment of Senator Willams on the coumission, and the law which forbids 2 member of Congress to be ap- poluted to an orflce created by the Congress of Which he was a member was read. To this it was replied that this commission was not, strictly speaking, ap office, It was a mere temporary affair, and no act of the Congress of which Mr. Williams ‘Was @ member had any reference to it, Another ques- tlon was raised as to the salary of the commissioners, ‘The reply to this wes that under the general statute already reierred to, for the appointment of diploma- tic commissions, the salary of the commissioners was fixed at $10,000 per annum, Under tho law proe viding that no officer of the government shall draw two salaries it was held that no member of the com- mission who is now an oficer of the government could draw two salaries. For instance, Mr. Justice Neison must content himself with his salary as one of the Justices of the Supreme Court, and the same would be applicable to Secretary Fish, It was generally held, however, that so Jar as Mr. Fish is concerned he would be out of the State Department before the commission fully entered upon its work. The tone of the debate was eminently pacific. There seemed to be a general disposition in favor of adopting some plan which would result in the adjustment of all questions pending between this government and Great Bri- tain. The only question was as to the power of the President, under the constitution and the laws, to @ppolot such a eS as he proposes, SKETCHES oF THE THE COMMISSION. Tho British Commissioners. EARL DE GREY AND RIPON. George Frederick Somuel Robinson, Earl De Gréy and Ripon, was born in London in 1827, and suc ceeded lie father as second Hart Ripon and his uncle &3 second Harl De Groy in 1859, He served as a mem- ber of the House of Commons for Huddersfleld, and subsequently for the West Riding of Yorkshire from 1853 to 1859, when he entered the House of Lorda, He was Under Secretary of War ta June, 1859; Under Secretary of State for India from January to August, 1861; Secretary of War irom 1853 to 1866, and was appointed Lord President of the Council in Decem- ber, 1963, ‘ho Earl is a man of decided taleat, He igs a Liberal in politics, SIR EDWARD THORNTON, 7uls gentleman is well known to the American public, having been British Minister to this country since the death of Sir Hdward Bruce. He has had considerable diplomatic experience, having his country in Italy, Brazil, Mextco and several of the South American republics. Since his arrival bere Sir Edward Thorn- ton has displayed much energy and ability in his endeavors (6 bring our claims upon Great Britain to @ satisfactory settlement. He was created a baronet a short time ago. SIR JOHN MACDONALD. Sir John Macdonald ts well kuewa as one of the leading public men of Canada. He was born in 1815, studied law and was admittea to the bar in 1835, Entering into politics as a conservative he was elected a momber of tho Cologial Pariiament in 1344, and has ever since represented Kingston, Soon after entering Patiiament he became a member of the then Ministry of Canada, but retired in 1850, In 1864 he re-entered the Cabinet a3 Attorney General, ree signed im 1862, having been Premier for @ brief period, and became Attorney Generali again in 1864, During the following year he was appointed Minister of Militia, He was one of the earliest advocates of the confederation of the colonies, and was one of the delegates from Canada who went to London tn 1865 to arrange the terms. After the establishment of the Domintoa he wes made a barouet, and at present holds the position of Premer, £18 JOHN ROSE. This baronet is another prominent Canadtan poli- Canadian Parliament and was a member of several | ie was at Wasutngton a sho} connected with the dsheries the Secretary of known tn politics. lord a short time ago. Previous to that he was cm- ployed as a clerk in the Forcigu Oe the Commiasion, is but little He succeeded his uncle as third n Commissioners. TtON ¥ Mr, Fish was born in Now York eity in 1909, ana educated at Columbia College. He stuaied law and was adinitied to the bar in 1830, ven years , Javer he was clected to the State Legisiature, and m sh subsequentiy spent many years elling im Europe, Atter the retirement of Mr. ashburne from President Grent’s Cadinet he was appointed Secretary of State, whica position he sul holds, ROBERT 0. SCHENCK, General Scheack was bora in Ohio In 1909 and is a lwvyer by profession, After serving several terms m the State Legislature he was elected to Congress in 1843 and remained in the House for eight years, | when he was appointed Minister to Brasil, In 1562 mai terms. Last October he was defeated for re-election, General Schenck served with distinc. tion In the Union Army during the revelion, He Was recently appoiated and condrmed Minister to Great Britain, JUSTICE SAMUEL NELSON. Justice Nelson ts a native of New York and was boru in 1792, He was admitted to the bar in 1817 and became distinguished in his protession. In 1820 he was a-Presideatiat elector and during the follow. | tas year Was a delggate to the State Comstitueual Convention. From 1823 to 1831 ho was a Joageor. the Circuit Court, trom 1331 to 1837 a Judge of the Supreme Court of the State, and during the last named year became Chief Justice. This position he held till 1845, when Pre ident Tyler appointed him a Justice of the United States Supreme Court, an omce he still worthily holds, EDENEZER ROCKWELL. HOAR, Mr. Hoar was bora in Massachusetts in 1816. He Was educated at Harvard,and graduated with dis- tnction, About the year 1840 he was admitted to the bar, and soon obtained a large and lucrauve practice, In April, 1859, he became a Justice of the Supreme Court of Massachuse'ts, @ position he re- signed in 1869 to accept the office of Attorney Gene- ral of the United States, from which latter, however, he soon retired, Mr. Hoar ts said to be a gentle- man of profound legal knowledge. He was a strong anti-slavery man during the political war over the slavery question. GEORGE H. WILLIAMS. Mr. Williams Is a native of New York, and a lawyer by profession, in 1844 he emigrated to Lowa, where he became a judge in 1847 and a Presivential elector 1n 1852, During the foliowing year he was appointed Chief Justice of Oregon Territory, and held that position under Pierce’s administration and during part of Buchanan’s, when he resigned. In 1864 he was elected a Senator in Congress for the term end- ing next March, when he will retire from the Senate, a democeatic successor having been chosen by the Legislature. THE ALABAMA CLATHS BILL. Special Statement of the American Ac- count Against England. History of the English Priva- teers, Their Commission and Ravages at Sea. Lord John Russell's “Belligerent Rights” Re- coguition and Its Consequences, From May 6, 1861, to Februa- ry 9, 1871. We are specially informed by a cable telegram from London—published elsewhere in our columns that the British Cabinet is engaged in tne most Serious preparation for the commencement of direct vird voce negotiations with the United States government for the settlement of the Alabama claims account and, as may be reasonably inferred, & prompt discharge of the amount of the bill when it has been duly certified. The HERALD despatch, which ts dated in London yesterday, announces to the American nation on excellent authority that bis Grace the Duko of Devonshire and the Right Honorable Wil- Nqm Eaward Forster, M. P. for Bradford, with other gentlemen, English and Canadian, will take thier departure from the British metropolis within & very short period of time and proceed en route to Washington, duly commissioned by Queen Victoria to hear and audit the bills of American citizens, and to consider—it must be so, of course—the national averages of the American losses—directly at sea and consequently on shore ip our commercial cen- tres—which were sustained by the operations of ;the English privateers employed in the service of the American rebel government during the progress of our civil war tothe moment of the destruction of the Alabama by the Kearsarge. The North American fisheries question will also be considered by the Commissioners. Queen Victoria personally referred to tae Alabama claims in her speech from the throne, delivered at the opening of Parliament yesterday. PRESIDENT GRANT'S ACTION. Confirmatory of the accuracy of the highly tm- Portant intelligence conveyed in tis special cable report’ irom Eugiand we have a telegraph | despatch from Washington—which we aiso | publish above—which proclaims the fact that President Grant sent a speciat message to the United States “Senate yesterday oa the subject of the Alabama claims and the North American fisheries questions, ia which the head of the United States executive announces that the governmeat of her Majesty the Queen of Great Britain consents to have these matters referred for arbitration to a joint commission of both countries, and that in view of this action on the part of the English gov- ernment the Presideat has appointed Secretary Fish, General Schenck, Justice Nelson, ex-Atiorney General of the United States Hoar, with Senator Williams, of Oregon, Comnussioners to act in the name and behalf of the Amertcan people. SENATE CONFIRMATION, ‘The appointment of the American commissioners Tamed above was confirmed immediately by the United States Senate in executive session, THE PLACE OF ASSEMBLAGE. The joint commission will assemble in Washington, and “all matters pending between the two countries” will be referred to its members for adjustment, 7 HOPES. Thus—as will be seen by our special telegrams from each side of the Atiantic—the American people may hope at length for a friendly rearrangement of their outstanding bills with Britain, THE POINTS FOR ARBITRATION. Uur telegraph statements open practically before the eyes of the people of both countries, Great Britain and the United Siatos, a vastly wide feld tor the exercise of the most careful international nego- uation; for although the American claims have al- ready passed into history under the destinctive designation of the Alabama claims, it must be recol+ lected that our national bill of charge embraces the items of damage which was inilicted oa our com- mercial marine flag py the active operations of a little fleet of English craisers, of which the Alabama ana the Florida were the most promtuent and active, We have also bi claims for compensation various forms not naval. From these operations the most disastrous re- suits have ensued to the American shipping interes, affecting our trade from the shipbutiding yards of New York to those of Maine, and fromthe desks of our great insurance offices and banks to the cheer ess fl vesides of our unemployed seamen {n their garrets, both here in New York and in all our sea- board cities, TIONAL PRINCIPLE AND THE FIRST WRONG. His Grace of Argyle, the other English commis- sioners, as well as the executive representatives of tne United States, will have to carry their minds back toa first principle—or, rather, a violation of principle—as set forth in the “belligerent rights’; recognition which Lord Jolin (since Earl) Russell, then Queen Victoria’s Secretary of State ror Foreign Affairs, accorded to the American rebel government of JetY Davis by his declaration made in the House of Commons ou the 6th of May, in the year Isl. On that occasion Lord John Kussell rose to repiy toaquestion put by Mr. Evart, M. P., on * of the month, which he (Mr. Evart) had prefaced by remarking that “it was reported that the Confede rate government was avout to issue letters of marque to privateers,” and inquired “what action her Ma- Jesty’s government would take in the occurrence of such an event.’? THE WORDS OF RECOGNITION. Lord John Rusell took four duys to constder his reply. Re consuited his fellow ministers, and on the sth of Moy, 1861, went down to the House of Commons (and replied to Mr. Evart. The noble Secretary Kkussell) said :—" With respect to belligerent rights in the case of certain portions of @ State being in tnourrection there was a precedent which seems ap- plicadle to Uils purpose in the yeur 1525, The British government at that time allowed the deltigerent rights Of the provisional government of Greece, Tha question (Mr. Evart’sy has Deen under the considera- ttonaf te government, The Attorney Generel, and Soltettor General, and the Queen’s Advocate, and the government, have come 4o the opinion that the South = CONTINGAD QA TENTH 7403, set forth in our pages individual for losses imeurred ip THE "EUROPEAN CONGRESS, Coming to a sf . Come In. “Mos? TELEGRAM TO THE NEW YORK HEnAta, Lonpon, Feb. 9, 1871, The proceedings in the Conference for the setties ment of the Fastern question have not reached theme final stage, but await the conclusion of a format treaty, to which France must scabs party, TrALy AND ROME. The Pope-Hite Crown and the Sword of Peter, TELEGRAM TO THE NEW YORK HERALD, LONDON, Feb, 9, 187%. T have telegrams from Florence, dated in that city yesterday evening, which report the tact that mem bers of the Italian Legislative Chamoers have passed @ bill asstgning regal honors and a ody guard to the Pope in complete accordance with the provistous of the act which was reported specially ana verbatim to the HERALD by telegraph am@ through the sale @ sort Lime since, ITALY AND 2 AFRICA, Serious Difficulty with the Bey of Tunis—Strong Measures Likely to Be Adopted. TELEGRAM TO THE NEW YORK HERALD. LONDON, Feb, 9, 1878. I have received despatches by telegraph from Florence, under date of the sth instant, which asaure me that very serious disficulty is likely to arse between the government or hl Majesty King Victor Emmanuel and the Bey of Tunis on the supject of the piracies of the itiff—to which I have before alluded—and their abatement. «During the session of the Italian Legislative Chambers on the 8th tnst. the Minister Signor Ve Nosta made the announcement “that the dimenity With the government o! Tunis was not yet adyusted* He added “that the Italian government was disposed to preas the subject to an early issue,” Speeches were subsequentiy made by several Members of the opposition, who urged in the strongest terms the sending of a fleet to Tunis. The Bey to “Settle Up.” FLORENCE, Feb. 9, 1871. The government here has been notifled that am envoy from the Bey of Tunis is on the way to Florence: with instructions to.seitie the questions tn dispute. CUBA. HERALD SPECIAL REPORT FROM HAVANA. Visit of Admiral Lee to the Spanish Authorities. HAVANA, Feb. 9, 1871. Rear Admiral 8. P. Lee, commanding the Unite® States North Atlantic squadron, and his staff, ao compaaiea by Consul General Biddle, made an off- Chal cast to-day upon Captain General Va'maseda and Admiral Malcampo, of the Spanish navy. They were received with marked attention. In the course of the Interview which occurred Rear Admiral Lee took occasion to congratulate Valmaseda on the wise dom and clemency of the policy he was pursuing: toward those rebels who saw fit to surrender them selves. Captain General Valmaseda replied Much couriesy. THE IRISH EXILES. Sr. Louis, Feb, 0, 1871. A committee was appointed by the lower honse && the Legislature to-day to draft resolutions ex J opegeiye of the sympathy of the people of Missourt with the canse of Irland, and to invite the Irish patriots recently arrived in Us country to visit Gus tate. VIEWS OF 1He PAS}. 1846—The British troops disiodged tie Sikhs from So-Taon, India. Thoussnds of the latter were drowned by the break ng of @ foating bridge upon which they were attempting the passage of the Suite) river. 1840—ueen Victor Saxe Coburg. 16h bee Darniey, the husband of Mary, Queen of w0L8, house. 1400—King “Richard I. of Engiand murdered at Pomfret Cast e. 1354—A terrible conflict commenced between the stutents of the Wniversity of Oxford and the citizens of that place, Tie contest lasted tiree days, whea the siadents were overpowered by the citizens, with the ald of the country peo ple, and many of them killed, ® married to Prince Albert of blown up by gunpowder in his own Died. TnorP.—In Brooklyn, B. D., on Thursday, Febrte FEBRUARY 10. 1360—William E, Burton, the actor, died, | ary 9, Isaac 0. THOR, br. in' the 6dcu year of BM “Notice of funeral hereafter. For Other Deaths See Third Page. A.Phalop’s athe Perfam LOVE YO! Parties.—Booix and Shoes fee Ladies, Mistes and Gentlemen, at BRUOKS", 575 Broadway, Av=Perfect Fitting Boots nud Shoes, and war Overshoes, cheap, at B, A. BROOKS’, 575 Broadway, A.—Heertng’s Parone CHAMVION SAF 241 Booadw yenee Murray siraate —Balis and vse Saow ard Boots and Shoes, all styles, moderate prices, at MILLER Co.'s, Union square. Attention is Called te the Sule of Fatenehe Property to be offered CO. this Jay, OW salestoone No. ‘voline brick stordy Iso, 85 ft, west side, 21, lot B7x45 re. '¢ Buildings. War size, 40 stor Nos. Atlantic Hous er is a Dev OLOGICAL EXAMI A. A--Royel Huvaue D (by tae dra: For informauon, te. €O., a! 316 Canal, rentarys jayane Lottery address MoLNTTRI » GREGURE & Because B Person | y ro; Pulmonary. and racks the a) Depot } Sold py “al draggin. feentt etree Spreti iver ad Baile Cro: m Cares ni Skin Digs o8, biles, kc. Price 3 . corner 13th at, Gites? San Klow: enses, Oe Borer, Burns, Seals, Pur ceats. So! le Depot, WILLIAM NM Lea & Perrin’ & 208) with fish, sop. g JUL DUNC Pr. Knhnts Leon ts obifgation cory wits Oua vy De. Kabo’s Mus tures on jt, Kirst Close Burnitare and Pare 10 Pea ea thanutactorer, 180 Bivscker street, comer of Sullivans ai: Zovlaion Cures dg remy seme and Skin Die fer ouner remedies ae fy the blood: Glaked the kia voulbiul aad eta