The New York Herald Newspaper, May 17, 1871, Page 5

TH GREAT ‘TREATY, Summary of the Proceedings of the Joint High Commission. THE LAWS OF NEUTRALS DISCUSSED. Manner in Which the British Apo- logy Was Obiained. THE FISHERIES QUESTION. A Request for the Renewal of the Reciprocity Treaty. THE BOUNDARY DISPUTE. Friendly and Cordial Discussions Over the Several Subjects, LETTERS OF APPOINTNENT TION. Norrox, May 16, 1871, The following are the letters of appointment and instructions gent to the American Commission- erse:— DEPARTMENT APPOINTMENTS AND eat DEPARTMENT OF StaTE, WASHINGTON, Feb, 20, 1871, Sin the President having, by and with the advi consent of the Senate, appotited you to be a Commi ‘of the United States in a Joint the United States und Great Brit na ¥ou will be pleased to inform thi ceipt of it, and, shouid it be accepted ate or county in which you were born. a blank form of the oath of allegiance, which, in the event of your acceptance, you will please execute and retura to Shia departinent for'Ale, Tam, alr, your obedient servant, LTON FISH. Hon. Rosrrr 0. Sonenox. Asimilar letter was addressed to the Hon. E. R. Hoar, Hon. Sumuel Nelson and Hon. George 8. Williams:— I, Robert ©. Schensk, having been Sppoinied a commis- sioner of the United States in a Joint High Commission be- tween the United States aud Great Britain, do swear that 1 have never voluntarily borne arma agai ‘United States since I bave been a citizen thereof; that [ voluntarily viven no aid, countenan counsel or encouragé ment to persons engaged in armed hostility thereto; that Ihave ueither sought nor accepted, nor al to exercise the functons of any ofice whatever under any authority or pre- ded ree! in hostility to the Uni States; that I have yielded a voluntary pps toany pretended government, ower or constitution, within the United States, fbereto, And Ido farther swear [ i} and ability, I will iD INSTR! joner igh Commission between in, T hereby inclose your is department solemnly t the eutbority, hostile or inimical jor fifirm| support ddefend the constitution the United States against enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the game; that I take this obligation freely, without mental reservation or purpose of evasion, and that Iwill well and fanthfully discharge the duiles 0 ‘he odie on whitch T aun about to enter, go help me God. « ‘Sworn to and subseribed before mé this — day of ——, LETIER OF INSTRUCTION. DEPARTMENT OF STATE, WASHINGTON, Feb. 22, 1 Sin, Your high character and experience in pubic eal and the familiarity which your long service ander the Feder government has given you of the questions to be discussed and treated by the Joint Commission, of which you have been appointed & member, seem ‘to render unneces- sary any instructions upon the questions that will come under the consideration of that body. Another consideration, more persoval to the undersigned, forbids an attempt on bis Part to gixe instructions to his associates on the commission, You wili receive herewith @ confidential Temorandum, embodying @ reference to correspondence of fits dopa ent, and fot ie bistory of several ot the ques- which may ussed 16 commission, vig, :— I, The fisheries, if phi. II. The navigation of the St, Lawrerte. I procal trade between the United States and the Dominion of Canada. IV. Northwest water boundary and the i . The claims of the United Btates. aj on aeegunt of wets committed by rebel cruisers, VI. Claims of British subjects against the United States for \oases and Injuries arising out _ ol the recen: civil war in the United 8 Jus hoped that th tnemorandam, which has been pre- ared in this department, may ald you, references, in The consideration of the boveral quaeticas on which it trente. that, to the best of m Knowiedge a nf ol ind of San Juan, Great Briain ‘acta committed during ‘Tho Present commits the discussion and treatment of the several questions to. the joint discretion of self and you ten, tings of the amisssion being in this city, you will bave the opportunity, of which he expects you to avail yourself, ny ‘hima an points ta wutsh you Hy Ea ‘ter soubate you ean alto cautiously ‘and confidentially ascertain the views and intons of Senators to whom. in case your negottations shall result in a treaty or convention, that result must be subeaitoy for Unéts Sommtnuiionsl adviss and consent. ‘One point not referred to in the accompanying memoran- um will probably be i nad to the consideration of the joint Commission, viz : me agreement between the two governments defn! ir ive rights and duties ns tals i exes tbe other govpenmvent be in war with 10 fe Sosoak that the suis te indi third Power, cated and your attention to ft asked as one of fons thal engage the considerations, 0 jopes th tant quest! the Commission, The President at whatever prin- In connection with Elples miny be established or recognised this subject aba be considered equally applicable to the covered by the late civil war in this coantry and the ure, 1 have the honor to be, sir, your obedient sony ris. To Hon, RovERT C. SOMRNOK, ‘The same letter was addressed to each member of she Commission, The memoranda alluded to above are brief histories of the several geestions above named, THE PROTOCOLS GF CONFERENCE. The following are the protocols of conference, the record of the proceedings of the Joint High Com- mission, showlug the- process by which the Com- missioners arrived at the conclusions embodied in the Treaty of Washington:— Protocol 1. WAsntNneTon, Feb. 27, 1871.—The tlign Commuis- sioners having met, thelr fall powers were respe tively produced, which were found satistactory, an: copies thereof exchanged, as follows:— ‘RESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF DL YegHR H GRAN ba «i asad peaipe To all who shall ee these - Know ye, that, reposing special trust apd confidence fn the integrity and ability of Hamuiton Fish, Secretary of Stale; Robert ©. Bohenck, Envoy atraordinary aud Mint I resents, greeti fotentiary to Great, Britain; Samuel Nelson, an Adssels ugtice of the Supreme Court of the United pa isbenezer need of msachtisetts, aunt ese baie of regon, five Woinhiated, and, by ‘and with ' the Wiéé’ find consent of’ the’ Senate, do _ap- point them jointly and severally to be Commissioners gn the partof the United States in.a Joint {igh Commission Detween the United States and Great Britain, hereby empows ering them, jolutly and severally, to meet thé Commlasioners appointed OF to be appoinied on bebait of her Britannic Ma- Aeaty, and with them to treat and discuss the mode of settle- ment of the different questions which shall come before the said Joint Ihgh Commission, aud the suid oftice to held and exercise during the pleasure of the President of the United States for the time being. : e:) lestmony whereof 1 have caused these letters to be le 1 1 OF th 0 be hereunt ai zac rant Ue Ea sone neregate ice Whder my hand at the city of Washington, this toth day of February, in the year of our Lord 1471, and of the jependence of the United States of America’ the ninety- . U. 8. GRANT. By tho President, HAMILTON Fisu, Secretary of State. VioronIA RxG.—-VicrontA, BY THR GRACK OF Gop, QUEEN OF THEUNITED KINGDOM OF GR BRITAIN AND IRRLAND, DEFENDER OF THE FAITH, &U,, 40.5 &0- Te all and singular to whore Uhere proves hill cine, geting: Wherens for the purpose of discussing in a friendly spirit vith Commissioners to be appointed on the part of our good {rienda, the United States of America, the various questions on which diferences have urigen betiveen. and our said goo friends, aiid fuitrement, ve nard judged jtexpedtent to mit ea” Yat eye id’ ahtiet of in this i, Kno Sapeclal “trast 19a] rt the c + Fepoaiig Dee 5 ther dent loyalty, confident 4, and right ‘well be: and councilor, George Freuerigk Satnuel, Earl nd Exel of Ripon Viscount Goderich, Baron ranthain, a bardnet, & peer of our United Kingdom, Mresi- jent of our Most Honorable Privy Council, Kmight ‘of our ‘ost Noble Order of tho Garter, key &.; trusty and well beloved councillor, ‘Sir Staflord Heniy Northcote, Buronet, a member of Parlia- ment Companion of olir "Moat Honorable | Onier of the Bath, @e., &o.; of our trusty and — wel Ueloved Sir Edward ‘Thornton, Knight Commander of our ‘oat honorable Order of the Bath, our Envoy Extraordt Bary and Miniater Plenipotentiary to our good friend th Unived States of America; of our trusty and well belove: Bir John Alexander Macdonald, Knight Commander of our most honorable Order of the Bath, a member of uur Privy Couneli for Canada and ter’ of Justice and Attorney Geveral of our Dominion of Cana‘la, and of our trasty and well beloved Montague Bernard, Eaq., Chichele Professor of International Law in the Utuversity of Oxford, have named, madé, constituted and appointed as we do by these presents name, Make, constitute and appoint them our unduubted high commissioners, procurators, and plevipotentiaries, giving to them or to any three or more of {hem all manner of power and authority to trent, adjust and conclude with such minister or ministers as may be vested With similar power aud auihority on the part of our good Pinna 3 we Qohea States of America of their invest £. we the r0 ip yore and eiramspection bf our right trusty loved cousii De Grey ‘of our might for ua and in our ty hare, everything #0 agreed upon and conclwied, and to do ‘nd transact ali euch other matters as Anish, and wit 7 vs ron 8 in the fulless sna fo the whol OF In part, avy person whatsvever ty fittings the g»® OF act contrary thereto, as far as it ies in our were PY witness whereot wa have caused the gren Untted Kingdom of Great bi these i : which we have &:yned Given at vtir.court at Windsor Castle the Ith day of Feb- fuary, in the year of our Lurd 1871, and tn the Uinty-fourth vear of our It was proposed by the British High Comumiesion- ers that Mr. Fish, Secretary of State of the United States, should preside. The United States Commis- soners stated that, sithough Appreciating the pro- pusal, they ditt not consiaer necessary that a PI nt should be named, ‘The High Commis. sloners, on the suggestion of Mr, Fish, requested Lord Tenterden, Secretary to the British Aigh Com. mission, and Alt. Banorott Davis, Aspiatant Secretary NEW YORK HERALD, WEDNESDAY, MAY 17, 1871.—TRIPLE SHEET. State of the United States, accing as secretary to ¢ High Commission, to ‘andertake The High Commis- B18 EDWARD THORNTON TO MR. WASHINGTON, Jan. 26. 1871. visu. ‘S1R—In compliance witb an i rece! Granville 1 have the honor to slate that her Ma, ernment deem ft of importance fo the mood they are ever anxious should subsist and be siren; tween the United States and Great and complete understanding lwo governments as to the extent of the to the eltizens of the United States and her reapectivey, with reference to the fisheries on *e possessions in North ns wi America, and as to al other questions vetween them which affect the relations tne Uni wards is. As the id States tor these in of these matters woul jomewhat compli however, involve investi- nature, ant as it is Vv je that they should be thoroughly examined, I am ected by Lord Granville to propose to the govermimrnt of the United States the appointment of a joint high commis- son, waich aball be composed of members to be name! BY each government, It sha'l hold ite sessions at lugtony und shall treat of and discuss the mode of set- ting the diferent questions which have ‘out of the. fisheries, ag weil as those which affect the relations of the United States towards her. Majesty's possessions in North America. | am confident that t} is “propanes, will be met by your government in the sume cordial spirit of friendshij Which has induced her Majesty's government to tender 1 und L cannot doubt that in that case the result will not fall to coniridute to the maintenance of the good relations between the two countries which Tam convinced the government of fees tare I byt States as well as that of her Maje: at heart, Il have the honor to be, with the higbest consideration, sir, your most obedient, humble servayt, Wowapo THORNTON. The Hon. HAMILTON Freu, &c., &c., MB. FISH TO BIR EDWARD THORNTON. DRPARTMENT OF STATE, WASITINGTON, Jan. Bt, 181, S81R—I bave the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note ot January 26, in which you inform me in compliance with Instructions from Karl Granville that her Majest, ernment deem it of importance to the g° ations which they are ever anxious should subsist and be ed between the United . Bt Great that « friendly and <dutitte Pg jovern! ing should be com (0, between, the: two: ments as vo the extent of the rights which belong to the citl- zens of ti nited States and her Majesty's subjects Fé spect , with reverence to yer rigs on jhe coast of her lajesty”s possessions in Nort! tierieh, and as to any of! questions between them which affect ihe relations of the nited States towarda these possessions, And further, that ‘as the conalderation of these questions would involve investi. ations of a somewhat complicated nature, and as it ls very jesirable that they should be thoroughly examined, you are directed by Lord | Granmille ropore tothe government of the United States appointment Of a loint high commission, which shalt’ be com: osed of members to be named’ by each government, shail Id Ite seastons at Washington and shall treat of and discuss the mode of setting the diferences which have arisen out of the fiaheres as well as those which affect the relations of the United States towarce her Majesty's possessions in North America, Thave lald your note before the Prosident, who instracts me to say that he shares with her Majesty's government the reclation of the Importance of a iriend’y and complete understanding between the two goyernments with referenco to the subjects specially suggested for the consideration of the proposed joint high commission, and he fully reco nines the f spirit which bas prompted the proposal. ‘The President is, however, of the opinion that without the adjustment of a clase of questions not allnded to in note the supposed high commission would fall to estabileh permanent relations and the sincere, mubstantial and lasting friendship between the two governments, which, in common with her Majesty’s government, he desires ahould provail. He thinks that the removal of the differences which srone duriag tue. rebellion in the United diate, aad which have existed since out of the acts committed ime then, it whieh ‘hare by the several vessels given rise to the cok kno as the “Alabama Claims,” will also essential to restoration of cordial and amicabis rela- tions between the two governments, He desired mo to that should ber Majes! vernment accept this this matter, and assent tha a 4 Wreatod m: 3 rm igh CommreBi Abd ay us Be ree appoint High Comaissionérs on the part of the Un! States to meet those who may be pointed on behalf of her Majesty's government, and will spare no efforts to secure, at the gariiogt practicable, mo- ‘ment, a just and amicab‘e arrange ment the questions which now unfortunately stand inthe way of anenure and abiding friendship between the two nations. T have the honor to be. with the highest consiaeration, sir, your very ol it servant, HAMILTON Fis. Sir EDWABD THORNTON, K. OC, B., 4e., dc, 818 EDWARD THORNTON TO MR, Fist, Wasuinarton, Feb, 1, 1871. Smm—I have the honor to acknowledge the receip: of your note of the 80tb ult, and to offer you my sincere and cordial thanks for the friendly and conciliatory spirit which pervades it. With reference to tuat part of it in which you state that the President thinks that the removal of the differences which arose during the rebellion in the United States, which have existed since then growing out of the acts com- maltted by the several vessels which have given rise to the claims ‘ally kuown as the “Alabama ¢.atins,” will also be essential to the restoration of cordial and amicable reia- tous between the two government have the honor to tn- form you that I have submitted to Karl Granville the President of the United thus expressed Beates, friendliness of hy E bee rou to believe, I tully appreciate. Tam now authorized by nis Lordship to state that it would xive her Majesty's government great satisfaction if the claims rn Commoniy knwa by the name or the amma clalaa” wore submitted 16 the consideration of the same High Oummiaalon by which her Majesty's government have proposed. that questions | relating to the, Mritinh jous ia No merica should be discussed, provided all other claims, both Of British subjects-and citizens of the United states, arising out of acta committed during the recent elvil warn this mn, The the rth country, are similarly referred to the same Comm expressions made use of In the name of the T'resid above mentioned note with regard to th convii e that the me to convey to m: to the addition whic High Commission, and fesmtnin thensey betwee differences between the wo fe aera | Wo the duuies of the which canons {all to make tt mare wil lead to th@ removal of all mtries, ‘ °F have the honor to be trith the higheat consideration, air, your most obedient, humble , heatapetenine ne The Hon. Hamiuron Fisu, &0., &c., dc. ‘ MR. FI6U TO BIR EDWARD THORNTON. DEPARIMENT OK a att Wasainaton, Feb. 8, 171.1 Srn—I have the honor to acknowled; anthorized by Earl Majesty's government great satisfaction if th monly known by the name of the ‘Als on of her Majesty's have the _ questions ing to the British possessions in North America, ould be disenssed, provided that all other clatma, both of British subjects and citizens of the Uniied States, arising out of acts committed during the recent civil war in this country, are similarly referred to the same committes. I have laid your note before the President, and he has directed me to ex- prese the satisfaction with which he has recelved the intelll- fence, that tari Granville has authorised you to state that jer Majesty's t bas accepted the views me gor- re. of this’ government as to the made of the so-called “Alabama ci He also directs me to say, with reference to the r inder of your nal note, that if there be other anu further claims of British aub- jects or of American citizens, growing out of acts com ring the recent civil war in. this country, he assent propriety of their reference to the same high commission; bur he suggests that the High Commissioners shall consider only such claims of this description as may be presented by the governments of the reapective claimants at ap early day to be agreed upon by the Commissioners. Thave the rto be, with the highest consideration, sir, your obedient servant, AMILTON FISH. THORNTON, K. ©. B., &., de. Sir EDWARD The Commissioners further determined that the discussion might tnclude such other matters a3 might be mutually agreed upon. The meeting of the High Commissioners was then adjourned to the 4th of March, J. C. BANCROFT DAVIS, WASHINGTON, March 4, 187.—The High Commis- stoners having met, the protocol of the conference held on the 27th of February was read and con- firmed. At the commencement of the conference the United States High Commissioners called gttén- tion to the proviston in the constitution of the United States, by which the advice and consent of the Senate is required for the ratification of any treaty which may signed under the authority of the President. The British High Commissioners stated that phey wero acquainted with this provision. The High Commissioners then proceeded with the con- sideration of the matters referred to them. The conference was adjourned 8 the 6th of March. - & ERDEN DAVIS. DEN. All the protocols, from the third to the thirty. fourth inclasive, are precisely the same and read as follows: ‘rhe High Commissioners having met, the pro- tocol of the conference held on the —— of — was read and conirmed, The High Commissioucts then proceeded with the Consideration of the mat- ters ret ito them. The conference was ud- Journed tu the —— of —. J. 0. BANCROFT DAVIS, TENTERDEN. Proteest 35. Wasitinaron, May 8, 1871.—The High Comiis- sioners having met, the protocol of the conterence held on the 26th of Apri) was read and contirmed, The Iigo Commissioners then rocepaed with phe consideration of the matters referred to them. The American Commissioners produced the following fur- ther fall power, under the seal of the United states, author:zing tiem to conclude and sign @ treaty:— 6 8. GRANT, PREBIDENT OF THB UNITED STATES AMERICA, ae ear Tol! to whom the'e pres ts shall come, Grertit now ye, (hat wheres bearlnig date the 10th day of February last, , Secretary of State, , U, Schenck, Envoy Extraordin: and Minis‘er Pieni- Liar Associate to Great Iiritain; Samuel Nelson, an the Supreme Court of the United states; Ebenezer Hoar, of Massachusetts, und George If. Williams, of Oregon, were authorized (o meet the Commissioners appointed or to Beappoiuted on bona of hee Britannic Majeaty, and with them treat abd d.scuss (he mode of seltiement of the different Questions wiley should come before them; and Wherexs that meeting and discussion ken place And the eald mode of settlement bus been agreed upon, now, therefore, I, Ulysses &. Grant, President of the United States, “do hereby apporat the aaid Hamitton Fish, Robert 0. Samuel Nelson, Kbenozer nd George Hi. will severally, plenipolentisries to the United States, and do aathor- fe. theln, oF or either of them, to conclude 1 sign any treaty oF treaties touching the premises for ibe final ratification of the President of the United States, by und wiih the advice and consent of the Senate, it such advice aud Consent be given, In witness whereot 1 Lave caused the seal of (be United States to be hereunto afixed, Given under my band at the city of Waabington, the second day of May, im the year of our Lord one thousand eight ndred and seventy-one, and of the Independence of @ Culted Sates of America the minety-iith, 8, GRANT. a By tho Presiient, HAMILTON Fisu, Secretary of State, This full power was oxamined by the British Commissioners and found satisfactory. The Joint Hight Commissioners determined that they would embody in protocol @ statement containing an ac- count Of the negotiations upon the various subjects included In the Treaty, and thev the joint protocolists to prepare suchan account in the order in which tae subjects are to stand Treaty, The m the mnference was adjourned to the 4th of May. Sonnerae soon G. BANUROPT DAVIS, TENTERDEN. Protocel 36. Wasnincron, May 1871.—The a Commis- sloners having met, the protocol the con- ‘be held tobe binding iuterpationatly between tne ference held_on the 8d of May was read and the with the request of it High Commissioners at the last confer- ence was then read a8 follow: people and United States felt that they bad sustan xeone and that great injuries and terest ts Brian were in- upon their commerce and tay material in- uct reat athe. rebellion. in the United tates; that what has oc 12 brittan and her colonies caring that period had given rise to feellags in the United States which the people of the United States did not desire to cherish toward Great Britain; that the history of the Alabama and other craisers which ad been fitted out or armed or equipped, or which had received augmentation of force in Great Britain | or in her colonies, and of the operations of those | vessels, showed extensive direct fosses in the cap> ture and destruction of a Jarge number of vessels, With their cargoes, and in the heavy national ex- nditures in the pursuit of the cruisers, and indirect injury in the transfer of a large part of tne Anierican commercial marine to the British flag, in the enhanced payments of tasurauce, in the pro- longation of the war, aud in the addition of a large sum to the cost of the war and the suppression Of | she rebelhon; and also showed that Great Britain, ; should consider the claims for injuries which the pacoie of Canada had suffered from what were wh as the Fenian raids, ‘The American Commissioners objected to this, and it Was agreed that the subject might be brougnt up again by the British Commissioners im connection with the subject referred to by Sir Bdward Thornton im his letter ot February 1. At the conference on the 14th of Aj High Commission took mto consideration the sub- mentioned by Sir Edward Thornton in hat letter. The British Commissioners proposed that @ commisrion for the consideration of these claims sould be appointed, and that the convention of 1853 should be followed as a precedont. This was ee to, except tiat It was settled that there should be a third’Commusstoner tn- stead of an umpire. At the conference on the 16th of April the treaty articles twelve to seventeen Were agreed to. At the conference on the 26th of Aprit the British Commissioners again brought before the Joint High Commirsion the claims of the people of Canada for injuries sutfered. from thé Fenlan raids. ‘Iicy sald twat they were instructed to present these ciaims and to state that they were regarded by her Majesty’s government as coming whihin the class of subjects indicated by Sir Edward Thorpton, i his letter of January 26, a8 subjects 1or the consideration of the Joint High Gomtmission, The American Commissioners replied that they Were instructed to say that the government of the United States cid not regard these claims as coming within the class of subjects indicated in that letter 43 subjects fer the consileration of the Jot High by reason of failure in vee prope obmekeance of tap Commission, and thay they were without any duties as a neutral, nad come justly liable tor { ausnorn, from their government to consider the acts of those cruisers and of their tenders; / them. They therefore decliued to do so, ‘The that the claims for the loss and aestruc- British Cominissioners replied that ag the tion of private property which had thus far | subject was understood not to be within been presented pound to poaus, fourteen millio! the scope of the instructions of the American Com- or pores witout interest, Which amount wi missioners they must refer to their government for liable {6 bé greatly Increased by claims which had | further tastructions upon it. not been At the conference on the ad of May the British pain; that the cost to which the gov- ernment had been put m the pursuit of cruisers could easily be ascertained by certiticates of govern- ment accounting officers; that in the hope of an aiicabie settlement no estimate was made of the indirect lo: “ee without prejudice, however, to the right indemnification on ther ac- count in the event of no such seitlement bere made. ane American Commisstoners further staui that they hoped that the British Commissioners would be able to place upon record an expression of regret by her Majesty’s government for the depre- dations committed by the vessels whose acts were now under dtscussion; they also proposed that the Joint High Commission should agree apon a sum Which should be paid by Great Britain to we United ‘States in satisfaction of all the claims and tne tuter- est thereon, ‘The. British’ Commissioners replied that her Ma, Jesty’s government could not adinit that Greut Britata had failed to discharge towards the United States the duties imposed on her by the rules ol in- ternational ldw, or that she was justly liable to Make good to the United States the losses occa- sioned by the acts ot the cruisers to which the American Commissioners had reicrrea, ‘ihey re minded the American Commissioners that several Yesels suspected of being designed to cruise against the United States, including two trou-clada, had beea arrested or detained by the British government, and that that government had m some instances not confined itself to the discharge of International obligations, however widely consirued, as, for in- stance, when it acquired, ata Brest cost to the coun- try, the control of the Anglo-Chinese flotila, which, it was apprehended, might be used against the United States. They added that, although Great Britain Nad {rom the beginning disavowed any responsibility for the acts of the Alabama and the ovher vesseis, she had already shown her Willinguess, for the sake of the mainte- Bence of friendly relations with ihe United Stated, to adopt the principle of arbitra. tion, provided that @ fitting arbitrator could be fouad, and that an agreement could be come to as to the points to which arbitrat.on should apply. Tey would, therefore, abstain froin reply- ing tn detail to the statement of the American Com- missioners in the hope that the necessity tor enter- jug upon a lengthened controversy might be ob- viated by the adoption of so falr a mode of settle- ment as that which they were lustracted to pro- pose, and they had now to renee, on behalf of ther wovernment, the offer of arbitration, * The American Commissioners expressed their re- gret at this decision of the British Commissioners, and sala, further, that they could not consent to suomit the question of the jfability of her Majesty’s government-to arbitration unless the principles Which should govern the arbitrator iu the considera- tion of the facts could be agreed upon, The British Commissioners replied that théy had no autiiarity to agree to a suomission of these clalins to an arbitra- tor with instructions as to the principles which shonid govern in the consideration of them. They said Undt they should be willing to consider what princl- ples should be adopted for obaervance in future, but | that they were of opinion that the best mode of con- ducting an.artittation was to submit the facts to the arbitrator, and leave him free to decide upon them alter hearing such argumenis as might be neces- sary. The American Commissioners ‘repited that they were Willing to consider what priuciples should ve latd down tor ovservance in similar cases in future, with the auderstanding that say. principles that shoula be agreed upon snould be to be applica. ble to'vhe facts in respect to the Alabama clalins, ‘The British Commissioners replied that they could not admit that suere anna been, any violation existing pri a 5 ‘that their instenctious dia nor authorize them to accede ‘wo 4 proposal for laying Gown rules for the guidance of the arbitrator, but that they would make kKno@n vo their government the views of the American Coramiasionera on the subject. At the respective conferences on March 9, March 10, March 13 and March 1¢ the Joint High Commis- mission considered the form of the declaration of ‘hich =the ~=American see adopted for the instruction of the arbitrator and laid down for observance bythe two governments in future. At | the close of thé conference of the 14th of March the British Cummissioners reserved several questions: | for the con-iderat.on of their government, At the conference of the 6th of April the British Commls- sioners stated that they were instructed by her Ma- jesty’s government tw declare that oer Majesty's government could not asseat to the proposed Tules as a@ statement of principles of inter- national law which were in force at the Ume when the Alabama clains arose, but that her Majesty’s government, in order to evince its desire of strengthening the friendly relations between the two countries and of making satisfactory provision for the futnre, agreed that In deciding rhe questions between the two countries arising out of those claims the arbitrator should assume that her Ma- Jesty’s government had undertaken to act upon the principles set forth im the rules which te American Commissioners had proposed— viz., that a neutral government is bound— Ferst—To use due diligence to preveut the fitting out, arming or equipping, within its jurisdiction, of auy vessel which it has reasonable ground to believe | is intended to crulse or carry on war agatust a Pow With which it is at peace, and also to use like dil- gence to prevent the departure from its jurisdiction; } of any vessel intended 10 cruise or carry on war as above, such vessel having been specially adapted, iy whole or in part, within such Jurisuicuon, to Warllke use, ‘sete 4 Second 'y—Not to permit or suffer either belligerent to make use of Its ports or waters as the base of naval operations against the other, or fer the pure ; pose of the renewal or augmentation of military | supplies or arms, or the pera ment of ey, Thrdly—To exercise due diligence [In its own ports or waters, and as to all persons within its Jurisdiction to prevent any violation of the foregoing obligations and duties, it being a condition of this undertaking that these obligations should in future i two countries. Tt was algo settled that, in deciding the matters submitted fo him, the arbitrator should be governed by the loregoing rules, which had been agreed upon | as rales to be taken a8 applicable to the case, and | by such principles of international law not incon- | sistent therewith as the arbitrator shoutd determine | to have been applicable (9 the sani The Joint High Commission then proceeded to cons.der the form of submission and the manner of constituting @ tribunal of arbicration at the confer- ences on the 6th, sth, 9th, 10th and Lzth of April. The Jomt Tigh Commission considered and dis- cussed the form of submission, tue mani of the award, and the mole of selecting the arbl- trators, The American Commissioners, referring to (he hope which they had expressed on the 8th of March, tuquired whether the British Commissioners were prepared to place upon fécord an expression | of regret vy her Majesty’s government for the depre- dations commitied by the vessels whose acts Were now under discussion, and the British Commission- ers replied that they were authorized to express in @ friendly spirit the regret felt by her Majesty's government for the escape, under whatever circum. stances, of the Alabama and other vessels from | ritish ports and for tie depredations commit by Tidse vessels The Amcrican Commissioners accepted this ex- pressiun of regard as very satisfactory to them a3 & token Of Kindness, and satd that they felt sure it would be so received by the government and —. je of the United States. Inthe ccuference on the ath of April the treaty articles one to/| eleven were agreed to, Articles tweive to seventeen at the conference on the 4th | March were agreed to. The subjects were ref erred to the Joint High Oommission rr the re- spective goveruwnel in the order in which they | appeared in the poudence between Sir Edward | Thornton and Fish, and the considera- | Mr. lion of the adjustment of all other claims, both of Britiai subjects and citizens of the United States, arising oul of acts committed during the recent clyil War in this country, a8 described by Sir Edward Thornton in his letter of February 1, ‘was deferred until subjects referred to inthe pre- vious letters should have been disposed of The American Commissioners said that they sap- posed wnat they were right Im their opinion that ritish laws prombit Briuish subjects trom owning slaves. They, therefore, inquired whether any claim for slaves or for alleged property or interest in slaves can or will ve presented by the British gov- ernment, or In behalf of any Britten subject, under the treaty now being negotiated, if there be in the | treaty no express words excluding such claims. The British, Commissioners replied that by the law of England BYitush subjects had long been pronibited from purchasing or dealing in siaves, not only within the dominions of the British crown, but th any foreign country, and (bat they had no hesita- tion in saying that no claim on bebialf of any British subject for slaves or fur any Property ‘or interest in slaves woul! ve preacnted by t ritish goveru- ment, Referring to the paragraph in Sir Edward Thorn- ton’s letter Of January 20, relating to the mode of seliling the different questions which have arisen ‘out of the fisheries as well as those which affect the relations of the United States towards her Majesty's possessions in North America, the Briush Commis. ‘ners proposed that the Joint High Commission ' thon of the river St, Lawrence | Much @s one vrancu of Congress had recently more ; timber be adiuitted free from duty, from ani after | coal, salt and fish, and of Cn alter July 1, 1874; “the use of the inshore fisheries, and to make the Commissioners stated (nat they were Instructed by ~ their government to cxpress thelr regrets that the Atwerlcan Comuns+toaers were without authority to deal with the greston, of the Fenian raids, and ey inquired Whether that was still the case. @ Aiuerioin Commissiouers replied that they could see no reason to vary the reply : formerly given this proposal; that in their view the ject Was not embraced in tne scope of the cor- mdence betweeu Sir Edward Thornton and Mr, , Under cher of the letters of the former, and Mat they did not fecl justified in entering upon ibe | gousideration of auy class of cldims not contempla- ed at the time of te creatoh of the present Oom- Mission, and that the claims now referred to did not ‘commen< themselves Lo their favor, Tne British High Commisstoners sald that under the circumstances they would not urge farther; that the settlement of the claims should be included in the present treaty and that they had the less dill. cuity in doing 80, a8 a portion of the claims were of & constructive and inferential character. In articies 18 to 26, at the confereuce on the 6th of Mareh, the British Commissioners stated that they were prepared to discuss the question of the fish- eries, either in devail or generally, so as either to enter into au examination of the respective rights of. the two countries under the ‘Treaty of re and the general law of nations or to approaci at ofoe the settlement of the question on a compre- bensive basis. fue American Commissioners said that, with the ew oftavoiding the discussion of matters which subsequent negotiation might render it unnecessary wenter into, they thought it would be preferavie to adopt the latter course, aud inquire what tn that gase would be the basis which the British Co:mmis- ‘sioners desired to propose. ‘Tne British Commissioners replied that they con- sidered that the Reciprocity Treaty of June 4, 1854, should bé resvore:| tn principle. ‘The American Comuissioners declined to assent to ®@ renewal of the former Reciprocity Treaty, ‘The British Commissioners then su rgestedsif any considerable moditication were made tn the tariff ar- rangement of that trade, the coastit og trade ol the ‘United States and of her Britannic Majesty's posses sions in North America should be reciproca.ly (thrown open, and that the navigation of the r.ver St. Lawrence and of the Canadian canals should be also thrown open to the citizens of the United States on terms of equality with British subjec! The American Commissioners deciiued this pro- Eg and objected to a negotiation on the basis of | ne Keciprocity Treaty. ‘They suid that that weaty had proved unsatisfactory to the people of the uited States an vonseqnently = had beon terminated by notice from the government of tno United States, in pursuance of its provisions, its renewal was not in their interest, anu would now bein accordance withthe senuments of their peo- le. They further said that they were not at lioerty 0 treat of the opening of the coasting trade of the United States so the subjects of her Mujesty residing | 1D _her possesyions in North America, It was agreed that the question relating to naviga- of Canadian ca- is and to other commercial questions acting ada stiould be treated by the.uselves, ‘Tue sub- Ject of the fisheries was further discussed at the con- ference on the 7th, 20th, 220 and 26th of March. The American Commissioners stated that it a value of the imshore titheries could be ascer- tained the United States might pre‘er to pur- el jor & sum of moLey the right to enjoy in perpetuity the use of these inshore fisheries in common with British fshermen, and mentioned one million do.Jars as tue sum they were bre; to oner. ‘Pie British Commissioners replied that this offer they thougnt, wholly Inadequate, and tbat no would ve wcceptable of which the admission into the United States free of auty of fish the produce of the British fishenes did not form a part, aduing that any arrangemont for the acquisition by purchase of the inshore tish- eries in perpetuity was open to grave objections, ‘he American Commissioners myuired whether it would be necessary to refer any arrangemeut for purchase to the colontal or provincial Parliament. The British Commissioners explained that the fisheries, within the limits of maritime jurisdiction, were the property of the soveral British colonies, and fa) it would be necessary to reier any arrange- ment Which might aifect coloulai property or rights to tne colonial or provincial Pariia- ments, and that legisiation would also be required on we rt of the imperial Pariiament, During these discussions the British Commissioners contended that these inshore fisheries were of great value, and (hat the most satisiaciory arrangement for their use would be a reciprocal tari? arrange. ment and reciprocity in the coasting trade, and the American Commissioners replicd that’ their value was overestimated; that tne United States desired to secure their enjoyment, not tor thelr commercial or intrinsic value vut for the purpose of removiug a source of irritation, and Lhat they could hold out no nope that the Congress of the United States would give its assent to suc. @ tarilf arrangemént ws was proposed, or to any extended pian of recipr: cal free ad mission of the products of the two countries; but that inas- han once expressed itself in favor of the aboution of duties on coal and sait, they would propose that cual, suit and fish be reciprocally admitted free, and thatinasmuch as Congress nad removed the daty ‘rom a portion of the lumber teretotore subject to duty, and the tendency of legisiation m the United States was towards the reduction of taxation of duties im proportion to the reduction of the public debt and expenses, they would further propose that the ist of July, 1874, subject to the spprayel Qf Con- Lon) Walen Was necessary on questions afecting ort duties, “eo. 4 The British Commissioners at the confeeence on the 17th of April stated that they haa referred this offer to their government and were instructed to in- form the American Commissioners that it was re- garded as ipadequate, and that her Majesty’s govern. tment consiMered that free lumber should be granted at once, and that the proposed tari concessious should be supplemented by a money payment. The Américain Commissionéis then stated that they withdrew the pioposal which tiey had pre- viously made of the reciprocal free admission of that that reciprocal had been made entirély in the Interest of peaceful settiement, and for the purpose of removing @ source of irritation and anxiety; that its value had been beyond the commercial or Intrinsic value of the rigtts to have been ac- quired in return, and that they could nov consent to au arrangement on the basis now pro- posed by the British Commissioners, and they re- je wed their proposal to pay & mouey equivalent for thé use of the agi fan les, hey byes pro- osed that in case the (wo governiients should not e able to Agree upon the sum to be paid as such an equivalent, the matter should be referred to an im- parttal commission for determination. The British Commissiuners repiied that this posal was one on which they had no instructions and that it would not be possibie for them to come vo any arrangement, except one for aterm of vears and involving the concession of free fish and fish oi) by the American Commissioners; but that if free fish and fish oll were conceded they would inquire of thelr government whether they were prepared to assent’ to a refe.ence arbitration as to money payment, The American Commissioners replied that they were willing, subject to the action of Congress, toc neede Hee fish and fish oi! as an equivalent for arrangement for a term of years; that they were of opinion that free fish and fish ot} would be more than an equivalent for these fisheries, but that the were also willing to agree to @ reference to deter- mine that question and the amount of any money payment tha’ might be found necessary to complete an fequivaient, it being understood that legislation would be needed before any payment could be made, The subject was further discussed in the confer- ences of April 18 and 19, and the British Commis- sioners, having referred the last propossl to their government, und receiyeq jastruct jons to accept it, the treaty articies 18 to 26 were agreed te at th Conference on the 22d of April, ee to $3 at the Conference on the 7th of March, ‘The British Commissioners proposed that the reci/ procity treaty of June 5, 1854, should be restored in principle, and that if any considerable modifications in the tari? arrangements in force under it were made the coasting trade of the United States ai her Britannic jajesty’s possessions in North America shoukl be reciprocally throwo open, and that the vigation Of the river St. Lawrence and of the Canadian canals should be thrown open to the citizens of the United states on terms of equality with British subjects. ‘The American Commissioners declined this pro- posal and in the suvsequent negouations the ques- Uon of the fishertes was treated by itself. At the conference on the 17th of March the Joint High Commission considered the subject of the Aiterican improvement of the pavigation of the st. Clair fata, At the conference of the 18th of March the ques- tions of the navigation of the river St, Lawrence and the canals and the other subjects connected there- with were taken up, The American Commissioners roposed to take into consideration the question of ransit of goods in bond through Canada and tho United States, which Was agreed to, i the Joint | ‘fair “therefore renewed their pro Commissioners A the ques.on transit goods Cabada and the United States, which was agreed missioners Tho British Com proposed to take into Soasrenctlas Seapets ear arta of the lakes, cI White! was declined. On the 5 jal of the Britian Com- missioners, It was to take the question of transshipment into consideration. ‘The British Commissioners p' to take into consideration the rec ion of vessels as between the Dominion of Canada and the United States, which was declined. At the conference of the 23d of March the trans- shipment question was discussed and postponed for further Information, On the motion of the American Commissioners tht transit question was discussed, and It was that any settlement that ht be made should In- clude @ reciprocal arrangement tn that reapect for ee jod for which the fishery articles shoul: be fore’, The question of the navigation of the river St. Lawrence and she canals was taken up, The Brit- ish Commission stated that they regarded the concession of the navigation of Lake Michigan as an equivalent for me concession of the navigation of the river st. Lawrence, As lo the canals, they stated that the concession of the privilege to navigate them in thelr present coadition, on terms of equality with subjects, was a much greater concession than the corresponding use of the canala offered by the United States They furtuer said that ry en- jargement of the canals would livolve the expendl- ture of a large amo of money, and they asked What equivalent the American Commuisxstouers pro- Posed 40 give for the surrender of the right to con- trol the tolls for the use of the canals, either in taeir present state or after enlargemeat. ‘The American Commissioners replied that, anless the Welland Canal should be enlarged so as to ac- co.umodate the present course of trade, they should not be disposed to make any concessions; that In their opinion the citizens of the United States could now justly claim to navigate the river St. Law- rence in dis natural siate, ascending and de- scending, from the forty-ilth parallel of north latitude, where it ceases to form the boun- dary between the two countries, from, to and futo the sea, and they couid not concede that the Navigation of Lake Michigan should be given or taken a4 an equivalent 1or that right, and they thought that the concession of the navigation of Lake Michigan and of be canals offered by them WAS !nore than an equivalent for the cencessions as. to the Canadian canals which were asked, They proposed, in connection with a reciprocal a @rrangement as to transit and transhipy Canada should agree to ealarge the Well St. Lawrence canals, to inake no dit ‘ond to limit (he folly to rates the canals, pay & reasonable inte | construction and enlargem And raise a sinking fund for the repaylug, within a reasonable time, the cost of enlargement, and that the navigation of the river St. Lawrence, the Canadian canals, the canals offered by the United States and Lake Michigan should be enjoved reciprocally by citizens of the United States and by British subjects, ‘Vhis proposal was deciined by the British Com- missioners, Who repeated that Chey did not regard the equivalent ofered by the Cuited States as at all commensurate with the coucessious asked from Great Britain, Atthe conference on the 27th of March the pro- posed enlargement of the Canadian cazals was tur. ther discussed. It was stated ou the part of the British Commissioners that the Canadian govern- ment were considering the expediency of enlarging the capacity of the canals on the river St. Law- rence, and had already provided for the enlarge- ment of the Welland Canal, which would be under- taken withoat delay. ‘The subject of the export duty in New Brunswick on American lumyer floated down the river at St, John was proposed for consideration by the Ameri- can Commiss:oners, At the confe eon the 22d of Apr tho British Commissioners proposed that the navigation of Lake Michigan should be given im exchange for the Navigauon of the river St. Lawrence, and that = her Majesty's government should agree to urge upon the Dominion of Ganada to give Lo the citizens of the United States the use of the Canadian canals on terms of equality with British subjects, and that the government of the United States should agree to urge upon the several States to give to British subjects the use of the ‘al State canals on terms of equality with c.tizens of the United States, ‘ney also proposed, as part of the arrangement, a_ reciprocal agree- ment as to transit and transhipment, and that the governinent of Great Britain should urge upon New Brunswick not to impose export duties on the lumber floated down the river St. John for shipment to the United States. ‘The American Comm:ssioners repeated their views ay to the navigation of the river St. Lawrence in its natural state. The British Commissioners replied that they conld not adinit the claims of American citizens to navigate the river St. Lawrence as of right, but that the Britis goverament las no desire wexclude them from it. They, however, pointed out that there were certain rivers running through Alaska waich should, oa hke grounds, be declared free and open to British subjects in case the river St Lawrence should b3 declared free, ‘the American Commussioners repli that they were prepared to reconsider that ques- tuon. They aiso assented to the arrangement as to the canals, which was propose by the British Commissioners, Umiting it, as regarded American cauals, to thecanais connected with tie navigation of the jakes or rivers traversed by or contiguous to the boundary line between the British and Ameri. can ssions, They lik: wise agreed to give the right of navigating Lake Michigan for a term of years. They desired, and it was Chea that the transhipment arrangement should be made dependent upon the non-existence — of discriminating toils or regulat:ons on tue Canadian canals ond also upon the abolition of the New Brunswick export duty on lumber intended for the United States. It was algo agreed that the rigit of carrying should be made dependent upon the n> Mnposition of export duties on either side on the go ids of the other party passing In transit ‘The discussion of these subjects was further con- tinued at the Conferences of the 24th, 26th and 26th of Apri), and the treaty articles 26 to 33 were agr to at the Conference on vhe 3d of May, Inthe of these discussions the British Commissioners attention to the question of tne survey of the bound- ary line along the forty-ninth paraliel, which sull re- mained unexecuted, from the Lake of the Woods to the Kocky Mountains, and to which reference had been made in tue President's Message. The American Commissioners stated that the survey was a matter for administrative action, anddid not require to be dealt with by @ treaty provision. The United Sta‘es government would be prepared to agree with the British government for the appointment of a boutid- ary survey commission in the same manner as had been dong in regard to the remainder of the bound ary aiong the forty-ninth parallel as soon as the legisiauve appropriations and other necessary arrangements could be made, Articles 4 to 42.—At the conierence on the 16th of March the British Commis:luners stated that it was proposed that day to take up the northwest poun- dary question; that the difterence was oue of long sianding, Which had more than once been the sub- ject of negotiations between the two governments, aad that the negotiators. in January, 1869 agreed upon a treaty. They thea proposed that an arbitration of “this question should made upon the basis of the provisions of that treaty, Vhe American Commissioners _re- plied that though no formal yote was actually taken upon it, It Was Well understood that that treaty had not been favorably regarded by the Senate, They declined the proposals of the British Commissioners, and expressed their wish that an effort should be made to settle the question in the Joint High Commission. The British Commissioners assented to this, and presented whe reasons which induced — the to regard the Rosario Straiis as the channel contemplated by the treaty of June 15, 1846, The American Commissioners replied anda presented the reasons which induced them to regard the Havo chanuel as the channel contem: Plated by that treaty. They also produced, in port of their views, some original corresponden of Mr. Everett with his government which had been alluded to in previous discussions of the question. The British Commbsioners replied that they saw in that correspondence no reason to induce them to change the opigion which they had previoasly expressed. They then asked whether the American Commissioners had any further proposal to make. The American Com- missioners replied that in view of the position taken by the British Commissioners 1t appeared that the treaty of June 16, 1846, might have been made under @ mutual misunderstanding and would not have been made had enc understood at the time the construction witic! other palty put on the language whose inter preta- tion is in dispute, They therefore propose to abrogate the whole of that part of the ‘Treaty and rearrange the boun- dary line which was in «dispute before that to take Into consideration | to draw the bounsary cori ta bond through to. British | ven an intermediate channel. The American Commissioners declined this proposal, stat that they destred a decison, not & compromise, The iritish Commiasioners pro- posed that it shor be declared to be the proper construction of the treaty of is46 that all the chan- nels were to be open to navigation by both parties, The American Commissioners stated that thay did Not 80 construe the treaty of 1446 and therefore could not assent to such a deciaration. ‘The discussion Of this suviect was continued dur- ing the conference, and in the conference of the 23d of April the treaty articles thirty-tour to. fort two were agreed to. The Joint High Commismon- be) Sp ns Ag eet om and directed jt to be rotocol, he conference w: ad journed to the 6tt of May. pebble Wasninaton, May 6, 1871 nh Commis s1oners having met, the prot conference held on the 4th of May was read and confirmea, Lord De Grey said (hat as the Joint High Commis- sion would not meet again after to-day, except for the purpose of signing tne Treaty, le desired, on behalf of himself and his colleagnes, to express thelr Ingh woprectation of the manner in which Mr. Fish and his American colleagues bad, on their side, conducted the negotiations, [t had heen most gratifying to British Commissioners to be ass Clated with colicagues Who were animated with the Same sincere desire as themselves to bring about a settiement equally honorable and just yo both coun. tries of the various questions of whicifit had been their duty to treat, and the British Commissioners would always retain @ grateful recollection of the fuir and (riendly spirit which the Amercan Com- missioners had displayed, Mr. Fish, on vehalf of the American Commission- ers, said that they were gratefully sensible of the Irieudly words expressed by the Lord De Grey, and of the kin’ spirit which had prompted them, From the date of the Orst conference the American Com- missioners had been impressed with the earnest- ness of desire manifested by the British Commia- sioners to reach @ setiioment worthy of the Powers who had committed to this Joins High Commission the treatmeut of various questions of ecullar interest, complexity and delicacy. His cole leagues and he could never cease to appreciate the qeeonnne spirit and the open and friendly manner in which the British Commissioners had met and discussed the several questions that had led to the conclusion of & treaty, which it was hoped would receive the approval of tie people of botn countries, and would prove the foundation of a cordial and {rtendily understanding between them for all time to come. Mr. Fish further sald that he wag sure that every member of the Joint High Commis- sion Would desire to record lis appreciation of the ability, the geal and unceasing labor which joint protocolists had exhibited tn the discharge of their i and responsible duties, and that he knew that he only gave expresston to the feelings of the Commisstoners in saying that Lord ‘Ten- derton and Mr. Bancroft Davis were entitled to and were requested to accept the thanks of the Joint Nigh Commission for their valuable services: and the great assistance which they had rendered with unvarying obligingness to the Commission, treaty was concluded. The British Commissioners repiled that the proposal to abrogate a treaty was ove of a serious character and that they had no in- structions which would euable them to entertain it, and atthe conference on the 20th of March the British Commissioners declined the proposal. At the conference on the 19th of April the British Commissioners proposed to the American Comiis- sioners to adopt the middle chaunel, generally nown a8 the Douglas channel, aa the channel rough which the boundary line should be ru with the understanding that all channels through the archipelago; should be free and common to both parties, The American Commissioners declined to entertain that proposal. They proposed that And Gna ch eciaLaa oy al id Peet ize the Haro Chanm cha aya Te 1846, with @ mutual agree- aty of June 16, Msattnat no fortifeations’ should be erected by elther party to obstruct or command it, aha with proper provisions as to any exist- ing proprietary rigits of British subjects in the Island of San Juan, ‘The British Commis. Bioners declined this proposal, and stated th oS f the justice of their view of ire sities coma oh Leen valine ae , impart rbitrator; the, ver tonewed their proposal for a. reference to” arbitration, hoy that it would be seriously considered. The American Commisioners replied that they had hoped that their last proposal would be accepted, Asit bad been declined they would, should ug be os Siege qe 9 ase toa rele to determme whether the Channel or thro’ ppon the condition thi fh ave the right to include m the evidence the , either government spool Coil. ich docaments, oficial by the arbitrator fein + BA, nd other official or public correspor n rh the supject of th feluenve My iney “may cokes neéensht Hy their “respective cases, ‘this Saal io ey Ae Sale Tne rian Commissioners Proposed that the arbitrator should have the rigut Lord De Grey relied, on benaif of the British Com- missioners, that he and his cvlleagues most cordially concurred in the prencaee made by Mr. Fish, that the thanks of ry. Joint High Commission shouid be tendered to Mr Bancroft Davis and Lord Tenteadon for their val able services as joint protocousts, The British Com- musston were also fully as sensib e as ther American colleagues of tho great advantage which the Com- Mission had derived from the assistance which those gentlemen had given them in the conduct of the important negotiations in which they had been engaged, Monday, the 8th of May, was appointed for the signatures of the treaties, ” BANOROFT DAVIS. TERDEN, The Premature Publication of the T ye WaASHINGION, May 16, 1871, The select committee of the Senate appointed to investigate how and by whom the Treaty of Wash- ington and other recent proceedings of the execu- tive session of the Senate were made pubilc, made thelr report this morning. The committee held a meeting last evening and examined the news- paper correspondents who forwarded py telegraph the text of the treaty for publication, but the said correspondents persistently refused to inform the committee from what source they pro- cured their copies of tho treaty. In con sequence of this refusal of the witnesses to answer the questions propounded to them the committee reported 4 resotution that the recu- sant witnesses be arrested by the Sergeant-at-Arms and brought before the bar of the Senate, and de- tained until they consent to answer the interroga- tories of the committee, This resviution, after a discussion of four hours, was adopted by tae follow- ing vote:— YEAS—Messrs. Ames, Anthony, Bareman, Bucks ingham, Caldwell, Cameron, Carpenter, Casserly, Chandler, Clayton, Cole, Conkling, Cooper, Oraxin, Davis of Kentucky, Edmunds, Ferry of Connecticut, Ferry of Michigan, Flanagan, Frelinghuysen, Ham- lin, farian, Hill,’ Hitchcock, Howe, Kelley, Logan, Morrtil of Maine, Morri,Lof Vermont, Osborn, Palter- son, Pomeroy, Pratt, Ramsey, Sawyer, Spencer, Stevenson, Stewart, Stockton, Trumbull, Window and Wright ~42, Fenton, NAYS—Mesera. Blair, Davis of W. Va., Morton, Rice, Robertson, Saulsbury, Schurz, Suer- man, Sprague, Sunner, Thurman, Tipion, Vickers and Wilson—16, Wy, of Absent or not voring—Messre. Bayard, Brownlo} Corbett, Gilbert, Hamiltoa of Mu. Hamilton Texas, Johnston, Kellogg, Lewis, Nye, Pool, Scott and West—13, The Treaty was not considered to-day, the abo' proceedings having occupied all the time of the session, pihahcetaaratadal EXTRA SESSION OF THE SENATE. Wasuinoton, May 16, 1871. of Connecticut, aid Senator took their seats for the frst time this, session. Senators Brownlow, of Tennessee, Johnson, of Virginia, and Kellogg, of Loulsana, are absent from the city. There are three vacancies— one from Georgia, one from Alabama aad one from North Carolina, Alter prayer by the Rev. Dr. Newman and tho reading of the journal of yesterday Mr. BUCKINGHAM offered a resolution, Which was agreed to, request- ing the President, If not inconsistent with the public Interest, to communicate to the Senate coptes of alt correspondence in the State Department in retation to ship Hudson and schooner Washington, property of citizens of Conn ut, seized by the British authorities In the Falkland Islands, in 1854; and also the report of Licutenant Lynch, or other naval om- Ci on file lu the Navy Departwent, on the same subject. On motion of Mr, CAMERON the Senate went Into executive session. An Oakum Factory tu Jersey City . mtroyed—Loss $40,000. A fire broke out at nine o'clock yesterday morning in Mills’ oakum factory, on Railroad avenue, Jersey City, near the foot of the hill, The combusti- bie material with which the building was stored caught fire rapidiy and defied all the efforts of the Sremen to extinguish It, The building, with its contents, was totally consumed, ta- volving @ 1033 of $49,000—the machinery alone, Which was of 4 special cunstrac jon, being worth half that amount. The butiding was insured in New York, Massachusetts and Onio companies to e extent of $15,000. How the fire originated ts a mystery, Some atirtbuting tt to sparks from @ loco. motive, While others state thatoge of the boilers exploded, Burning of a Rectifying Extablishuent in Cim- cinnati=Loss $200,000. CINCINNATI, May 16, 1871, A fire broke out at eleven o'clock last night, ia the rectifying estabishment of Mills, Johnson & Uo., Sycamore strect. The tire was discovered in an pres. in the rear of Nos. 22 and 24, the stock room of the establishment, witch soon commanicated to the entire building from the cellar to the fifth story, and purned with astonishing persistence for more than two hours, The fire was coniined to the building in which it originated. The contents and building are @ total loss, Which is estimated at $200,000, Tho W and Oswego Dew is Along the Rondo Railronds Burning. Povenxeerste, May 14, 1871. The forests atong the line of the Rondout and Oswego Railroad are burning, A large tract of woodiand has already been burned over, The ire originated from sparks from the locomotives. Destraction of a Warehouse In Bor Boston, May 16, 1871, The large building on T wharf, owned by the T Wharf Company, was totally destroyed by fire this afternoon; also a lot of merchandiso awaiting transportation. The steamer Commerce took tire, bat was. turned Into the stream and saved. The total loss is estimated at $25,000, Exteosive Fires in Canada, Duruam, Ontario, May 16, 1871, The extensive foundry and machine shop of Messrs, A, & A. Cochrane was destroyed by fire yesterday, The loss 13 $20,000, Four dwelling houses aud barns on Duke and James streets, St. Catherines, were destroyed by fire this morning. The buildings were of wood and were entirely consumed. ‘The logs is avout $10,000. THE COAL TROUBLE. Birteto, Pa., May 16, 1871. At a meeting of the men of the Pennsylvania Coal Company at this place to-day, 1 was regolved by an overwhelmit jority to accept the pany’, Ofer ad tet reso resuale Work iMuwediavelge