| OCR Text |
Show By Teleiraph. ONE OF FISH'S TKLEGRA9I8. New York, 1G. The following is an important portion of the Alabama. correspondence now before the senate, that hjs not been previously published in one form or another: On May 8th secretary Fish telegraphed to Schenck a follows: ''All the propositions made by the British government involve, covertly, probably without design, what this government cannot agree to, via., the withdrawal from the province of the tribunal what we believo to be entirely en-tirely within their competence, Dot to repeat our conviction that the arbitrators arbitra-tors have tho right to decide whether the claims to which Great Britain objects ob-jects are not admissablc that the United Uni-ted Slates will be contented to abide their decision whether favorable or adverse ad-verse to that class of claims. The proposition of tho British government govern-ment is upon the basis that the view which they havo horctoforo presented shall bo the principle of future action ind conduct, lhc view which we have presented is not a principle, but an apinion a to the construction of a specific treaty, and applicable only to one pending difference on an incidental and temporary question, and cannot be a principle for future action. This government gov-ernment holds directly opposite views with regard to the competence of the tribunal to consider tho validity of claims, and although desirous of coming com-ing to an honorable understanding it cannot adopt tho British view, or make it a basis of reciprocal engagement. In my telegram yesterday 1 explained that the President cannot, and will not, withdraw any part of what has been eubmittcd within his construction of the intent and spirit of the treaty. If the British government persists in their demand, the responsibility responsi-bility ot whatever failure of the treaty may ensue must rest with them, and you will havo advised them of tho impossibility im-possibility resulting as well from tho constitutional inability of the President to withdraw what this government is of opinion has been submitted within the extent and meaning of the treaty, as from his unwillingness to compromise tho rights and dignity of tho govern ment, by yielding to a domand not founded on right, or sustained by any valid construction of the treaty. He hopes, however, that the British government gov-ernment may see away to maintain tho treaty in tho suggestion of a new arti-ole, arti-ole, as mentioned in my telegram yesterday. yes-terday. Should thoy not adopt this suggestion, tho inference will be almost unavoidable that they have deliberately determined to abrogate tho treaty. If, however, they adopt the suggestion, you may say that tho probability is that congress will adjourn about the latter part of this month. That time may be saved, therefore, if negotiations on this point should be oonduoted beko rather than in London, if they desire suoh negotiations, ne-gotiations, it may be advisable that they give instruction to their minister here. You will keep me advised as to the probable action of the British government, gov-ernment, 30 that the President may communicate the correspondence to congress on Monday, in caso the British Brit-ish government intend to break this treaty. (Signed) Fish." |
