Mr. Seward to Mr. Adams.
Sir: Sir Frederick W. A. Bruce, her Britannic Majesty’s minister plenipotentiary, on the 4th of this month read to me and gave me a copy of a despatch which was addressed to him by Lord Stanley on the 9th of March last. The United States are expected by Lord Stanley to receive that paper as a deliberate reply of her Majesty’s government to my despatch to you of the 12th of January, No, 1906, in relation to the claims which arose during the late civil war.
Great Britain proposes a limited reference to arbitration in regard to the so called Alabama claims, and adjudication by means of a mixed commission, of general claims.
You will please inform Lord Stanley that, after due consideration, the United States adhere to the views concerning the proper way of adjusting the claims referred to which I have heretofore expressed in this correspondence; consequently we cannot consent to such a special and peculiar limitation of arbitrament in regard to the Alabama claims as Lord Stanley suggests. We cannot give any preference to any other claims over the Alabama claims in the form of adjustment which is ultimately to be adopted.
While we agree that all mutual claims which arose during the civil war between the citizens and subjects of the two countries ought to be amicably adjusted, and adjusted soon, we must, nevertheless, insist that they be adjusted by one and the same form of tribunal, with like or the same forms, and upon principles common to all of them.
The proposal of her Majesty’s government is, therefore, respectfully declined by the President of the United States.
Reciprocating the assurances of friendship and good will which his lordship gives us, we shall cheerfully consider any further suggestions on the subject which her Majesty’s government may think proper to offer.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Charles Francis Adams, Esq., &c., &c., &c.