ALABAMA CLAIMS. 25 



principles of international law not inconsistent with 

 sucli rules, and shall certify such fact as to each of 

 the said vessels. This decision shall, if possible, he 

 reached within three months from the close of the 

 argument on both sides. 



In case the Tribunal finds that Great Britain has 

 failed to fulfill any duty or duties as aforesaid, it may, 

 if it think proper, proceed to award a sum in gross 

 to be paid by Great Britain to the United States for 

 all the claims referred to it; and in such case the 

 gross sum so awarded shall be paid in coin by the 

 Government of Great Britain to the Government of 

 the United States, at AVashington, within twelve 

 months after the date of the award. 



In case the Tribunal finds that Great Britain has 

 failed to fulfill any duty or duties as aforesaid, and 

 does not award a sum in gross, the Parties agree th;it 

 a Board of Assessors shall be appointed to ascertain 

 and determine what claims are valid, and what 

 amount or amounts shall be paid by Great Britain 

 to the United States on account of the liability aris- 

 ing from such fjiilure, as to each vessel, according to 

 the extent of such liability as decided by the Arbi- 

 trators. This Board to be constituted as follows: 

 One member thereof to be named by the United 

 States, one by Great Britain, and one by the Bepre- 

 sentative at "Washington of the King of Italy. 



In conclusion, the Parties engage to consider the 

 result of the proceedings of the Tribunal of Arbitra- 

 tion and of the Board of Assessors, should such 

 Board be appointed, " as a full, perfect, and final set- 



