ALABAMA CLAIMS. 109 



possess knowledge of those debates, have perfect right 

 to refer to them on all fit occasions. 



I propose, however, on the present occasion, to ex- 

 ercise this right sparingly, and that only in two rela- 

 tions, namely, first, very briefly, where such reference 

 involves mere formality, and is almost inseparable 

 from acts recorded in the protocols; and, secondly, 

 with a little more fullness at the close, and with some 

 retrospection, for the purpose of explaining the final 

 act of the British Arbitrator. 



DISCUSSIONS OF THE TRIBUNAL. 



At the meeting of the 15th, discussion arose imme- 

 diately as to the method and order of proceeding to- 

 be'ado2:)ted in the consideration of the subjects refer- 

 '"red to the Tribunal. 



Mr. Staempfli then suggested that in his opinion the 

 proper course was to take up the case of some vessel, 

 as expressly required by the Treaty, and consider 

 whether on that vessel Great Britain was responsible 

 to the United States. He had directed his own in- 

 quiries in this way, and in this way had arrived at 

 satisfactory conclusions. His plan had been to select 

 a vessel, — to abstract the facts proved regarding her, 

 — and then to apply to the facts the special rules of 

 the Treaty. 



Debate on this proposition ensued between Sir 

 Alexander Cockburn, on the one hand, and the rest 

 of the Arbitrators on the other hand; the former de- 

 siring to have preliminary consideration of " princi- 

 ples," that is, of abstract questions of law, and the lat- 



