ALABAMA CLAIMS. 167 



and that estimate is founded on dividing the differ- 

 ence between the American estimate of $14,437,000, 

 and the JBritish estimate of $7,074,000, the mean of 

 which is $10,905,000 : w^hich mean does not in any 

 sort represent the actual claims of the United States. 



Indeed, one of the Arbitrators expressly declared 

 that, in arriving at a conclusion, the Arbitrators were 

 not to be regarded as making an assessment, or con- 

 fining themselves to the schedules, estimates, or tables 

 of either of the two Governments. 



Whether the sum awarded be adequate, depends, in 

 my opinion, on whether distribution be made among 

 actual losers only and citizens of the United States. 



ALIDITY OF THE AWARD. 



The principles of the Award are in conformity with 

 the Rules of the Treaty, which do but embody in pre- 

 cise language the traditional policy, inaugurated by 

 Washington with the active support of Jefferson, pro- 

 fessed by every successive President of the United 

 States, and authenticated by rej^eated Acts of Con- 

 gress. 



That Great Britain loyally accepts the Award, and 

 will in due time pay to the United States the amount 

 awarded, it is impossible to doubt. The Queen's 

 speech, at the opening of the present session of Par- 

 liament, not only declares the acquiescence of the 

 British Government in the Award, but also recom- 

 mends speedy payment in conformity with the tenor 

 of the Treaty. 



And while prominent members of both Houses, 



