ALABAMA CLAIMS. 95 
for the places they filled, both of them having served 
in similar capacities. in the foreign Department of 
their respective Governments, and both having assist- 
ed in the negotiation of the Treaty of Washington. 
Their friendly personal relations were advantageous 
in facilitating the movement of business before the 
Arbitration. 
Mr. Bancroft Davis deserves particular mention. 
Englishmen may criticise the American “ Case,” the 
labor of preparing which devolved chiefly on him; 
but its indisputable merit should draw to him the 
applause of every American. His literary accom- 
plishments, his previous diplomatic experience, his 
knowledge of men and things in Europe, and his de- 
voted and untiring attention to the public interests, 
were singularly useful to the United States. 
Of the persons or qualities of the Counsel of the 
United States, Mr. Morrison R. Waite, Mr. William 
M. Evarts, and the writer of this exposition, it would 
be unbecoming, as it is quite. superfluous, here to 
speak. 
In this rélation, however, it is proper to call atten- 
tion to two facts or incidents of national interest or 
concernment. 
In the first place, to the honor of the President of 
the United States be it said, in the selection of Coun- 
sel by him, as for instance in the invitation to Mr. B. 
R. Curtis, considerations of party were not allowed to 
exert controlling authority. 
Secondly, the Counsel themselves emulated the 
catholic spirit of the President in subordinating all 
