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 adopted in the consideration of the subjects refer- 
red to the Tribunal. 
Mr. Steempfli 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- 
