ALABAMA CLAIMS. 167 
and that estimate is founded on dividing the differ- 
ence between the American estimate of $14,437,000, 
and the British estimate of $7,074,000, the mean of 
which is $10,905,000: which 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 repeated Acts of Con- 
Tess, 
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, 
