I regret to say that no conclusion has been
reached for the adjustment of the claims
against Great Britain, growing out of the
course adopted by that government during
the rebellion. The Cabinet of London, so far
as its views have been expressed, does not
appear to be willing to concede that Iler Ma
jesty’s Government was guilty of negligence,
or did, or permitted any act during the war
by which the United States has just cause of
complaint. Our firm and unalterable convic
tions are directly the reverse. I therefore
recommend to Congress to authorize the ap
pointment of a Commission to take proof of
the amounts and the ownership, and their
claims, on notice to the representative of her
Majeslv nt Washington, and that authority be
given for the settlement of these claims by
the United States, so that the Government
shall have the ownership of the private claims
as well as the responsible control of all the
demands against Great Britain. It cannot be
necessary to add that whenever tier Majesty's
Government shall entertain a desire for a full
and friendly adjustment of these claims, the
United States will enter upon theii conside
ration with an earnest desire for a conclusion
cor si-tent -ith the honor and dignity of both
nations.
TUI’ CANADIAN FISHERIES.
