Synthesized answer
Based solely on the provided passages, the text states that the "Alabama" Arbitration 'affords a conspicuous example of the value of arbitration as a means of averting war' [1]. The narrative suggests that arbitration helped prevent a larger conflict by providing a formal, agreed-upon mechanism to settle serious disputes that had arisen from the American Civil War. Specifically, the United States alleged breaches of neutrality by Great Britain, including allowing Confederate vessels like the "Alabama" to be built and equipped on British territory, which led to a destructive career for the ship [4]. Correspondence over these grievances extended for several years, indicating a prolonged and dangerous diplomatic crisis [4].
The development that directly averted war was the decision to submit the "Alabama" claims to arbitration. This process began when a commission was appointed in February 1871 to find a common understanding, and the British commissioners suggested arbitration [4]. After the American commissioners insisted on first agreeing upon the principles to govern the arbitrators, the three rules were established [2]. These arrangements were then embodied in the Treaty of…
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From the book
← Alabama 1911 Encyclopædia Britannica , Volume 1 "Alabama" Arbitration by Montague Hughes Crackanthorpe Alabama River → See also Alabama Claims on Wikipedia ; and our 1911 Encyclopædia Britannica disclaimer . 244259 1911 Encyclopædia Britannica , Volume 1 — "Alabama" Arbitration Montague Hughes Crackanthorpe “ALABAMA” ARBITRATION. —This is one of those arbitrations on pecuniary claims, made by one state, on behalf of its subjects, against another state, which are referred to in the article Arbitration, International . The case is important, both from a historical and a juridical point of…
. With respect to the “Alabama” claims the British commissioners suggested that they should be submitted to arbitration. The American commissioners refused “unless the principles which should govern the arbitrators in the consideration of the facts could be first agreed upon.” After some discussion the British commissioners consented that the three following rules should apply.
d waters, and as to all persons within its jurisdiction to prevent any violation of the foregoing obligation and duties. The arrangements made by the commission were embodied in the treaty of Washington, which was signed on the 8th of May 1871, and approved by the Senate on the 24th of May. Article 1, after expressing the regret felt by Her Majesty’s government for the escape, in whatever circumstances, of the “Alabama” and other vessels from British ports, and for the depredations committed by these vessels, provided that “the claims growing out of the acts of the said vessels, and…
rpool in two British ships. Captain Semmes there took command of her under a commission from the Confederate government. After a most destructive career she was sunk off Cherbourg by the “Kearsarge” on the 19th of June 1864. On these facts the United States government alleged against Great Britain two grievances, or sets of grievances. The first was the recognition of the Southern States as belligerents and a general manifestation of unfriendliness in other ways. The second was in respect of breaches of neutrality in allowing the “Alabama,” the “Florida” (originally the “Oreto”, the…
itrators that an extra-judicial declaration should be obtained from the arbitrators on the subject of the direct claims. On the 19th of June Count Sclopis intimated on behalf of all his colleagues that, without intending to express any opinion upon the interpretation of the treaty, they had arrived at the conclusion that “the indirect claims did not constitute upon the principles of international law applicable to such cases a good foundation for an award or computation of damages between nations.” In consequence of this intimation Mr Bancroft Davis informed the tribunal on the 25th of June…
More questions about this book
- Describe, in your own words, the central dispute that led to the "Alabama" Arbitration, explaining the roles and motivations of the United States, the Confederate States, and Great Britain.
- The British government's proclamation of neutrality recognized the Confederates as "belligerents." How did this seemingly impartial action contribute directly to the "pecuniary claims" and the controversy surrounding the "Alabama" vessel?
- Considering the information available to British authorities in June-July 1862 regarding "No. 290" (the "Alabama"), what was the legal or ethical dilemma they faced, and what were the potential implications of their decision regarding its detention?
- Map out the chain of events, starting from the secession of the Southern States and ending with the legal advice for the detention of the "Alabama." How did each preceding event create the conditions for the next, particularly in the context of international relations and wartime economics?