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Nelson Evening Mail, Volume V, Issue 9, 11 January 1870, Page 2

— I Mr. Sumner evidently feels very deeply on the subject of the Alabama claims. He says: — "I have never broken silence except with pain, and I hope to say nothing dow that shall augment difficulties ; although, when I consider how British anger was aroused by an effort in another place, judged by all who heard it to be most pacific in character, I do not know that even these few words will not be misinterpreted. There can be no doubt that we Teceived from England incalculable wrong. There can be no doubt that, through English complicity, our carrying trade was transferred to English bottoms; our foreign commerce sacrificed, while England gained what we lost ; our blockade was rendered more expensive, and our war prolonged indefinitely. This terrible complacency began with a wrongful recognition 'of rebel belligerence, under the shelter of which private ships were built aud supplies sent forth. Who shall fix the measure of this great accountability? For the present it is enough to expose it. I make no demand — not a dollar of money — not a word of apology. I show simply what England has done to üb. It will be foa her to determine what reparation to offer ; it will be for the American people to determine what reparation to lequire. I content myself with the aspiration that out of it may come some endearing safeguard for the future, some landmark of humanity. I wish it understood that our complaint is for damages traced directly to England. If the amount i is unprecedented, so is the wrong."