Page:The Presidents of the United States, 1789-1914, v. III.djvu/111

 ULYSSES SIMPSON GRANT 83 from time to time been reopened to the detriment of both countries. The San Juan question was re ferred to the emperor of Germany as arbitrator, with sole power. His award fully sustained the claim of the United States. A high joint commission had assembled at Wash ington, composed of American and English states men, which formulated the treaty of Washington, and by its terms the claims against Great Britain growing out of the operations of the Confederate cruisers, commonly known as the &quot;Alabama claims,&quot; were referred to a court of arbitration, which held its session at Geneva, Switzerland. In September, 1872, it awarded the United States the sum of $15,500,000, which was subsequently paid by the British government. War had at one time seemed imminent, on account of the bitterness felt against Great Britain in consequence of her un friendly acts during our civil war ; but the president was a man who had seen so much of the evils of war that he became a confirmed believer in pacific measures as long as there was hope through such means. In his inaugural address he said: &quot;In re gard to foreign policy, I would deal with nations as equitable law requires individuals to deal with each other. ... I would respect the rights of all nations, demanding equal respect for our own. If others depart from this rule in their dealings with us, we may be compelled to follow their