Governments, nevertheless, were desirous of coming to an
understanding, though neither wished to take the first step.

Fortunately it happened that Caleb Cushing for the United States
and John Rose for Canada were then engaged at Washington in the
discussion of some matters affecting the two countries. In the
course of informal conversations these accomplished diplomats
planned for a rapprochement. Rose presented a memorandum
suggesting that all questions in dispute be made the subject of a
general negotiation and treaty. It was at this moment that Sumner
came forward with his plan of compensation and obviously he stood
in the way of any settlement. President Grant, however, already
incensed by Motley's conduct and by Sumner's opposition to his
own favorite project, the annexation of Santo Domingo, now broke
definitely with both by removing Motley and securing Sumner's
deposition from the chairmanship of the Committee on Foreign
Affairs. The way was now prepared for an agreement with Great
Britain.

On February 27, 1871, a Joint High Commission, composed of five
distinguished representatives from each Government, began its
memorable session at Washington. The outcome was the Treaty of
Washington, signed on May 8, 1871. The most important
question--the "Alabama Claims"--was by this agreement to be
submitted to a tribunal of five arbitrators, one to be selected
by the President of the United States, another by the Queen of
Great Britain, a third by the King of Italy, a fourth by the
President of the Swiss Republic, and a fifth by the Emperor of
Brazil. This tribunal was to meet at Geneva and was to base its
award on three rules for the conduct of neutral nations: "First,