Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1846-02-13

which could bs taken. and the best calculated "
allay The existing eleryescence OF popular eeiine'
which might otherwise greatly cmbarrass me 81.
forts OF both governments TO preserve ii'eA1''
understanding between The two countries
The Government OF the United Sta'es WI =
in the proposal which the undersigned IS mus ~,
structed TO make, proof OF Inc coiiuuenIs -
Rrish Goyernment in the Justice of their own
claim. They will also see in il proof OF Inc
readiness OF The British Government 10 incur 'he
risk of a great sacrifice for the Preservation o.
neace and of their friendly relations WIN ihe =;
States II is made in spirit of moderation ana
fairness. of which The world will judge.
The British Government confidently nope ,na'
The Government Of The United States VIII no. re-
iect a proposal made with such 'iehu'y in'en-
lion, and for purpose SO noi!. n,,;nood -,
There is no!hing in it, they are convinced, mel
ns,rec,lv compatible with the strciest regard Tor
he honor and best interests OF both parties. partl.
cnlarlv when il is considered OF what small value
10 either is the portion Of territory which IN real,
ily forms the subject Of controversy, compared
with the importance OF preserving state OF peace
and good will between Two such nations.
The undersigned takes advantage OF ms op-
nortunify 10 renew 10 the Hon. James Buchanan
The assurance OF his high consideration.
r. PAkENHAM.
The Hen. JAMES BUCHANAN, &c, &c, DC.
Mr.. Buchanan 10 Mr.. Patcntam.
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Washington, Jan. 3, 1916.
The UNDERSIGNED. Secretary of Stale OF the
Unitet! States. has lhc honor TO ackno Wedge the
receipt of The mole Of Mr.. Pakenham, her Bri-
fannie Maicsty's envoy extraordinary and min
lister penipo,entiary, dated the 2Ilh ultimo, by
which, under instructions from his Government,
he proposes TO The Government oil the United
States "the expediency Of referring the whole
question Of an equitable division OF that lihe
Oregon territory TO the arbitration OF some friend
" sovereign or Stale"
The undersigned has submitted This noie 10 The
President, who, after having bestowed upon II
that respectful consideration 50 eminently due 10
any proposition emanaling from the British Gov
eminent, has instructed him 10 give il the follow
ing answer.
The British Government do not propose 10 refer
10 arbitration the question OF The title 10 the Ore
CON territory claimed by the two powers, respect
ively. II is proposition 10 refer 10 friendly
Sovereign or State, merely the partition or "equl-
table division" OF that territory between the par.
lies. Ii assumes the fact that the lille of Great
Britain to portion of The territory is valid, and
thus takes for granted the very question in dis
pule.
Under this proposition the very terms oflhe sub
mission would contain an express acknowledge
ment OF The right of Great Britain 10 portion OF
the territory, and would necessarily preclude The
United States from claiming the whole before The
arbitrator This, TOO, in the face OF the note OF
he undersigned TO Mr.. Pasenham OF The 3Olh
August last, by which the President had asserted,
in the most solemn form, The title OF The United
States 10 the whole territory. Even if there were
not other conclusive reasons for declining the
proposition, this alone would be deemed sufficient
by the President
The President heartily concurs with The BIZ
tish Governmen, in their regret that all attempts
10 settle the Oregon question by negotiation have
hitherto failed. He cannot, however, concur
with that Government in the opinion that resort
TO arbitration, and especially on The terms pro-
posed. would be followed BY happier consequent
ces. On the contrary, he believes that any at
tempt 10 refer this question 10 third power,
would OILY involve it in new difficulties.
In declining this proposition, The President re-
fers 10 the sentiment expressed in The mole OF The
undersigned of the Both OF August last, 10 which
allusion has already been made, that he 'cherish-
es The hope thai this long pending controversy
NAV yet BE- finally adjusted in such manner as
no, TO disturb the peace, or interrupt the harmo-
ny now SO happily subsislins between the Two
The undersigned avails himself of this occa-
sion 10 renew TO Mr.. Pakenham assurances OF
his distinguished consideration.
JAMES BUCHANAN.
n e.. &C.,