Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1846-10-10
Mr.. Buchanan 10 Mr.. HcLane- Extracts !
DkPARTMENr OF STATE,
WAsnINGroN, FEHnrAnY rs. ls46.

WAsHINGToS, FEBRUARY 26, 1916.
Sin Your dispatches No. "a, inclusive have been
ceived, and laid before the President.
transmit herewith copy of my answer under date Of
the 4h instant Mr. Pakenhams last proposition To submit
the Oregon question to arbitration.
independently Of the prominently presented my
ply that the President does believe the territorial rights
this I've proper subject for arbitration, there other
powerful against such a course, which might have
been stated had it been deemed proper communication
the British Minister. These you occasion may
require.
In the first place. without pretending to know the opinions
of individual Senators, hazard but little in asserting that
treaty for arbitration could obtain the constitutional majority Of
the Senate necessary TO its ratification Several of the Sena
tors who might compromise upon the parallel Of
forty nine degrees would not be willing to leopard by aTb
traon the possession Of the habos Admiralty Inlet aud
Pugets Sound south of that parallel Indeed, for
ca purposes the United States might almost well abandon
The whole territory deprive themselves of these
habo; because, south of them, within its limits, good
hahJr exists The rejection of such by the Senate
would involve the question in far greater than
exist at present. and would render amcabe adjustment still
difficult.
= But even if such treaty were now ratified by both
Powers, the towards final termination Of the
would be exceedingly slow. Experience has taught
this truth. The necessary delay in selecting the aitratos
IN Organizing the board IN submitting the proofs and agu-
mens Of the parties would probably postpone the final award
for several years Meanwhile the tide Of emigration from the
United States Oregon would be constantly swelling and
the danger Of collisions between British subjects and Amer-
citizens in that territory would be constantly increasing.
In my opinion order TO peaceful, there he
prompt settlement Of this controversy. There
question in which delay will prove more dangerous
3. shall merely advert the difficulty Of selecting suitable
abrators There would lie objections any of the
regns Of Europe account Of their intimate connection with
Great Britain, and objections equally strong against commit
ting such vast territorial rights the arament Of individuals
II was tor these and other considerations which might he
stated that in the spirit Of ankness and friendship the
ton of the President to decline the proposition of arbtraon
should be offered was early made known TO the Brinst
Government in unofficial conversations between Lord Aberdeen
and yourself at London, and Mr. Pakenham and myself IL
this city That Government must therefore, have anticipated
the result Of its propositions to arbae before they pre-
rented.
appears that in your interview with the Earl Of Aberdeen
the 10Th umo his ordshp complained Of the terms
manner in which had declined to accept Mr. Pdkcnham
FIRST proposition abtrate; and apprehended that from the
of the and the character Of the debate
the House of Relresen aves il would Inc difficult prevent
the conclusion that the President had determined discourage
any proposition the basis Of compromise, and to
cede nothing Of the extreme demand, u,...
The Of this subject presented by you to his lordshp
the correct one Ny not intended either to en-
courage discourage a renewal OF the negotiation Ih'
President has all times been prepared 10 receive and to rea
with the utmost respect proposal for compromise whlcl
might from the British Government Whilst he hal
deemed proper such proposal, be has eve
manifested anxious desire preserve aicabc relations
with Great Britain. To accomplish this purpose he would
sacrifice every consideration except the national rights and thu
national honor Lord Aberdeen has drawn inference from
my language Of which not my opinion fairly suscep
ube OF this he will be fully sensible upon peusng the con
GLIDING paragraph Of my the second proposal Of Mr.
Pakcnhan for arbitration II there declared that "the Pre-
sdent cordially with the Government Of Great Britain
IN desiring that the present controversy may be am!caby
uled O this he has given the strongest proof before the
"h"le world lie believes that there nations
" Tue earth more closely bound together by the Of
cf'e so h're ar none who ought be able willing
% 90 each "er justice a,u. the ul.ipo ,iun II any arb-
traOF' This omission relates exclusively to a pol-
lion Of previous despatch Of Mr. MeLane relative to con.