The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1846-02-07

Iv as well IA an amicahle and satisfactory ad Just
nent OF existing difficulties, the nndersigned ear
nestly invites the Secretary OF State TO take the sub
iect OF this note into consideration, with view 10
such an arrangement on the principle of arbitration
as may seem TO the government Of the United States
20 be most Just, wise, and expedient.
The undersigned takes advantage of this oppor-
tunity to renew 10 the Hon. James Buchanan the
assurance Of his high consideration.
To the Hon. JAMES BUCHANAN, &c, &c, &c.
Mr. Buchanan to Mr. PGk,nhan.
DEPARTMENT OF STATE,
... . Washington, 4th Feb, 1886.
The undersigned, Secretary Of State Of the United
States has the honor TO acknowledge the receipt Of
the note Of Mr.. PakenhHm, her Britannia Majesty's
envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiaTy,
dated on the 10th ultimo, by which he again pro-
poses reference Of the Oregon question 20 arbltra-
ton. Under his present proposition, the powers OF
the arbitrator would not in his last be limited IN
terms TO The division Of the territory between the
parties, but would extend to lbe question Of their
conflicting titles. There is, however, a condition
annexed to this offer which exposes it to the same
obscion, in point OF fact il not in form, which was
prominently presented in the answer Of the under
signed 10 Mr.. Pakenham's last proposal This
condition il, "that il neither party should be
ofund, IN the opinion Of the arbitrator, TO possess
complete title 10 the whole territory, there should,
riory which would in the opinion Of the srbrating
power, be called for by just appreciation Of the
respective claims Of each" II the government OF the
United States should consent TO arbitration upoa
| sueh condition, this might, and probably would,
be construed into an intimaiion IL not direct invita-
tion TO the arbitrator divide the territory between
the parties Were possible for the President, under
any circumstances, consent 20 refer the subject
TO arbitration the tiile and the title alone detached
from every other consideration is the only question
which could be submitted II not confined 10 sin
ge point, strong IL the natural disposition OF arbi-
traitors to please both parties that in almost every
instance, whether OF national or individual con-
troyersies, they make a compromising award. We
have memorable example Of this in our last arbi-
tration with Great Britain. Notwithstanding that
the arbitrator under the terms Of the submission,
clearly and explicitly confined to the decision Of
which was the line Of highlands described in the
treaty Of peace Of 1885, yet instead Of pursuing any
range Of highlands whatever, he advised that the
line should run along the bed Of a river, and ac-
tualy divided the territory in dispute between the
parties by the middle Of the deepest channel Of the
ST. Johns.n
The undersigned might content himself, in answer
to the present proposition with reference to the
observations contained In his last note TO Mr. Paken
ham of the Sd ulIimo In that, II was plainly init
mated not only that there "other conclusive
sons for declining the proposition" independently
Of the one which had been prominently stated, but
il expressly asserted as the belief Of the Pres-
dent, 'that any attempt TO refer this question to
third power would only involve 1t in new difficult
ties.n
The undersigned will, however, proceed to state
single which, apart from the intrinsic diff
Guilty of selecting a suitable arbitrator, as well
other considerations that might be adduced, is
elusive on the mind of the President against refer
ence Of this question TO arbitration, III any form
which be devised, no matter what may be the
character Of the Observation-Disclosures sovereign citi
anhi he not
believe the territorial rights of this nation T. be
proper subject for arbitration Ii may be true that,
under peculiar circumstances il the interests stake
were comparatively small and il both parties stood
upon an equal footing, there might be no insupera-
bic objection TO such a course. But what is the ex-
tent of territory in dispute the present occasion
IL embraces nearly thirteen degrees Of latitude along
the northwest Of the Pacific, and stretches east
ward to the summit Of the Rocky mountains.
Within its limits several powerful and prosperous
States Of the Union may be embraced IL lies con-
tguous, on this continent to the acknowledged ter
ritory of the United States and is destined, at no
distant day, to be peopled by citizens. This ter
ritory presents the avenue through which the COM
merce Of our western States be proftaby con-
Quoted with Asia and the western coasts of this
tnent; and its ports, the only harbors belonging to
the United States 10 which numerous whalers
and other vessels IN that region can resort And yet
vast its dimensions it contains not single
safe and commodious barbor from its southern ex-
remity until we approach the 49th parallel of lati
tude.
Ii is far from the intention of the undersigned
again to open the discussion of the conflicting claims
of the two powers to the Oregon territory. ii is suf
hcent for him TO state the continued conviction Of
the President, that the United States hold the best
title in existence to the whole Of this territory.
Under this conviction, he cannot consent to leopard
for his country all the great interests involved, and
by any possibility, however remote, to deprive the
republic Of all the good harbors on the coast, by
referring the question to arbitration.
Neither is the territory in dispute of equal, or
nearly equal, value to the two powers. Whilst
it is invaluable to the United States it is of compare
lively small importance to Great Britain. To her,
Oregon would be but distant colonial possession
Of doubtful value; and which, from the natural pro-
gress Of human events, she would not probably long
enough enjoy to derive from it essential benefits;
whilst to the United States il would become an in
tegral and essential portion of the republic. The
gain to Great Britain she would sensibly feel;
whilst the loss to the United States would be ire
parable.
The undersigned is perfectly aware tina, such
considerations can have no bearing upon the ques-
ton Of the title Of either party They presented
solely for the purpose of EXPLAINING the views of the
President in his refusal to adopt any measure
which should withdraw title from the control
of the government and people Of the United States,
and placed 1t within the discretion ofany arbitrator,
| no matter how intelligent and respectable.
The President cordially concurs with the govern
ment of Great Britain in desiring that the present
controversy may be amicably adjusted. OF this, he
has given the strongest proof before the whole
| world. He believes that, as there two ma
lions on the earth moro closely bound together by
the ties of commerce, 40 there who ought
to be more able or willing to do each other Justice,
without the interposition fany arbitrator.
| The undersigned avas himself of this occasion
| to renew to Mr.. Pdckenham the assurance of his
high consideration. .....
- ... JAMES BUCHANAN.
! Right honorable RIcHARD PAKENnAM, &c. &c. &c.
The message and documents then ordered to
be printed, and referred to tho Committee of the
Whole on the state Of the Union.
The Chairman having resumed his sent in COM
mittee, the debate was continued.
| Mr. BURT addressed the committee in a course
Of remark which, as it is in preparation, and will
soon appear, is not attempted now to be given. He
maintained generally, in controversion Of the
| grounds taken by the Executive, that our title was
clear and unquestonabe only to the 49th parallel,
C,reat britain ha WING ~