New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1846-02-10
Mr.. Pakenhom to Mr.. Buchanan.

Mr.. PdEeHh0Nt 10 Mr. BUch0Hd1t
WASHINGTON Jan. IS. 1876
With nm anxious desire contribute by every means
in his power satisfactory conclusion OF the question
pending between the two Governments respecting Ore
gon the undersigned, her Britannia MaJestys Envoy
Extraordinary and Minister PlenipOentiary has reflected
ON the contents of the note addressed 10 MN on tue 81
instant by the Secretary of OF the United States
in answer that which the undersigned had the honor
to address him the eth of last month
The note ot the undersigned proposed 10 the
Government of the United States, that the whole cues
ton Of equitable partition of the Oregon territory
should be referred TO the arbitration OF some friendly
Sovereign or State.
In hi. answer the Secretary of State informed the
undersigned that his proposition could not be accepted
Tha, did propose to refer to arbitration the ques-
lion of the title 10 the Oregon territory csmed by the
powers respectively.
That in proposing to refer TO a friendly Sovereign
state merely the partition equitable division OF the
territory between the parties 1t assumes tue iact that
the title Of Great Britain to portion OF the territory Is
valid and thus takes for granted the very question in
dispute
That under this proposition the very terms Of the cub
mis- ion would contain an express acknowledgment OF
the right of Great Britain to portion OF the territory
and would necessarily preclude the United states from
claiming tine whole territory before the arbitrator and
this the Secretary 0l state goes on 10 observe IN
The face of this note undersigned of Both OF August
Ivy which the President had asserted in the most solemn
the title of the United States 10 the whole territory
1t the purpose OF the undersigned in the present
renew the discussion as 10 the title OF either
party Great Britain or the United States, the whole
or 10 any purt OF the Oregon territory.
He must, however beg leave, with reference to the
observation which he has just quoted remind the
United States Secretary of State that the Government
Of TIE United States have formally advanced claim 10
whole OF the Oregon territory IL ID no lees certain
that Great Britain has IN manner equally formal de-
clacd that she has rights in the Oregon territory
incompatible with the exclusive claim advanced by the
United States.
This declaration arising from aconvicton equally sin
cere will the undersigned is persuaded be viewed with
the same consideration by the Government OF the Unit
ted Statcs they expect that their own declaration
shovd the hands OF the Government OF Great
Br,ain
This promised the object of the undersigned in adj
dressing 10 Mr. Buchanan the present communication Is
To ascertain from him whether, supposing the British
Government 10 entertain no objection to such course
would suit the views of the United states Government
to arbitration not has already been proposed
the question of an equitable partition oil the territory
but the question title either of the two powers TO
the whole territory, subject OF course. TO the condon
that If neither should be found in the opinion OF the ar
btrator possess complete title to the whole terrific
y there should in that case be assigned 10 eacn that
portion of ,erritcry which would iii the opinion OF the
nrbratng power be called for by just appreciation of
;he respective claims OF each
The undersigned has suggested n reference on the
above principle friendly Sovereign or State
This the undersigned believes TO be the course usu.
ally followed in such cases 1t . thai which has already
been resorteG 10 by the Two Governments, (and more
than unce) But there may be other forms o. arbra-
ton perhaps agreeable 20 the Government OF the
United States
with umpire appointed by common consent or there
might be board composed of the most distinguished
civilians and ursts of the time, appointed in such man.
ner should bring all pending questions 10 the decs
on of the enlightened impartial and independent
minds.
In the present position Of affairs aud feeling how much
the interests OF both countries require early well
rs arncable aud satisfactory adjustment of existing diff
cutes the undersigned earnestly invites the Secretary
of State take the subject OF this note into consdera
ton with view to such arrangement on the princ
pie of arbitration may the Government OF the
United States to be most just wise and expedient.
The undersigned takes advantage of this opportunity
TO renew the Hon. James Buchanan The assurance OF
his high consideration Il. pAkENHAM.
To the Hon. JAMES BUCHANAN. &C. &c. &c.