Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1853-11-20
THE OFFER OF UMPIRAGE TO MIR.
VAN BUREN, BY THE JOINT COMMITS
sION.--HIS DECLARATION.

sION.--HIs DECLINATION.
1t will be seen from the following correspon-
dence, which we extract from the Albany Alias
Of the 18th instant that the umpirage under
the joint commission to adjust claims between
the United States and Great Britain, has been
rendered by the commissioners to ex-President
Martin Van Buren,, who is now in Europe.
We are pleased to see that Mr. Van Buren,
has had the delicacy to decline this appoint.
ment. His acceptance of it would have been
very offensive to large portion of the citizens
OF this country. Why the American commits
sioner should have suggested, or when sug-
gested, should have acceded to this appoint
ment, we are at a loss to conjecture. The
courtesy of the English commissioner to this
country, in consenting to the appointment, we
can readily understand and highly appreciate.
The correspondence is as follows:
LONDON, Oct. l3, 1853.
SIR Enclosed you will find copy of the
convention for the adjustment of certain claims
between Great Britain and the United States.
The undersigned have been appointed COM
missioners on the part Of the two governments,
to carry the provisions of the convention into
effect, and the first meeting was holden by
them on the 18th of September ult Since that
time they have been occupied in various con-
terences in reference to the appointment of an
umpire required to be made by the terms of the
convention, to act in case of any disagreement
between the commissioners. In endeavoring,
however, to fix upon an individual who should
unite in himself the requisites of high charac-
ter, exalted position, and strict impartiality,
they have experienced the greatest difficulty.
Nevertheless, they are happy to say, that
they have been able to unite cordially in agree
ing upon yourself and believe your appoint
ment will be highly acceptable to their respec-
tive people and governments. The object Of
this letter is to apprise you of this selection,
and to express the hope of the undersigned that
the acceptance of the post may be consistent
with your engagements.
You will perceive that an umpire will be
called upon to act only in case of disagreement
between the commissioners, which it is to be
hoped may not arise, but which, at the same
time, is not wholly unlikely to occur.
By the provisions Of the convention, it is
possible that claims may not be presented until
within three months of the period limited for its
| termination, after which time hearing NAV be
had before the commissioners and in case of
disagreement as to such claims, they could not
be submitted to the umpire until near the close
ofthe commission. 1t will be desirable, there
fore, for the umpire to be in situation to act
as such, should he be called upon, until the
termination of the commission, which will be
on the 18th Of September next.
| 1t is desirable, also, in case the commission
should disagree upon any claim which may be
early presented to them, that the umpire should
be able to attend their hearing in London, if
requisite, as promptly as may be desired by the
parties; although an adjournment might in
some cases be arranged, or the umpire may,
under some circumstances, be communicated
with abroad.
| The undersigned think it due to you and
| right to mention, the services which may de-
volve on the Office Of umpire; but they sin.
cerely and anxiously trust that it may be con-
sstent with your engagements to attend to its
duties, and they would be most happy, and con-
ceive themselves fortunate, to hear from you
to that effect.
In conclusion, the undersigned would OBJ
serve, that as the time during which the COM
mission is to sit is limited, they should esteem
your early answer personal favor, inasmuch
| as in the event of your refusal--a contingency
1 which they trust will not arise-a new appoint
ment or the adoption of the alternative pointed
out in the convention-in itself highly unde-
sirable in every respect-will become neces-
sary
! The undersigned are, with the highest con
sideration and respect, your very obedient SER
wants,
N. G. UPHAM,
| ." E&.-. Com. Of c. for .. States.
EDMUND HORNBY,
Conn. Of c.. for G. B.