Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1856-05-24
From Washington.
correspondence of the Baltimore SupJ


...- WAsHISGToS, May lj Is5G.
The Crampton Clayton dispute arrests pub.
lie attention for the time. 1t appears to be
the turning point of the controversy in REGARD
to the Central American question. If Mr.
Champions statement be true, there is M
ground for any objection on our part, to the
British assertion Of "a right, under the CLAYTON
Bulwer treaty, to the Bay Islands.
Mr. Crampton states in a letter TO Lord
Clarendon that Mr.. Clayton had, at various
times, in conversation with him. stated that
Ruatan was as much British possession as
Jamaica.
The letter produced great surprise at the
Capitol, for the statement is so much at vari.
ance with The declarations and arguments Of
Mr.. Clayton in the Senate for three successive
sessions, that he could not unless underneath
alteration, have held such conversations with
Mr.. Champion as lie describes
On the other hand, there can be little doubt
that Mr.. Champions letter is genuine. 1t
purportS to be taken from the Blue Book,
which is the official record of diplomatic docu-
ments There is no more room to doubt the
genuness Of this than of other letters on the
same subject which are taken from the same
record.
Mr.. Clayton, in the Senate, this week. read
the letter and declared the statement to be
unquallfiediy untrue, and appealed TO facts
and circumstances in support Of his assertion.
n conversation which he held with Mr. CTamp.
ton about the end of February last, at which
Mr.. Crittenden was present, did not, as related
by the two Senators, 90 to sustain but to con,
tradict Mr.. Crampton's statement,
1t was remarked by Mr. Clayton thatf the
letter was not genuine, then his declaration re-
specting it would do that gentleman no harm.
Mr.. Champion will, no doubt soon state Whe.
ther the letter is genuine or not.
Now that the ultimatum of the British 60
vernment is received it remains for the Pres.
dent either to act or to diplomatic and ten-
porize until the end of his term, and turn the
difficulty over to his successor.
The Champion version of Mr.. Claytons pr
sition will, no doubt, save Lord PalmerstOuS
administration. He has sustained three de-
feats in the House of Commons, and one in the
Lords, and was in danger of another upon the
enlistment question and the Central American
subject.
The President communicated to Congress
to-day various documents, and message upon
the subject of Central American affairs. Ihe
President is evidently relieving himself of en-
barraSsmcnt upon this and other questions,
Congress recently sent him for approval DAi
for deepening the fats over the channel OF 81
Clair river, Michigan, and bill for the reno
val of obstructions at the mouth of the MsSS
slppl. In this way the North and the SOul
are apparently combined upon subject o'
great public interest. A earnest inquiry Is FaS
ed-Will he affix his signature to these mea'
Sures ?
The formal reception of Padre Will, the
Minister from Nicaragua took place yesterday
at half past three The minister was advised
in advance, that he would be received as soon
as ne presented his credentials He was knu
ly received by Mr.. Marcy, and by him preSer
ted in the usual manner, when the cuStom%!
speeches were delivered
Whatever difference of opinion may nave
existed in the cabinet as to the expedIency VI
this measure, it has not interrupted their na''
mony nor destroyed their unity.