New-York daily tribune., 1856-03-01
Mr.. Buchanan 10 Mr.. Marcy Extractl
No. 1901 LEGATION OF The UNITED STATES,

LoNDoN Feb. g, 1856. (
SIR: On Wednesday last, the 9th inst, had an in
tervew with Lord Clarendon at the Foreign Office.
told him desired to ascertain whether the statement
he had made in the House of Lords the evening of
Thursday, the 3lst ult.-"That the British Govern
" ment had made to the American Government an of
fer which has been recently renewed to arbltrate
" the Central American questions was founded on
what had passed between him and myself in conversa
ton or whether he had instructed Mr. Champion to
make to you in writing formal proposal for arbira-
tionl He replied, THAT his statement was founded
on our different Conversations and that in these he
" had several times proposed to me a reference of
" these questions to Arbitration; and he expressed
the hepe that bad communicated his propositions to
my Government. l informed him that L had
faithfully reported to YOU all the conversations
we had held in reference TO an arbitration. But |
had not believed that what he had said on these occa
sOns amounted to such an offer as could be recognized
by our Government foundation for specific action
on so grave a matter. | added that did not doubt
you were of the opinion, "a had never received
line from you the subject. He observed that be-
fore holding these conversations with me he had con-
suited the Cabinet and spoke their sentiments as well
as his own. remarked that this fact had now for the
first time been communicated to me. II he had IN
formed of il at the time this would have given his
conversation more serious character and caused to
make a a deeper impression on my mind. He said he
had thOugt that matter of course would consider
what he had said to me had been said after consuta-
tIon with the Cabinet In reply observed that had
thought when nation desired TO propose TO another
the submission of international dispute TO arbltra
ion this would be done by writing and in due form.
Such had been their own course when they proposed
TO arbitrate the Oregon question. Besides the PreSl
dent might, If he thought proper consult the Senate
the question; and what would be thought OF that
body if such proposition presented TO them in
the loose form Of various conversations between him
and myself, which, after all, might through mistake
nadvertence not have reported correctly. He said
that what he had done be considered the preliminary
steps and if our Government had indicated any salts
faction with H. they would have been prepared TO pro-
ceed further; but from what said to him be did not
think thew had received much encouragement. told
him that whenever had spoken to him upon the SUBJ
iect had alwayc been careful TO assure him that
was expressing own Individual sentiments, without
spy instructions or information from my Govern
ment and that opinions there remained unchanged
also observed that his last letter 10 me- finally deny
inc our construction of the Treaty, aud forming
issue between the two Governments, might ap-
pmpriately have contained proposition for arbra-
ton and in this the question might have been
brought in regular form before our Government. He
then for the rst time, informed me that he had ad-
dressed dispatch to Mr.. Champion on the subject
with instructions to read il 10 YOU. He then sent for
ber but copy being doubtless in your possession II
will speak for Itself; and he informed me that al yon
had said about to Mr. Champion was, that the matter
was in Mr.. Buchanan's hands. He proceeded TO
express decided opinion in favor OF arbitration
ard said that when two friendly Governments disa-
greed upon the construction of treaty the natural
and appropriate course 20 refer the question TO
third friendly Power he had ever firmly believed
their construction Of the treaty to be correct. He
then requested me to communicate TO YOU their pro
posals for arbitration, and how anxious they were
that the question might be settled in this manner.
told him should cheerfuly comply with his request
hut rcpeated that my individual opinions re-
maiped unchanged. | considered the language too
clear for serious doubt and such believed was the
opinion Of public mca Of al parties in the United