The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1856-03-06
VOL. x.

Mr.. Champions part of the correspondence
is as follows:
Mr.. Champion to Mr.. Marcy.
Received the Department of State on the 9th OF Feb
ruary, at III o'clock p. MI
WASHINGTON, Feb. 81, 1856.
My DEAR SIR = Observing that some misan.
prehension seems to exist as to the offer made
by Lord Clarendon to Mr.. Buchanan to submit,
the points regarding the Interpretation of the
Clayton-Bulwer treaty, upon which the two
governments disagree, TO arbitration, | think
1t well to send you the enclosed dispatch, which
received from Lord Clarendon on the subject
In december last. | regret not having made
you TINS communication before; but the truth
is, that the last paragraph of the dispatch es.
capped my attention until referred to It lately
and as was aware that the negotiation of the
question regarding Central America was in M
Buchanan's and Lord Clarendon's hands. con.
sldered the dispatch as meant merely for nv
own information as to what was going forward
upon subject In regard to which inferred
you were already informed
Believe me yours very faithfully,
JOHN +. CHAMPION.
+. 5. l send the original despatch, which
will beg of you to return to me, bat have NO
objection to your taking copy oft. J.F.C.
Lord Clarendon to Mr.. Cramptoa.
FOREIGN OFFICE, Nor. 10. 1855.
SIR: Mr.. Buchanal having, in the course r.
conversation a few days ago. adverted 70 ,ba
impression that would be created in the J-ri,oJ
STATES by the nonsettlement of the CentrsI
American question, | again assured him tba,
England had no wish to extend her innuencg
or to obtain any territory in that part of IN,
world; and reminded him that, as the dife.
ence between this country and the United State
turned solely upon the Interpretation of the
treaty of 1850, had offered, on the part of he,
Majesty's Government to submit the case 70
the arbitration of third Power, but that he
had declined the offer. Her Maiesty's Govern.
ment, L said, would still abide by that offer.
and thought it would be the fairest and most
amicable manner of arriving at a settlement Of
the question. MIR. Buchanan said he would
make it known to his Government, and you are
instructed to communicate this dispatch to Mr..
Marcy.
am, with great truth and regard, sir, YOUR
most obedient, humble servant, CLARENDoy.
Had Mr.. Buchanan instructions to accept no
proposal for arbitration? Did he choose to
take the responsibility of not understanding
Lord Clarendons repeated propositions as for
NAL proposals, to be transmitted to his Govern
ment? Did Lord Clarendon so frame his
language, as, while opening the way for arbi
tration, to impose on the United States the
necessity of making the proposal? Was Mr.
Champion previously instructed to hold back
his despatch on the subject, under the expects
ton that the United States might take the first
step?
The ways of diplomacy are sometimes past
finding out One thing we may remark Con.
versational diplomacy is quite necessary, but it
has its limits. We think Mr.. Buchanan, when
Lord Clarendon so frequently and urgently
spoke of arbitration, ought not to have turned
it off with a joke, but have requested him. in
so grave matter, to signify the desire of the
British Government in a written communica.
ton, that he might lay it before the Admins.
tration at Washington.
We are inclined to think that the friendly
relations of the two countries would be as much
promoted by the retirement of Lord Clarendon
from the Foreign Office, as by the return of
Mr.. Buchanan to the United States.