Thomas O. Osborn to By the President: Wm. M. Evarts, January 14, 1881

No. 90. Mr. Osborn to Mr. Evarts.

Sir: Referring to your instruction No. 108, conveying information of the convention concluded between the representatives of Chili and the United States of Colombia, at Bogota, in September last, for the preservation of peace between those republics, and directing me as to my duty in the premises, I have the honor herewith to inclose a copy, with English translation, of a note received by me from the minister of foreign relations, together with a copy of my reply.

You will observe that the minister, after informing me of the execution of the convention referred to, says that it meets with the approval of his government, and will be presented to the National Congress for its action. He adds a request to be informed whether the designation of the President of the United States to act as arbitrator in certain contingencies mentioned in the convention will prove acceptable to the Government of the United States.

My reply, as you will see, is an assurance that the President will deem himself privileged in being permitted to respond to the flattering trust reposed in him, if his services should be required.

I have, &c.,