Thomas O. Osborn to Melquiades Valderrama, January 7, 1881

Mr. Osborn to Mr. Valderrama.

Sir: I have to acknowledge the receipt of your excellency’s note of the 23d ultimo, inclosing a copy of the convention entered into on the 3d of September last “ad referendum” between the Republic of Chili and that of Colombia, providing for the settlement by arbitration of all such questions as may arise between the two governments which it may be found impossible to arrange through diplomatic intercourse, designating at the same time the President of the United States as umpire, and inquiring whether the government of the United States would lend favorable consideration to the selection therein made of its President as umpire for the cases provided for by the convention referred to.

In reply I have to say that I can best answer your inquiry by transcribing the text of a communication on this subject received from my government under date of October 13, and which is as follows:

“That should occasion for arbitration arise under the treaty, the President will deem himself privileged in being able to respond to the flattering trust reposed in him, and evincing the friendship of the people and Government of the United States for for both republics”

I may add that my government experiences the liveliest satisfaction at the course proposed by your excellency’s government and that of the Republic of Colombia, regarding it as a concurrence in a great principle successfully inaugurated and put in practice by the Government of the United States.

I have, &c.,