No. 249.
Mr. Fish to Mr. Marsh.
Washington, October 10, 1872.
Sir: You are already aware that the tribunal of arbitration appointed agreeably to the provisions of the treaty of Washington of 8th May, 1871, concluded its deliberations and pronounced its final decision at Geneva on the 14th ultimo.
The tribunal was composed of five members, two appointed by the governments immediately interested in the questions submitted for its consideration, and three named respectively by the King of Italy, the Emperor of Brazil, and the President of the Swiss Confederation.
Dispatches this day received at this Department contain the record of the closing proceedings of the tribunal, and of its award. These dispatches bear witness to the industry and the high qualities with which the arbitrators pursued the investigation which was devolved upon them. The President appreciates most highly the obligation of the United States, in common with Great Britain, to the friendly governments which have rendered assistance in the determination of the grave [Page 321] international questions that were at issue. This obligation has been enhanced by the high character and elevated positions of the eminent gentlemen named as arbitrators by those governments. The learning, the industry, the ability, and the impartiality which these gentlemen have displayed, have made a profound impression upon the President, and have not only contributed in an essential degree to the satisfactory conclusion of the pending questions in which two governments were interested, but must have a powerful effect in commending the principle of arbitration to the attention of the civilized world as an effective method of adjusting many international disputes hereafter. You are instructed to make known to the government of Italy this expression of the appreciation by the President of the friendly act of His Majesty the King of Italy in naming one of the arbitrators, and of the high character and eminent services of the arbitrator thus named by him.
The President requests that His Majesty’s minister of foreign affairs will kindly convey to Count Sclopis his thanks, and will communicate to him the opinion entertained by the President of his character and services, not only as one of the arbitrators, but also in the delicate and arduous duties of presiding officer of the high tribunal.
I am, &c.,