WASHINGTON, _March 16, 1861_.
_To the Senate_:
The Senate has transmitted to me a copy of the message sent by my
predecessor to that body on the 21st day of February last, proposing to
take its advice on the subject of a proposition made by the British
Government through its minister here to refer the matter in controversy
between that Government and the Government of the United States to the
arbitrament of the King of Sweden and Norway, the King of the
Netherlands, or the Republic of the Swiss Confederation.
In that message my predecessor stated that he wished to submit to the
Senate the precise questions following, namely:
Will the Senate approve a treaty referring to either of the sovereign
powers above named the dispute now existing between the Governments of
the United States and Great Britain concerning the boundary line between
Vancouvers Island and the American continent? In case the referee shall
find himself unable to decide where the line is by the description of it
in the treaty of 15th June, 1846, shall he be authorized to establish a
line according to the treaty as nearly as possible? Which of the three
powers named by Great Britain as an arbiter shall be chosen by the
United States?
I find no reason to disapprove of the course of my predecessor in this
important matter, but, on the contrary, I not only shall receive the
advice of the Senate therein cheerfully, but I respectfully ask the
Senate for their advice on the three questions before recited.