No. 237.
Mr. Fish
to Mr. Washburne.
Washington, July 17, 1874.
Sir: The joint commission organized in Washington by the Spanish and American Governments, pursuant to the agreement of February 12, 1871, for the settlement of claims against Spain growing out of the insurrection in Cuba, soon after its organization selected Baron Lederer, the honored representative of the Austrian Empire at Washington, as the umpire, pursuant to the first article of the agreement. Baron Lederer has lately been recalled by his government, and has, in consequence, resigned such appointment; and the selection of another umpire becomes necessary. Under the first article of the agreement above referred to, the selection of the umpire is the duty of the commission, and this Department is informed, by a communication from the arbitrator of the United States, a copy of which is herewith inclosed, that the commission, at their session on the 11th of July, selected his excellency Mr. Bartholdi, the minister of France to this country, as umpire, in the place of Baron Lederer, who had resigned, and that Mr. Bartholdi had been officially notified of his appointment, but withholds his reply until his government shall have authorized the acceptance of the appointment.
The President has learned with great satisfaction of the selection of the accomplished and experienced French minister as umpire, and you will express this satisfaction to the French government, with the hope that permission may be given Mr. Bartholdi to act in such capacity.
You will further signify that the proceedings of the commission are suspended pending this appointment, and that it is desirable that this permission be given at an early day.
I inclose a copy of the agreement for the arbitration of the claims above referred to, and under the stipulations of which Baron Lederer was chosen.
I am, &c.,