James Buchanan actually said...

Before accepting this proposition I have thought it right to take the advice of the Senate.

There is but one mode left of settling the dispute, and that is by submitting it to the arbitration of some friendly and impartial power.

I am convinced that it is ours by the treaty fairly and impartially construed.

It does not appear to me to be competent for commissioners authorized to ascertain the indemnity for the injury to go behind their authority...