James Buchanan: “I found the greatest difficulty in deciding what should be considered as 'moral fitness' for the Navy.”

I have to state that all the information within my possession or power on these subjects was communicated to the House by the Secretary of the Treasury on the 21st instant, and was prepared under the resolution above referred to and a…

I submit, therefore, the expediency of the passage of a resolution authorizing the exchange of ratifications at such time as may be convenient, the limitations of the ninth article to the contrary notwithstanding.

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.

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