§ MR. HORSFALLasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, If he is aware whether Spain and Chile have accepted the mediation of the United States, or whether he is in possession of any information leading to the hope that they will do so?
LORD STANLEYThe House is aware that a proposition has been made by the Government of the United States, having for its object the settlement of the existing differences between Spain and the South American Republics. We have not, however, heard of the acceptance of that proposition by either Government, and it is impossible to predict what may happen; but from the general tenour of the information we have received, I think there is fair ground to hope that the proposition may be accepted. At the same time, in the present state of the case, it is not a matter upon which I can speak with any degree of confidence.