The Portland gazette. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1818-1824, 1819-06-29
Conditions of Separation.

OOf'ot''N''~ ~
The law relative 10 the interesting subject
of Separation viii be found in this paper.
We sincerely wish we could congratulate our
fellow citizens on its terms and provisions.
They are requested TO examine and deter
mine for themselves.-We DO not hesitate TO
say, however. that we consider it most deci-
dedly against the interests OF Maine 10 sepa-
rate at dhis time, and on he conditions propo-
sed an The ln7c-The terms are not materially
different from those proposed, and rejected By
HE people, ia 1916. 1t is stated on good au
thoritv that the public buildings and other
Real Estate of the Commonwealth, situated
in Massachusetts proper, IS worth at least four
hundred thousand doilGrs, many estimate it
much above this suna-fh's zee Tet'nqu1sh
orithout ana equivalent 7rhateuer-It is true we
are to have one half the wild lands in Maine,
instead of one third. But when it is consid-
cred that we are to protect the other half Of
those lands for Massachusetts,, and that then
are TO remain free from tares so long as they
chuSe to retain them, it must be obvious to eve
ry one that we gain nothing by this provis-
len; but on the other hand thai one half The
idibS it 10 Dt tOlCCfI ny 4udoSdLuu-
sets on these terms and conditions, will be
infinitely more valuable 10 them, than two
thirds would be on any other conditions
One very serious evil which must result from
this provision is that it will retard the settle
nent and growth Of Maine.-No one can
dou5t that Massachusetts will hold her pro
portion Of the lands for many years, until it
hos .,rro.raJ - value -
quence Of our abours and expenses in settling
our adjoining lands It will be for her inter
est 10 pursue this policy, and she 1OU most as
suredy adopt 1.-THE evil as it respects
Maine will be similar, but Infinitely greater
than that which is produced by immense
tracts of wild lands being holden by indiyid-
uals. who are not disposed 10 contribute TO the
settlement and Improvement Of the country.
but are DESTROYS OF avai'ing themselves of the
labours and improvements OF others, to IN
crease the value of their lands. In the latter
case the lands would be liable to taxes. and
subject TO sale for non payment; but in the
former 1oe must afford perfect and efectuol
prohibition 10 The property, during the pleasure
Of Massachusetts, 70ilhout claiming ang contri-
tuition for the support of Government or The
protection 0hich ace proUi6e If we relinquish
all claim 10 The public buildings and Real
Estate in Massachusetts, re ought on erer,,
principle Of justice 10 hare all the lands ia
yNG,ne-We might then manage and improve
IN our own wsv. and to our own advantage
and beneft-if we had beep satisfied to wait
a few years this might have been accomplish
as stH IN IKE poager Of the people to
secure THIS advantage bu rejecting he terms
proposed, and permitting The subject 10 rest
7Uhile tonger-But The representatives from
Maine seem TO have been determined on sep
aration - all events, wi.hon, much regard 10
terms and the Representatives in Massachu
sets were disposed to avail themselves Of The
opportunity to make good bargain, and ma,
well exult IN their success. That they are
fully sensible Of the advantage they have oh |
tanned, is apparent from their vote on the sub.
Ject-"e have not time at present 10 examine
this subject as its importance demands, but
shall resume il hereafter.
The advocates of separation appear to have
been disposed 70 preclude al possibility
ct discussion on this question. Ry TIE
law as 1t was reported the question was 10
have been decided on the second Monday oil
July, 6"t By the erert'ons ct those IN opposition
70 NE measure the time is prolonged 10 the
foprh yHondCy Of July, at " ich time the il
terestIng question is to be settled While we
regret that longer tine hadn6t been allow
ed tor discussion, we hope the short interval
Will be improved by our fellow citizens in
examining the Terms and considering the ,ub-
leci and i!'"' they will decide with GOODNESS.
deiIberatio", and witba single eye TO The best
Interests of MAINE
The Separation address from Boston
The Separation members Of The legislature
from Maine have come forth 10 their own
praise precisely in the same style that was TO