Thomas's Massachusetts spy, or, Worcester gazette. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1811-1821, 1821-04-18
GOm'uOnusatt5 Of sDassae5usstts.
IN the gear of our Lord one thousand
esgai hundred and twenty-one.
fConcluded from our last

esgnf hundred and tzCeaty-one.
concluded from our last.1
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
The Committee of both branches of
the Legislature, appointed to meet a
Committee of the Legislature. of the
+ State OF Maine, for the purpose of max
ing sale of the land, in the latter State.
belonging to this Commonwealth
attended to the duty assigned them, and
ask leave, respectfully, to offer the
following
REPORT:
a The committees from the two States met.
for the first time, Oh the Sd instant. Since
that day, your committee have devoted as
much time and attention to the important sub-
ject referred to them, as their legislative du.
ties would permit.
With the limited knowledge which il had
Of this large, and, for the most part, unexplor-
ed tract of country, no very accurate opinion
can of course be formed, as regards either the
quantity, the quality, or the value. On one
quarter, the boundary line between the State
OF Maine and the British government re-
mains unsettled.
In considering the subject of sale. to the
State Of Maine, of that part Of those lands
which belongs to Massachusetts. some yery
interesting views presented themselves to both
committees, not only as respects their value.
but especially as to the continuance of that
harmony and good understanding. between
the two States, which has SO happily prevail
ed, and which it is of such vast importance
mutually to cherish and encourage. In those
views the committees were well supported by
the resolves under which they have acted on
this occasion.
Should the lands, instead Of being sold. AZ
tne resolves contemplate, be surveyed and d.
Vided by commissioners, aereeably to the act
separating Maine from Massachusetts,, the ex-
Rense would necessarily be very great to both
States-much time would be consumed, and
all this, probably, without adding much if
any thing to their value. In the mean time
no sales could be made the legal settlement
of them would-be wholly prevented. and the
number of disputes and difficulties. already "a
intricate and troublesome, would. in the
judgment Of, your COMMITTEES, be greatly IA.
creased. After such survey and division shall
nave been made, and each State had its uart
assigned, new difficulties would be likely tc
arse, notwithstanding the best efforts of those
concerned to avoid them. The lands of each
State will probably be brought into the mar
ket at the same time. In the disposal of them.
different plans would probably be adopted I'd
the disadvantage Of both States. Interfer-
ences would inevitably ensue; and. should
no auch arrangement, as that now contemplate
ed, be made hereafter, it is impossible to con-
lecture how long these difficulties will last. if
any opinion can be predicated from the grants
and sales which have heretofore been made
and effected. 1t need hardly be added. that.
during this long process, the increase of popula-
ton IN Maine must be very slow, compared
with what it would be if the lands were the
entire property Of that State.
With these impressions on the minds of the
committees and knowing the sincere desire of
Massachusetts, to contribute every thing in
their power, consistently with their own inter
est as state, to the happiness, the growth.
and the prosperity of Maine, so lately a part
OF Massa chusetts-your committee have en-
tered INTO the agreement which they have
now the honour to submit. They are fully
aware Of the great diversity of opinion. re-
specting this part of the property of the Com
monwealth; and they ought not to be sur3riz-
ed if the sum were, by many, deemed far
below its true value. But it ought to be kept
in mind, that the committee were instructed.
as they believed, to enter upon this negotia-
ton in a spirit of amity and compromise and
fortunately it is, their province only to consid-
er and report what they think expedient, un-
der existing circumstances, and not to con-
clude the Commonwealth by any act Of theirs.
The committee express their hope, if their
doings should not meet the appreciation of the
Legislature, that no harm will have been
done to the Commonwealth, nor to the State
of Maine. Considering this most interesting
but embarrassing subject ii all its bearings,
having included in the settlement an adjust
ment of all matters in difference between
the two States, as well relating to personal
property as real having brought their respec-
tive claims to close, in such manner as to
render it unnecessary for the commissioners
to proceed--in short, having made the best
terms in their power, the committee have
been brought to this result And to the wis
dom of the Legislature, the agreement ac-
companying this report is, with great respect.
submitted for their ratification.
BY order, P. C. BROOKS, Chairman.
Memorandum of an Agreement