Literary cadet and Rhode-Island statesman. [volume] (Providence, R.I.) 1827-1829, 1827-12-12

Dy experience, 20 De among the most eHectlse
instruments for promoting peace aud harmony
between nations whose interests, exclusively
considered on either side, are brought into
frequent collisions by competition. In fra
ming such treaties, it is the duty Of each party
not simply to urge with unyielding pertinacity
that which suits its own interest, but TO con-
code literally to that which is adapted TO the
interest Of the other. To accomplish this
little more Is generally required than a simple
observance Of the rule Of reciprocity; and, were
IT possible for the statesman Of one nation, by
stratagem and management, TO obtain from
the weakness or ignorance Of another, anO'er-
renchmg treaty such a compact would prove an
incentil G TO war rather than a bond Of peace
Our conventions with Great Britain are founded
upon the principles Of reciprocity. The com-
mercial intercourse between the two countries is
greater in magnitude and amount than be-
tween any two other nations On the globe. 1t
is, for all purposes Of benefit or advantage to
both, rs precious, and IN all probability far
more extensive, than if the parties were still
constit tent parts OF one and the same nation.
Treaties between such states, regulating the
intercourse Of peace between them, and adjus-
ting interests of such transcendent importance
to both, which have been found, in a long ex-
perIence of years. mutually advantageous,
should not be lightly cancelled OF discontinued.
Two conventions, for continuing N force those
aforementioned have been concluded be-
tween the plenipotentiaTies ofthe two Govern
mehts, on the 9th of August last, and will be
forthwith laid before the Senate for the exer-
else of their constitutional authority concern
ing them.
In the execution of the Treaties Of Pea CO, of
November, 1882, and September. 1883, be-
tween the United States and Great Britain, and
which terminated the war of our Independ-
ence, a line of boundary was drawn as the de-
marcation Of territory between the two coun-
tries. extending over near twenty degrees Of
latitude, and ranging over seas, lakes, and
mountains, then very imperfcctly explored and
scarcely openedto the geographical knowledge
Of the ago. In the progress. of discovery and
settlement by both parties since that time,
several questions Of boundary, between their
respective Territories, have arisen, which have
been found of exceedingly difficult adjustment.
At the close Of The last war with Great Brit
ain. four Of these questions pressed themselves
upon the consideration OF the negotIators ofthe
Treaty Of Client. but without the means Of
concluding a d~eiinitive Arrangement concern
ing them. They were referred TO three sop
arate Commissions, consisting Of two Commls-
sioners, one appointed by each party to exam
inc and decide upon their respective claims.--
In the event of Engagement between the
Commissioners, 1t was provided that they
should make reports to their several Govern
men,s; and that the reports should finally be
referred to the decision of a Severe ign, tb
common TREND of both. OF these COMMISSIONS.
two have already terminated their sessions and
Investigations. one by entire and the other by
| partial agreement. The Commissioners Of the
| fifth article of the Treaty of Client have finally
disagreed, and made their conflicting reports
to their own Governments. But from these re-
ports a great difficulty mas occurred in making
up a question to be decided by the Arbitrator.
This purpose has, however been effected by a
fourth Convention, con cludcd ut London, by
the Plenipotentiaries of the two Governments,
on the 29th of September last. 1t will be
submitted, together with the others, TO the
consideration Of the Senate.
While these questions have been pending,
incidents have occurred of conflicting preten-
sions, and Of dangerous character upon the
territory itself, in dispute between The two Ma
tons. By a common understanding between
the Governments, it was agreed, that no cxer-
else nfcxclasivc jurisdiction, by either purity,
! while the. negotiation was pending, should
| change the state ofthe question oil right, TO DO
| definitivcly settled. Such collision has, never
| theless, recently taken place, by occurrences,
| the pre- else character of which has moi yet
been ascertained. A communication from the
Governor Of the State Of Maine, with accom-
panying documents. and a correspondence be-
tween the Secretary OF State and tho Minister
Of Great Britain, on this subject, are now com
municated. Measures have been taken TO as
cer.ain the state Of the facts more correctly,
by the employment of a special Agent, to WIS.,
it the spot where the alleged outrages have
occurred, the result Of whose inquiries, when
received, will be Transmitted to Congress.
While so many of the subjects ofhigh inter
est to the friendly relations between tho two
countries have been so far adjusted, II Is mat
ter of regret that their views respecting the
| commercial intercourse between the United
| States and the British Colonial Possessions,
have no. equally appropriated to a friendly
agreement.
At the commencement Of the last session Of
Congress, they we're informed OF the sudden
and unexpected exclusion, by the British Gov
ernment, of access, in vessels OF the onicd
states, to oil their colonial ports. except those
| immediately bordering upon our own terrific
| rics. In the amicable discussions which have
| succeeded the adoption of this measure, which
as it affected harshly the interests Of the Unit
cd States, became a subject OF expostulaiion
| on our part, the principles upon which ITS JUS
~tiication has been placed, have been oil a d.
versifed character. IL has been al once as
cribed to u nero recurrence 10 the Old iong
established principle Of colonial monopoly and
at the same time to a feeling Of resentment be-
cause the offers Of an Act OF Parliament open
ing the colonial ports upon certain conditions
had not been grasped at with sufficient eager
ness by an instantaneous conformity TO 'hem;
Al a subsequent period, II has been m'Ina,eu
that the new exclusion was in resentment, boz
| cause n prior Act Of Parliament, of 1922 open
ing certain colonial ports, under heavy and
burdenaome res,r;ctions 10 vessels Of the Unit