Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1827-12-05

are brought into frequent COLLISIONS ny cohPe
tition. In framing such treaties, it is the du-
ty of each party, not simply to urge with un-
yielding pertinacity that which suits Its own
interest. but to concede literally to that which
Is adapted to the interest of the other. 10 ac-
compiish this, little more is generally requlr-
ed than simple observance of the rule OF re-
ciprocity; and were it possible for the states
men of one nation, by stratagem and manage
ment. to obtain from the weakness or ignor-
ance of another, an over-reaching treaty, such
a compact would prove an incentive to war,
rather than bond of peace. Our conventions
with Great Britain are founded upon the prln-
ciples of reciprocity. The commercial inter-
course between the two countries IS greater IN
magnitude and amount than between any 9TH
err two nations on the globe. 1t is, for all pur-
noses of benefit or advantage to both, as pre-
cious, and in all probability, far more extern
sive than if the parties were still constituent
parts of one and the same nation. treaties
between such States, regulating the inter-
course of peace between them, and adjusting
interests of such transcendant importance to
both, which have been found, in long ex-
perience of years, mutually advantageous,
should not be lightly cancelled OF discontinue
ed. Two conventions for continuing in force
those above mentioned have been concluded
between the Plenipotentiaries Of the two gov
ernments, on the 9th of August last, and will
be forthwith laid before the Senate for the ex-
erc;se oftheir constitutional authority concern
ing them.
In the execution of the Treaties of Peace OF
November 1852 and September l7s3, between
the United States and Great Britain, and
which terminated the war Of our independ-
ence, a line ofboundary was drawn AS the de-
narration of territory between the two coun-
tries, extending over near twenty degrees OF
latitude, and ranging over seas, lakes, and
mountains, then very imperfectly explored,
and scarcely opened to the geographical know
ledge of the age In the progress OF dlscovc-
nv and settlement by both parties since that
time, several questions of boundary between
their observation-disclosures have arisen, which
have ben found of exceedingly difficult adjust
ment. At the close of the last war with Great
Britain four of these questions pressed them
selves upon the consideration of the negotia-
tors of the Treaty of Client, but without the
means of concluding dehnitive arrangement
concerning them. They were referred to three
separate commissions, consisting of two Com
missioners, one appointed by each party, to
examine and decide upon their respective
claims. In the event Of disagreement between
the Commissioners, it was provided that they
should make reports to their several govern
ments; and that the reports should finally be
referred to the decision ola Sovereign the COM
mon friend of both. Of these Commissions,
two have already terminated their sessions
and investigations, one by entire, and the 9TH
er by partial agreement. The Commissioners
ofthe fifth article of the Treaty of Client have
finally disagreed, and made their conflicting
reports to their own Governments. But from
these reports great difficulty has occurred in
making up question to be decided by the
Arbitrator. This purpose has, however, been
effected by fourth Convention, concluded at
London by the Plenipotentiaries of the two
Governments on the goth 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 common UNDERSTANDING DcL"SeH
the Governments it was agreed that no exer-
else of exclusive jurisdiction by either party,
while the negotiation was pending, should
change the state Of the question Of right to be
definitively settled. Such collision has never
theless recently taken place, by occurrences
the precise character Of which has not yet
been ascertained. A communication from the
Governor of the State of Maine, with accom-
panying documents and correspondence be-
tween the Secretary of State and the Minister
of Great Britain, on this subject, are now
communicated. Measures have been taken to
ascertain the state of the facts more correctly
by the employment of special agent to visit
the spot where the alleged outrages have &C.
Cured, the result ofwhose enquiries. when re-
ceived, will be transmitted to Congress.
While SO many of the subjects Of high in
terest to the friendly relations between the
two countries have been so far adjusted, it is
matter of regret that their views respecting
the commercial intercourse between the q
States and the British Colonial possessions
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