The Massachusetts spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1831-1858, 1832-03-21
NORTH EASTERN BOUNDARY.

was communicated to both branches oi INC
Legislature on Saturday last e.
To The Honorable Senate and
House Of Representatives.
Immediately upon receiving the request
to me by the two Houses of the Legislature
to apply to the Executive of Maine, for IA
cmmuncation of the correspondence which
he had had with the Government OF the
United States, and with the Agent OF that
State, upon the subject of negotiation for
a cess;on Of the territory North East of the
ST. Johns, despatched, by special mes
senger. Lette. addressed to His ExceIlen-
cy, the Governor, copy of which is here
with transmitted for your notice. This
messenger returned last night, with an an
swer, which also accompanies this commu-
cation.
From this correspondence it will painful
ly he perceived, that the only ground OF the
proceedings of the Government of Maine,
which were confdentially communicated
by the Letter of the Governor of the 9th
inst. covering the Resolutions Of the Legs
latuTe approved by him, was in Letters from
Mr.. Preble, the Agent of that State al
Washington, expressing his opinion in re-
gafd to The eXpedlency OF the proposed ar
rangement, and that o.! the Representa-
tives of that State in Congress, in Letters
addressed to him, which opinions were
formed from circumstances unoBfciai[y with
in their knowledge, and that these commu-
nications are now considered by the Gov
ernor, so far private and confidential, that
he does not feel himself authorized to make
them public, without the permission of the
persons from whom they were received. He
has therefore declined affording the nfor-
nation which was sought by the Order Of
the Legislature.
We are thus left without any knowledge
of the change of circumstances, which has
induced to the recent unexpected and ex-
traordinary manifestation of change OF SEN
timent and policy on this most interesting
subject in the State of Maine. We learn
neither by what authority proposition to
negotiate for the Territory is made; nor
the terms which are to form the basis of
such negotiation; nor wEe are to be the
parties to it; nor how far the compromise
which may he contemplated, is within the
Constitutional power of the National Exec
utlve, with or without the consent of the
States. Maine asks from US no consent or
countenance to the bargain which is now
offered. Indeed, it cannot escape remark,
that in the leading resolutions of her Leg
islature in reference to this subject, Joint
concern in Massachusetts, even in the dis
position of the property in the lands is no
otherwise adverted to, than by an admoni-
ton contained in the Resolution which pro-
poses notice to us of the intention to nego-
tate, that We may take charge of our own
interest. The remembrance of former re-
lations is no longer invoked. No appeal is
made to sense of mutual interest; to the
principles of llberality, of magnanmity, and
OF friendly regard 10 ii sister State nor is
the generous, disinterested and spirited re-
Spouse, which was given to that appeal for
aid and cooperation in the defence of the
rights of jurisdiction and State sovereign
ty. acknowledged or recognized. Under
all these considerations, respectfully sub
mtto you, that no further proceedings here,
are. at this time, required for the dignity,
honor, or interest of the Commonwealth
The deliberate and explicit opinions ex-
pressed by the Legislature upon the whole
subject matter, at an earlier period in the
session, fully assert the rights of the State
IN the property in question, and conf
dence in the obligation of the National Gov
eminent to defend US in its possession and
enjoyment. The Resolutions which were
then passed, are in the hands of our Scna-
tors and Representatives in Congress, vino
will not fail to have the first notice of any
hazard TO our tue interest, and faithfully to
advise to the most effectual measures for its
protection. LEVI LINCOLN.
Council Chamber, March II, 1882.
Erecut,re Department of massachusetts,, !
BosToN, March 18th, 1882.
SIR: In compliance with request of the
Legislature of this Commonwealth, ex-
pressed ia concurrent order of the two
Branches, a copy of which have the honor
herewith to transmit, it is made my duty to
ask of your Excellency to furnish, for The
Information ofthiS Government, copies of all
the Correspondence. between the Govern
ments of the United States and the State
of Maine, and Copies Of any communication
from the Agent Of the State of Maine at
Washington, in relation 10 the Territory
North and East Of the ST. Johns and st.
Francis Rivers, which we're the occasion of
the recent proceedings Of the Legislature
Of Maine, confdentally communicated in
their Resolutions, which accompanied your
Letter of the 9th instant. The equal right
of property which this Commonwealth has
in common with MIME, and the earnest,
and | may be permitted to add, generous
manifestation of sympathy and interest by
this Government in the assertion and vim
dcaton of the jursdctional sovereignty of
the Sister State 10 the Territory in dispute,
warrant a confiding expectation, that the
desired communication will frankly and
cheerfully be made.
| pray you also to be assured, that in
view to the immediate adjournment of the
Legislature, after an unusually protracted
Session, compliance Ivy the return of the
special Messenger, who is charged with
the delivery Of the despatch, and TO wait
your Excelency's reply, will be very CRATE
fully appreciated.
have the honor to he, with sentiments
of the highest respect, your ohedient SER
want, LEVI LINCOLN.
His EXceilency, Gov. Smith of Maine.
Executive Department Of Maine,
AUGUSTA, March IS, 1882.
SiR,-I have the honor to acknowledge
the receipt Of your Excellency's letter of
the 18TH OF this month, requesting to be
furnished with copies of all the correspond
ence between the Government of the Unit
ed States and this State, aud copies of any
communications from The Agent of this
State at Washington, in relation to the ter
ritory North ana East Of the rivers st.
Johns and st. Francis, which were the &C.
casian OF the recent proceedings of the
Legislature Of this State, confidentialy
communicated to your Excelency.
The only correspondence which has been