Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1835-01-20

of the late Executive NIcssog, ne rIa, q, H., ,i
ana western boundaries of this State have given to the
SUBJECT that careful examination attentive consdea
uon ITS great Importance and the delicate nature of the
P.nang controversy IN relation thereto with sister
SV'i''o 10 reqnire, and respectfully beg leave to
That although they have been unable TO discern any
e eng ID he Executive Communication Immediately re-
70 'nen or the previous actions of the State of
Maryland IN relation this interesting subject which
aoes not command their entire appreciation or which
"ou.u nocac the proprcty of reviewing in any manner
az TINS ne the merits of the controversy or recommend.
ing any relaxation change in the course deliberately
determined upon by the State at the last session of IN,
Legislature yet anxious to preserve if possibly within
he reach oil any means compatible with the honor and
just rights of Maryland that harmony and GOOD under
suinamg heretofore so long and happily existing be-
tween the two States your Committee have THOUGHT il
might be conducive to that desirable end and not ncon-
sen win the duties assigned them, notice some Of
te views expressed in the late Message of his Exceen
cy Gov Iazewe to the Legislature of Virginia in re-
ference 10 this subject This document is not officially
US out 1t has been given to the world through tho
press and enonating from SO high source and treating
VI inc very subject your Committee charged to in
qure INTO with apparent and indeed express regret that
circumstances exist which i'm the Judgment of his Excel
1ency preclude Virginia from direct communication of
c"s 10 maryland, your Committee think they might
De deemed wanting in their duty not in that respect of
whch virginia and her innctionaries are ever worthy
were they TO pass il in silence In that document
ls declared that the law of Virginia settle the Yves.
tern limits of that State and the DIVIDING boundary linz
between that State and the Commonwealth of Maryland"
passed 9th OF March, 1898 intended as an accent
ance oil our own proposition the settlement
OF the questions existing between That the determi
]
the judicial authority of the Union probably occa
stoned by mis- apprehension of the terms of that en-
actmen of Virginia. which susceptible of satisfacto
ny cxpanaton now only withheld and with regret be-
cause the attitude of Maryland regarded as hostile or
menacing.
Your committee have been unable 10 discover any
thing IN the proceedings of Mary land which could suG
gest inc ldea OF nen0ce, docs it at all APP
Phcane TO the intimate relations existing between the
members of this conederacy; certainly nothing could be
more foreign to the intentions of Maryland than TO as
such attitude in relation to Virginia ono of her
" than III consangunity and affection Her great
strength we know with JOY, not envy and in her glory
we nave always felt the keen interest of participation
Maryland had never hostile feeling towards Vir-
GINA cannot wish TO do her violence or wrong but on
the contrary desires the removal of the only of
disagreement in order that if possible their union may
be more intimate, and established forever the best and
surcst foundations
The southern and Western boundaries of MARYLAND
have never been adjusted and defined by compact with
Virginia We hold by charter charter which has been
Iy ana soemnly recognized by the State of Virpnia
put IN The Interpretation of that instrument the two
states have not been agreed 1t is right ndispen
sable that the Interpretation should be settled and the
limits OF the States ascetained and State can
not but some time perceive that in that settlement
voice (admed to be equa is entitled prepondera
ting influence
The State of Maryland seeks desires nothing which
Is not hers of right and is necessary for her honor
that IN her controversy though amcabc and with her
be- . o ''''' y" adjustment shall not be dictated to
demonstrate that she has, from time to time mildly re-
minded her sister State of her claims and sought to re-
10 the examination of Commissioners 10 he
pointed ny the parties from among their citizens
spechvey; desiring only provide the appointment
OF an umpire by of our dsnterested sister States in
the event OF disagreement among among the Commits
sioners In such propositions, Maryland has eyinced
her confidence in the justice of her cause but has sug
gesied nothing incompatible with the dignity VIRGINIA
She has desired and still desires the peaceful ascertain
nent OF her rights, doubling but Virginia would
deem necessary her true glory to do rieh az what
sacrifice Just that the relative rights OF herself and
neighbors should be eqntnby ascerained, and govern
govern herself accordingly without reckoning her means
of resistance
The law of Virginia before referred TO- of March 5tb
1883, has been understood by only not in ac.
cordancc with but directly repusve of equitable and
moderate wishes OF Maryland, las undertaking in
truth by of the parties absolutely to settle and pro-
nounce again the claims Of the other
So regarding it, the State of Maryland determined to
lay her controversy before that high independent
tribunal empowered by all the States and decide
all controversies between two or more Staes and sbo
has mistaken confidence that when the founders of tho
Union agreed that all controversies be tween these States
should be settled by appeals Justice and not to
they did not fail to achieve that peculiar and brightest
| glory of our country.
II Is, however, gratifying TO learn from source ent
uGd 10 so much respect that may have misconeeiv
cd the proceedings and intentions of Virginia and to he
allowed to hope that she may yet do what NAV not be
less advantageous and becoming TO her. than 10 Mary
land twould be amentable that false honor or strained
punctlo should be permitted esrange these States or
prevent the free course of explanation and liberal and
just action among them.
That State will probably be regarded by poserity as
wei as our contemporaries loyal to the common
welfare and to liz honor which shall be most dis
tngushed by forbearance and moderation Under tho
huence Of these sentiments your committee recon-
mend that the @ door of explanation which Viz
gina seems to consider closed upon her bv the reso
tons OF the last session of the Legislature be opened
wide, by their unconditional repeal of the discon
t'nuancc OF all proceedings under them--and i'm order
TO avoid all further delay in the settlement of this onr
agitatcd question, your committee further recommend
that special agent to forthwith despatched TO com
municatc TO the government of Vir0inia this neloence
and win power 10 negotiate and arrange an e0ntable
and amcabe mode Of settlement on the basis of the Re-
solutions of the General Assembly of MARYLAND passed
at December session, 1885, and for these prposcs your
committee have prepared and herewith report TO bo
House sundry resolutions
Rcsoired by Mo Gcncrat 1sscmJ1y of Nar,Iaod That
resolutions No so passed December Session S33 in
relation to the Southern and Western boundaries of This
STATE and the controversy this subject with the State
OF virginia, be, and the hereby repealed and
the Attorney General of this State hereby directed TO
discontinue all proceedings under The same
Resored That the Governor and Council be and they
are bereby authorized and requested to select and an
point discreet and competent person as the spccsl
agent OF Tie state whose duty il shall be to proceed to
the City OF Richmond, with Unnecessary delay and com.
municatc 10 the Government Of Virginia the couree nov
proposed to be pursued by the State of MARYLAND for tho
speedy and final adjustment Of this long pending oueg
! ton Fs H
Rcsoi9od further, That said agent be directed r. mo
pose to the Government Of Virginia the mode and nm
ncr heretofore, to wit lat December session ls3I
ny resolution NO. -, adopted and proposed bv Inc
state OF Maryland for the settlement Of this question
and to learn from Virginia what explanations fbcv arc
disposed to give Of the act Of her Legislature of The 5t
OF March. 1888 and whether she viii now 40 ,nodG,
said act 10 rcnder it comfortable 70 The aforesaid no
positions Of Moryand; and in the event Of Virginia NOT
I being willing 10 modify said oprcfr,eut a. -.