The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1839-03-19
THE BRITISH CLAIM OF JURISDICTION.

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THE BRITISH CLAIM OF JURISDICTION.
Much surprise was excited on the appearance Of
Sir John Harvey's Letter to Gov. Fairfield claim.
ing to exercise by the authority OF Great Britain
exclusive jurisdiction over the Disputed Territory
among those persons not familiar with the transac.
lions in relation TO this question between the pow
ers at Washington and those of Great Britain
But to those better acquainted with these transac-
tons, it quite different. They had seen too
much cause, why England should make this claim,
| if not the actual existence of disposition tho
part of our National Executive, during the last ten
years, to betray into the hand of the former. The
following article, the statements in which appear
TO be derived from official documents, reflects much
| light upon the subject:
The President denies the existence ofany under.
standing between the Two Governments, by which
England to maintain exclusive jurisdiction ov.
or The territory IN dispute but it will also DO
remarked that he denies tho right of Maine to
maintain a military occupation of the territory.
We confess that in nothing which has lranspired
since our last, have we seen cause to alter our o.
pinions on the subject. On the contrary, every
| thing which has come TO light, goes to confirm our
impressions E; the whole course of the Government
FOR the last ten years, has not only tolerated tho
British claim to exclusive jurisdiction, but has
gone to strengthen that claim, by every means
short Of an absolute cession. The records Of tho
Government have been ransacked, and Ithe diplo-
matte correspondence between The Two countries
overhauled, and not one syllable since the Score.
taryship of Mr. Clay, is To be found denying this
claim to the British Mr. Clay, while Secretary Of
State, did insist The right of Maine and Of New
HAMPSHIRE he insisted on, aud maintained The
| line established by the treat o. S3 and down TO
| the commencement OF Gen. Jncksons admnistra.
ton, the jurisdiction of the States was not disput.
ed although the right WIS not admitted by Eng
land
Subsequently to the election Of Gen. Jackson,
an ogen, appointed blythe Executive ofMane, made
| n report after the examination OF the case OF John
Baker, mo was imprisoned at FrcderIckon, for an
alleged trespass on the Jurisdiction OF England at
Madawaskao the tate authorities, i'm which he re.
presented that"it perfectly understood that the
Government of New Brunswick claims to extend
the laws oflhe province large portion Of tho
territory of Maine. The operation is not merely
left to Inference. The des ign is not affected TO be
concealed. The pretension is publicly announced
in official papers and congratulations speaking tho
unequvocal language of the government ono
| residents are entitled TO acquire any rights in real
estate except British subjects All other occupants
of the soil are treated as spassers and nruders.
All other inhabitants liable to The disabilities of
aliens, and 10 the restrictions imposedupon their
actions, intercourse, and industry, by the enact
ments Of provincial legislation, and also in respect
TO the right of bearing arms Every American CIT
izen is required To report himself, within Two
months after his arrival, regimental quarter
4 master and is subjected to annual assessment,
for the maintenance Of the provincial militia"
al Government, md was met and attempted to be
pacicd by an offer Of Western lands, for her in
erest in The disputed territory Now can any one
inform us how happened that instead of assert.
ing the right OF Maine, the Federal Government
was bound to do and to maintain it, that The Gov
ment should attempt to purchase that right For
what other purpose was it required but surren-
der il 10 Great Britain
Massachusetts, jointly interested in the property
of that territory with Maine, also demonstrated a.
ganst the course of the Federal Administrations
The following resolutions passed the Legislature
OF that State March, 1886.
Whereas large tract of the north eastern terri
tory of the United States, belonging in common to
the States of Maine and Massachusetts, and living
within the limits of the former State has for many
years past, in consequence of claim of Great
Britain been surrendered to the exclusive cuStody NJ
the British Government and whereas it appears
from the report of committed appointed by this
Legislature of this Commonwealth, to make per
sonal examination into the state of public lands
that great inconvenience and gross abuses havs
resulted, from valuable portion OF our domain
being left in the Keeping IF agents ,ohomt
haze control.
Therefore, Resolved, by the Senate and House
of Representatives. in General Court assembled,
That in the opinion of this legislature, it due to
the rights and interests of Massachusetts, that
measures should he taken by the Executive of Tho
United States, to secure speedy settlement Of this
long prOtracted controversy, so that these STATES
may be renstaed in the enjoyment of that proper"
~ which long in their nndisputed posses
sion, aud which is so indispntably theirs.
Resolved, That in there be prospect OF
further oidahln delay in the tlement Of this
controversy, it is essential 10 the ends of justice,
that measures should be taken by the Executive OF
the United States, to obtain representation OF he
interests and rights Of Maine and .MaSsdchaseHs IN
the agency and gnardship Of the territory IN queS'
ton.
Not only is this claim not new thing but 1t mas
heen long known to Name, Massachusetts, ana Inc
General Government, and notwithstanding the TO-
presentations Of the two States, and their remon'
strances, i, has been fully acqniesced in ny inc
Federal Executive. And not only So but the let-
,ers Of Mr. McLane, when Secretary OF S'ate:show
that the Government of the United States recon-
mended to the Governor of Maine, an acquires
cence in it, and entered into an apologe'icai ex
PLANTATION with the British Minister, in case o,
alleged interference with it, in the construction o'
the Aroostook road.
Now, what are we to infer from these facts =
Has there not heen an understanding between
the two Governments, that the British shall main
tain exclusive jurisdiction that territory! has
NJ aine been coIJ tn En- nd