Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1839-02-28
TIE FRONTIER DISTURBANCES.


All eyes are now turned towards Maine
anxiously awaiting the result Of the decides
stand she has taken in reference to the bonn
dary question, as well rs to the claim O
"entre jurisdiction" asserted by the Govern
or of the British Provinces, over the land i
dispute. This matter is fast approximately
to n crisis, which must result either in a
amicable adjustment of the question forever
or in involving Great Britain and the Unite
States in war; While on the one hand IN
people Of Maine and the National Govern
ment have been patient, contentedly awaitin,
the movements of England for the sake O
peace, and for years submitting to oil TN
evils of long protracted dispute, in the an
ticipation Of an honorable and peaceable set
tlement,- ,-on the other, there is too mucl
reason to fear that the mother country ha
been false to us, and is not disposed to 'ren
der unto Cesar the things that are C8sar's,
under any circumstances less than physica
compulslon. BE this as it may, affairs have
assumed serious aspect on the frontier, ant
TO what issue they may lead cannot as ye
be foreseen.
The following is q brief history of tho
Boundary dispute, which we copy from tho
Boston Times:
Afler the mutual rejection Of the decision
of the King of Netherlands, who undertook
to decide point not submitted 10 him as Ar
bitrator, and alter the renewal of the diplo
matte negotiations for just settlement o.
The claims, il was agreed by the Governmen,
Agents of Great Britain and the u. States
that until some final arrangement could be
made, the Territory in dispute should remain
under the "excusve Jurisdiction" and pos
session Of neither party, but that both Gov.
crnments would preserve strict neutrality
and that both should endeavor to protect the
property upon the timber lands.
That such was the understanding, between
the Governor of Maine and the Provincial
Governor has been distinctly shown by the
correspondence respecting the survey recent
ly made, to ascertain whether highlands ex.
isted, corresponding to the terms Of the trea-
ty. 1t was there admitted, tucitly, ut least
that either party had right TO enter the
lands for any purpose, but those Of taking
possession, or exercising jurisdiction. Both
parties considered, that for those purposes
they were excluded by express agreement
Such was undoubtedly the truth Of the case,
but wo have not immediate access to the
documents necessary to prove it.
Thus matters remained, by mutual consent.
In the meanwhile several propositions were
considered by the two governments, in rela.
ton to conventional boundary, to be agreed
upon making an exchange of this disputed
territory, for some other lands or considera-
tons. The comm; ssioners of survey prose.
cuted their work and reported that highlands
did exist as were designated in the treaty.
The consequence Of this report if true, and
agreed upon by any rules Of justice, would
be to give the United States the whole terri
tory, as we have always claimed it. The
result Of this survey was made known long
since, md must have satisfied any one. tina,
no Just or equitable principle could preven,
the British Government from acknowledging
our right, and yielding all claims at once.
The following is an extract from the Mes
sage of Governor Fairfield, to the Legislature
Of Maine
IL have received communication from
the Lit. Governor of the Province Of New
Brunswick. in which he sets up an alleged
agreement that the British Governmen n,
should have exclusive jurisdiction and pos
session Of the disputed territory, until the
question be settled, d,-and informs US that he
is instructed no, to suffer any interference
with that possession and jurisdiction. lie
entreats US to withdraw the Land Agents.
party, and adds that he has directed strong
force of Her Majesty's troops to be in rcadi.
ness to support her Majesty's authority, and
protect her Maesty's subjects in the disputed
territory in The event of this request not be-
ing Immediately complied with.
"In regard to all this, have only TO say
that, for one, | see no reason to doubt the
entire correctness Of the course we have thus
far pursued, and that with the blessing oI
God, trust we shall persevcre. No such
agreement as that alluded to by the Lieut.
Governor can be recognized by us-and it j.
an entire misapprchenson, to say the lcust o
it, that such an agreement has never beer
made"
The following is an extract also from Gov
Faricld's reply to the Message of Sir ,JohI
Harvey, in which he refuses to comply will
the demands of Sr John-deny ing his asser
ton that the Territory was to remain unde
the jurisdiction of the British until the dis
pute was settled. lie says that Maine ant
Massachusetts, have always exercised cxclu
sive jurisdiction, and thus concludes his letter
The party Of the Land Agent is now OF
the territory engaged in executing the trust
with which it was charged-and with my
consent will never leave it, while the protcc
ton Of the property OF the State from plum.
derers renders it necessary for them to re
main. If your Excellency chooses to sent
an armed force to attempt their expulsion,
can only say that this State will endeavor t,
meet such on attempt as it will deserve.
have no threats TO make no boastings to in
duge. If Maine does her duty, as trust il
God she will, nothing that ! could say il
advance would add to the glory of her career
If she proves recreant TO her duty, and tamely
submits to be expelled from her territory, BY
force that she could successfully resist
nothing that ] can say would tend to dimn
ish tho measure of her ignomiDy and dis
grace.
have the honor 10 be, with great respect
your Excellcncy's O'bt. Svt
JOHN FAIRFIELD,
Governor of Maine.
This despatch was forwarded by MI
English, Sir Johns messenger. McIntir,
A..a L..