Southern Argus. [volume] (Columbus, Miss.) 1834-1842, 1840-01-14
MEb8AGE.
selIO'c- Citizens ofthe Senate


yet derange the trade Of many of our CT.
ties. But, notwithstanding these adverse
circumstances, that general prosperity
which has been heretofore so bountifuIly
bestowed upon us by the Author Of all
good, still continues to call for our warm
est gratitude. Especially have we reason.
to rejoice in the exuberant harvests which
have lavishly recompensed well Industry,
and given TO it that sure reward which is
valnly sought in visionary speculations.
cannotindeed view without peculiar salts
faction, the evidences afforded by the past
season ofthe benefits that spring from the
steady devotion of the husbandman to his
honorable pursuit. No means of indiyid.
ual comfort is more certain, and no source
Of national prosperity is so sure. Nothing
can compensate people fora dependence
upon others for the bread they eat and
that cheerful abundance on which the hap.
piness of evsry one so much depends, is to
be looked for no where with so sure reli-
ance as in the industry Of the agriculturst
and the bounties of the earth.
With foreign countries, our relations ex.
hibit the same favorable aspect which was
presented in my last annual message, and
afford continued proof of the wisdom of
the pacific, just, and forbearing policy
adopted by the first Administration of the
Federal Government, and pursued by its
successors. The extraordinary powers
vested in me by an act of Congress, for
the defence of the country in an emergen-
cy, considered so far probable as to require
that the Executive should possess ample
means to meet it, have not been exercised.
They have, therefore, been attended with
! no other result than to increase, 10y the
confidence thus reposed in me, my obliga-
lions to maintain, with religious exactness,
the cardinal principles that govern our IN
tercourse with other nations. Happily,
in our pending questions with GreBt Bril-
tain, out of which this unusual grant of
authority arose, nothing has occurred to
require IFS exertion; and as it is about to
return to the Legislature, trust that no
future necessity may call for its exercise
by them, or its delegation to another de-
partment of the Government
For the settlement of our North Eastern
boundary, the proposition promised by
Great Britain for a commission Of explora-
ton and survey, has been received, and a
counter proc ct, including also a provision
for the certain and final adjustment of the
limits in dispute, is now before the British
Government for its consideration. A Just
regard 10 the delicate state ofthis question,
and a proper respect for the natural inn
patience Of the State Of Maine, not less
than a conviction that the negotiation has
been already protracted longer than Is
prudent on the part of either Government,
have led me to believe tha. the present ia
vorable moment should ON no account be
suffered to pass without putting the ques-
ton forever at rest. | feel confident that
the Government Of her Brltauic Majesty
will take the same view Of this subject, as
| am persuaded it is governed by desires
equally strong and sincere for the AMIGA
bic termination of the controversy.
To the intrinsic difficulties of questions
of boundary lines, especially those de-
scribed in regions unoccupied, and but
partially known, is to be added IN our
| country the embarrassment necessarily
arising out Of our Constitution, by which
| the General Government is made the or.
gan Of negotiations, and deciding upon the
particular interests of the States on whose
II frontiers these lines are to be traced. TIC
} avoid another controversy in which q
Stale Government might rightfully claim
10 have her wishes consulted, previously tc
the conclusion of conventional arrange.
ments concerning her rights ofjurisdictlon
or territory, have thought it necessary tc
call the attention of the Government o.
Great Britain to another portion of oul
coterminous dominion, of which the di.
vision still remains to be adjusted. Irefel
10 the line from the entrance of Lake Su.
perior TO the most northwestern point o
the Lake of the Woods, stipulatlons for the
settlement of which are 10 be found in The
seventh article of the treaty of Ghent.-
The commissioners appointed under tha
article bv the two Governments having
differed in their opinions, made separate
reports, according TO its stipulations, upor
the points of disagreement, and these diff
ferences are now to be submitted to the
arbitration Of some. friendly sovereign o.
State The disputed points should be set
tied. and the line designated, before tn
} Territorial Government, of which it IS ont
ofthe boundaries, takes its place in tn
Union as State and ! rely upon th'
cordial cooperation ofthe British Govern
ment to effect that object.
There IS every reason to believe thai
J Disturbances like those which lately agIta.
ted the neiehboring British Provinces vii
not again prove the sources of border con
, tentions. or interpose obstacles to th'
: continuance Of that good understanding
which # IS the mutual interest of Grea
! Britain and the United States to Preserv'
J and maintain.
Z Within the Provinces themselves tran
guilty is restored, and on our frontier tina
misguided sympathy in favor OF what wa.
, presumed to be general effort IN 0enal
= Of popular rights, and which in some ~
, stances nisled a few of our more lnexpe
Z renced citizens, has subsidized into ration
, al conviction strongly opposed 10 all lnieE
meddling with the internal affairs OF on
p neiphbors. The people Of the Unite
States feel, as II is hoped they always vii
D la warm soIicitude for the success OF o
who are sincerely endeavoring TO lmproy
9 the political condition Of mankind. n
e generous feeling they cherish towards tn
p most distant nations and il was natura
y therefore. that il should be awakened vat
! more than common warmth in behalf
Z *f.>.- ;v,nood,afa naiohbors. But II doe