The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1840-05-27
From the Providence Herald.
NORTH EASTERN BOUNDARY.

Some of our brother editors appear to be over
joyed at the runner brought US by the British
Queen, relative to the settlement Of the bouu
Diary question. We do not place great deal
Of confidence IN the sayings and dopgs Of mad
am rumor. on any subject; and in this case, vs
have seen nothing as yet to strengthen our con
fdence. The strongest evidence published.
that any definite understanding had taken place
in reference TO this subject, or thst apy definite
pro OPPOSITION had been made, previous 10 tho de-
parure OF the British Queen from London, is
mere newspaper gossip, founded on conjecture.
and that at a time when even Parliament was
uniformed on the subject the ministry hav-
Ing declined to communicate any Information
respecting il.
But even had rumor for once spoken truth
and were it 4 fact that tho proposition had &C
tuslly been submitted 10 reeoe nize the bounda-
ry fixed BY the King Of the Netherlands en- con
dition Of tho pay mept Of ee20O. 600 10 Maine, We
discover no very powerful reason for eA'ra''-
CANT rsoicin. in the prospect OF settlement on
such basis as that.
The disputed territory beyosd the 81 Johns.
either belongs TO US, or docs not. The quss-
ton certainly could be set,lsd by join, com
mission, and reference to the treaty OF l7o3.-
Ii it does not belong TO Us, it ought, IN honor
and Justice, 10 he relioqNished without preu-
mary compeCsatlop, 10 keNplch, LOT Nuu1 uoss
not belong to us. would be an everlasting dis
grace to our government. But suppose the
territory and jurisdiction actually do belong TO
Maine ;-it then constitutes \ portion OF the
United States; and then, the question ARISES
what right has Maine or even our General Gov
eminent, according TO tho spirit Of our Ins'iu-
tions to sell Il foot Of it TO foreign power IL
indeed TO Determine TO certainty 10 whom 'no
territcry belongs. be impossible, then lnoeeo'
to accept g sum Of money 40 the paylnsh 'or
quit claiui. and 10 prevent war, n'sn' su'"x'
But il the general government ana inc gov
ernmeni Of Maine say, there 10 IN TACT no pseer-
t,iutv, and it, ss they also aver, the territory IN
dispute actually belongs TO Name, then 10 sell
IL a, spy rate, and particularly TO the British
government. to facilitate their military opera
lions in case OF a war against US. would, 10 our
humble opinion, be a di,srcsiul and suisIdai
policy on our part.
But there is smother question. There 10 a
third party ~hirh has right 10 be heard. On
the disputsd territory. there are sstilers--em-
zsns Of the Unted States, II 90 mistake no'.I
We ~osld ask by What right can .isine' OF W
United States gorsrnmsni, sell these W.,
and their possessions 10 Great Britain
ightful authority have they. for money, !"
rairiste free citizens Of the United siA n.'..s
10 place them under subjsctien TO inc -.
crown, or 10 compel them TO rehnqu"
homes, aud TO seek settlements ssf. ssf.uu,.
The desp Of Europe, Who hoid 'ns" !.
ss esttls to be bought and SOLD 10 .@l" o.,
true have often psrpstisisd speh oe'os -
~ Republican America. TOT eUl"e"s -,
by the NEE pho have tsen eS'fus's' y