Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1840-04-02
UNITED STATES sENArR.-M..cu 81.
HoRru EASTERN BOUNDARY.

EoRrn BAsTERE BOUNDARY.
An important correspondence was Laid
before the Senate at o'clock p. M. YES.
terday, upon the subject Of the N. Eastern
Boundary. A brief debate followed the
introduction Of the correspondence. which
was participated In by the Senators from
Massachusetts and one Of the Senators
from Maine.
Mr.. Davis OF Mass. spoke in q firm and
cautious manner Of tho correspondence.
He regretted that -the Maine territory
should have ever been spoken Of a. the
disputed territory. Thin was \ leading err
ror Of the Government, and q palpsble
one. which be regretted. The boundary
might be dispated. bod nothing more.
Mr.. Davis spoke - holding the opinion
that Maine was Gle sriy in the right and
Great Britain in the wrong. He Vas dis
posed TO be temperate but 6rm.
Mr.. Webster said that the correspou-
denee. which was Of grave and serious
character. related 10 matters collateral 10
the original and more important question
at issue between the two govern ments. II
was well known 10 the Senate that the
President IN ell bis annual communication
bad spoken Of the good feeling existing
between the two governments, and the
eonhdence be had in the British Govern.
msnt 70 do justice 10 the United States
The sane friendly expression OF regard
and eoaGdenee in the justics Of the Unit
ed States had been heard from Lord Pal
merstoa and Lord Csstieresgh. While
such opinions were held in regard 10 the
main and important question at issue, Mr..
Webster was opposed 10 any disturbance
OF these relations in the strong action Of
the Government upon . question merely
collateral. The action Of the Government
Should Dc upou the main questiou-,he
treaty quesiion-snd not upon either q
violation or respect Of 81 agreement in
regard to temporary occupancy Of the
disputed territory.
Nj. Webster wac eaatioss in his remarks;
he was also 6rm. but appsrently feared
that the boundary line. aecordinx 70 The
Treaty Of 1888, would be lost eight Of in q
discussion or the aelioa Of an angry cor.
respondenee between the Secretary Of
State and the British Minister.
Ar. Williams Of Maine closed the dis
eussion in notion 10 print ten thousand
extra copies Of the correspondence, and
in the expression Of the opinion that he
was glad that the correspondence was Of
so decided character. He ecnsidersd
the government ~ being placed in posi-
ton new in which IL would have Of neees-
city 10 sustain the State Of Maine. The
correspondence he did not suppose would
lead to . Withdrawal OF negotiations, but
II would lead TO the det1eed action which
was necessary.
The Senate, AFTER q motion from Mr..
Allen. TO refer the correspondence TO the
committee on foreign relations. adjourn.
ed.
DRTAuLTERs.
The bill for the punishment Of default
ters vas called up on its Gaal passage
The bill was read to the Senate In full,
2 oeeuPyi0g an hour. A proposition was
N14is 10 amend the bill, and Mr.. Smith Of
lad. and MT. HendeFSou, OF Miss. support
ed the amendments Of certain sections
NOT At ell altering lie material provisions,
disappearing al alteration Of some Of its
operations.
Mr. Wngha and Mr.. Hubbard opposed
ia assadmsets. sAd Ms. Rendersoo
moved the Feeommilmaa9 q the bill. The
yeas aud nays were cgdsrcd sad ths mo.
tioa lost. 81 10 10.