The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1840-04-21
N. Z. BOUNDARY HISTORICAL.

N, T.. BOUNDARY HISIORlCAL,
There some facts connected with the history
of the N. E. Boundary dispute, for the last ten
Yeas, which should be remembered; for, we
view them they reflect some light upon the strange
conduct of the British, Government, IN relation to
the question at issue.
In 1929, Henry Clay left the Office OF Secretary
Of State AT this time, the Boundary Question,
appears by the correspondence between Mr. Clay
and the British Government, was in fair way OF
adjustment; at least, tho high ground assumed by
the former was calculated TO bring the latter to
some honorable terms. Another subject Of dispute
was under discussion at the same time. 1t was in
relation TO the West India carrying trade, in which
our shipping interest was deeply involved Adams,
then President, with his Secretary, would agree
to the propositions Of the British Government, be-
heving thcm as they since have been made mani
fest, calculated 10 be greatly injurious TO COM
merce-affccting ours uniavorably, and that of the
British lavorably.
But Van Buren,, when lie came into the office of
Secretary of State, did not maintain the high and
independent position in relation TO difficulties
with Great Britain, which his predecessor had
done; and, if we are not mistaken in the date, in
1881, when he was appointed Minister to the Court
Of ST. james, the proposition of the British Gov
eminent touching the West India trade re-
newed; it was accepted, and our interest in the
trade manopo Ized bv Great Britain, to the amount,
annually, il has been computed, oil one million of
dollars
IL 1882, soon after Van Buren, went 10 England,
the Boundary dispute assumed aspect. A
proposition was sent by our Government to certain
leading men in Maine friendly to tie admnsira.
ton, to procure the of the Legislature OF the
State to yield up the disputed Territory our Gov
eminent, to receive in consideration therefor
ern lands or an equivalent in money. The Legis-
laiure acted upon this proposition, with closed
doors, the members all taking the oath of secrecy
Mark the result-the administration members, with
only very few exceptions voted to surrender the
Territory, and every Wing member voted against
it, But the matter leaked out by hints, and they
did no, dare TO push the bargain farher-to sell
Greu Britain the Territory--the administration at
Washington acting in tho matter merely as her
agent. The Wings came into power in Maine in
1897, and voted to remove the injunction of secre-
cy, and thus developed the whole plot.
This scheme, which was, no doubt, Mr. Van Bu-
ren's offspring, had in view the surrender of the
Territory, by an indirect transfer, to Great Britain
IL worthy OF the head and heart of the Mag.
cian.
soon attef van Buren, was made PRESIDENT
Maine peli,ioned for the appointment of Commits
s,oncrs 10 survey the Territory and Congress mad.
an appropriation to defray the expense, expecting
the President TO make the appointments. He
however. backed out, experimenting Great Britain
might be attended by the transaction.
Last year, when Name took the matter into tbe
own hands, he ordered a retreat. Congress ap
propriated money to dspute special embassado
to England to urge an immediate settlement Of the
question, or ascertain what they would or woult
| not do. But the President refused to make ar
appointment.
These, we believe 10 be undsputed facts. lie
it be observed that Congress and the State Of Maine
have manifested desire 10 do some thing, and have
| acted promptly in all cases. But the President
the power on the Throne-has defeated all thei
plans. Under such management is it strange tina
the Boundary dispute remains unsettled? And il
it not clear that need man at the head of GU
| Government whose american heart is larger thar
his British hearth Great Britain knows who the,
| are now dealing with.
-.
EARLY FRuIr.-The Charlestovvp Conriey oF H.