Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1841-02-04
MASSACHUSETTS.
GOVERNOR DAvIS'S MESSAGE ON THE
NORTHEASTERN BOUNDARY.


To the President Of The Senate:
found among the files placed in my hands BY
my predecessor, resolutions from the States oil
Maine and Indiana end. in conformity with the
object of those States, transmit them for the use
of the two Houses. These resolutions were adopted
in regard to III. Northeastern Boundary, and may
be permitted in this connection TO add. that see
little prospect Of early adjustment Of this disturb
ing matter; indeed, fear there 10 no disposition
on the part Of Great Britain TO bring It to issue
upon its merits
! The terms Of the treaty Of 1893 are plain and in
elligible, and not easily perverted They make the
elevation Of land which divides the rivers that flow
| into the ST Lawrence from which fall into the At
sntic ocean, tie dividing line between the United
States and Canada on the north. On the east, the
treaty provides thai the line shall be from the
source Of the St, Croix directly north 10 this high
land which divides these waters, and at the point
of intersection shall be the northwest angle OF Nova
Scotia. When we consider the provisions Of this
treaty, and tina known facts, il seems impossible
that any question raising doubt exist The
question is, where does tho treaty place the north
vest angle Of Nova Scotia I
We know there is a river called the ST. Lawrence
having many streams rising in the highlands south
Of it, and flowing into it. We know, also. that
eral rivers rise the other side of these high
grounds, and. flowing ia souihery direction, fall
into the Atlantic ocean. The existence OF these
unquestioned and that necessarily places
beyond all doubt, the fact that their must
be- separated by land high enough to divide them,
for such is the law of Nature
We know, also, that the source Of the ST. Croix
has been ascertaned, and monument erected by
agreement. We know further, that from this
monument line has been traced directly north,
some forty miles, to place near Mars Hill.
All tina, remains. therefore, to be done, according
to tho treaty is continue this line TO the lands
that divide the waters flowing into the Saint Law.
from those which fall into the Atlantic ocean,
and at the end Of it Is the northwest angle OF Nova
Scotia 1t is impossible to comprehend how any
serious obstacle to the accom- plishment of this
exist. Another half century may pass away, and
additional folios may be written--the country may
be explored, and things discovered, but these
facts will never be changed, the decisive char
ac,er Of the evidence in support of the treaty.
Under the circumstances, 1t is painful 10 see the
measures pursued In support Of groundless pre-
tension, to take from territory larger than
State, as their tendency 10 TO disturb pacific
relations, and bring the Two countries into COZ fct
The late report Of the British Commissioners, if
it be characteristic Of The policy to be pursued may
well fill the public mind with ind gnation and the
false reasoning and unwarrantable conclusions con.
tanned in it ought to be fully exposed. 1t s not,
however, within our province TO adjust the contro
versy; yet having great interest at stake in that
territory, as well in The peace ond honor OF the
United States, IL would seem 10 be more than
just to respond TO this call upon Va by sister
States TO extend to her sympathy for the
fold wrongs inflicted upon her, and assure Con-
gress of our hearty disposition to maintain the in
tegrity of the country.