Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1841-12-17


possible. In the course of the session, it is
my hope 10 be able TO announce some further
degree OF progress, towards the accomplish
ment of this highly desirable end.
The commission appointed by this gov
eminent for the exploration and survey
of the line of boundary separating the
States of Maine and New Hampshire
from the conterminous British Provinces
is, it is believed, about TO close its field
labors, and is expected soon TO report the
results of its examinations TO the De-
partment of State. The report, when re-
ceived, will be laid before Congress.
The failure OH the part of Spain to pay,
with punctualty, the interest due under the
Convention of 1884, for the settlement OF
claims between the two countries, has
made il the duty Of the Executive TO call
the especial attention of the Government
to the subject. A disposition has been
manifested by (which is believed tobc en-
tirely sincere, 10 fulfil its obligations, in
this respect, so soon as internal condition
and the state of its finances will permit.
An arrangement is in progress, from the
result of which, it is trusted that those of
our citizens who have claims under the
Convention, will, at no distant day, re-
ceivc the stipulated payments.
A Treaty of Commerce and Navigation
with Belgium was concluded and signed
at Washington ON the 29lh Of March,
lS4o, and was duly sanctioned by the
Senate of the United States. The Treaty
was not ratified by His Belgian Maesty's
Chambers within the time limited by its
Terms, and has, therefore, become void.
This occurrence assumes the graver as
pect from the consideration that, in 1888.
a Treaty negotiated between the two Gov
ernments, and ratified on the part OF the
United States, failed to be ratified on the
part of Belgium. The Representative OF
that Government, at Washington, informs
the Department of State that he has been
instructed to give explanations of the can
scs which occasoncd delay in the appro-
val ofthc late Treaty by the Legislature,
and to express the regret of the King at
the occurrence.
The joint commission under the con-
vcntion with Texas, to ascertain the true
boundary between the two countries, has
concluded its labors; but the final report
of the commiss Toner OF the United States
has not been received. 1t is understood,
however, that the meridian line, as traced
ny the commission, lies somewhat further
East than the position hitherto generally
assigned TO it, and, consequently, includes
in Texas some part of the territory which
had been considered as belonging to the
States Of Louisiana and Arkansas.
The United States cannot but take a
deep interest in whatever relates to this
young, but growing Republic. Settled
principally 10y omigrants from the United
States, we have the happiness to know,
that the great principles Of civil liberty arc
there destined to flourish, under wise in
stitutions and wholesome laws; and that.
through It's example, another evidence is
to be afforded Of the capacity of popular
Institutions, TO advance the prosperity,
happiness, and permanent glory OF the
human race.
The great truth, that government was
made for the people and not the peo-
pie for the government, has already
been established in the practice and
by the example of these United States;
and we can do no other than contemplate
lis further eXcmpliljca,ion by a sister
Republic, with the deepest interest.
Our relations with the Independent
States of this hemisphere, formerly under
the dominion of Spain, have not under.
gone any material change within the pas
year. The incossaut sanGuinary conflict.
in, or between those countries, are to be
greatly deplored, as necessarily tending ,c
disable them from performing their person
al duties as members of the community o
nations, and rising TO the destiny whlcl
the position aud natural resources o
many of them might lead them Justly tc
anticipate, as constantly giving occasion
also directly or indirectly, for complaint,
on the pat Of our citizens who rcsor
thithcr tor purposes Of commercial inter.
course, ana as rotarding PREPARATION fol
wrongs already committed, some of which
are by 10 means of recent date.
The failure of the Congress of Ecua.
dor To hold session, at the time appoint
ed for that purpose, in January last, vii
probably render abortive a treaty of com.
merce with that Republic, which wa,
signed at Quito on the l4h of June 1889
and had been duly ratified on our part
p'ior to its ratification by the Ecuador
ian Executive.
A Convention which has been conclnd
ed with the Republic of Peru, providin.
for the settlement of certain claims o
: citizens of the United States, upon III,
Government OF that Republic, will be du
" submitted to the Senate.
The claims of our citizens against the Bra
LILLIAN government, originating irom capture
and other causes, are still unsatslieel. Tn
United States have, however, so uniform
shown disposition to cultivate relations c
ami,y with that Empire, that it is hoped, tn
unequivocal tokens OF the same spirit toward
= US which an adjustment OF the affairs reie
, red to would afford, will be given wilhor
u further avoidable delay.
The war with the Indian tribes on the per
: insuIa OF Florida has, during the last sun
y mer and fall, been prosecuted with nntirin
activity and zeal. 4 summer campair. W.
:, resolved upon, as the lest G,oue OF bringin
e II TO close, Cur brave Officers and me
n w"o have been engaged in that service, hay
: suffered tolls and priyations, and eAhi5iie
= an energy, which, in any other war, wcul