The daily Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1841-1845, 1842-11-18

nounced in favor Of Great Britaio; and might ada
that the of America, as matter oil right, was ou'
feebly and doubtingy supported by her own au'hof-
ties | am nevertheless disposed TO SUR ender 'po
whole of this case if should succeed IN se'u"s'
q, proposed, the boundary of Maine. There is
pont or two in this line Of boundary where may
nave To consider with the assistance OF the surveyors
aequainted with the localities the convenience Oh the
rsdent settlers as also what line may pest SUIT the
immediate country at the head OF the connecticut
river bet substantially the Government OF America
hall b. satisfied and this point be yielded TO Them:
This concession considered with reference TO the
,lue Of the land ceded which is generally reported
IN he fertile, and confirms position al houses point
much coveted in the course OF The controversy,
would under ordinary circumstances, be eohsiuereu
Of considerable importance. The concession WIN,
Soweyer be made by Great Britain without reluct-
nee not only to mark the liberal and conciliatory
nlrit by which il is desired to distinguish these ne
gotations but because the case is IN some respects
analogous to that of the Madawaska settlement, pc
FIRE considered II is believed that the settlers on me
narrow strip, which would be transferred to treat
Britan by rectifying the 45th parallel oil latitude
which was formerly incorrectly laid down, are Prih
enally from the United States and that their oPh'
ions and habits incline them to give preference "
hat form of Government under when, pe'oie 'i9
discovery of the in question, they supPoscu
themselves to be living. II cannot be desired ny ner
Majesty TO acquire any addition OF territory under
such circumstances, whatever may be the weight oil
bey RIGHTS; but il will be observed that the same ar
nlnent applies almost exactly TO the Aladawaska
etement and insties the reservation am there
obliged TO make In these days the convenience and
happiness Of the people TO be governed Will ever be
the chief guide in trans actions OF this description, be-
tween such Governments as those OF Great BRITAIN
and the United States. ,
Before quitting this subject, would observe tha'
il is rumo ed that Major Graham, in his late survey
NJ ,,, pArtuc dew
of The line from the cad Of the St Crox toward Inc
St Johns would here also propose TO ABIDE by
the old line long established and from which The de-
Walton by Major Graham is, am told, inconsidera-
BILE, without at all doubling the accuracy ana sooo
faith Of that very distinguished o'iieer
In stating the important concessions am prepared
10 make on final settlement OF these boundaries,
am sensible that concessions to one state oil ths
Union are not always to be made avaiiaoie ior .'e
satisfaction Of any other but yon are aware mat
am treating with the United Status and that Tor
long line of important boundaries, and that could
not pre- ume TO enter tie question how this settle
ment might operate on, or be in any way compensa-
led 10 the different States Of the coniederacy;
should, however, add my unieigned belief that what
have proposed will appear reasonable with refer
ence TO the interests of the State Of Name, consider
ed sngly; that the proposition, taken whole, will
be satisfactory TO the country at large, can enter
tain no doubt
abstain from noticing here the boundaries further
west which am prepared to consider and to settle,
because they seem 10 form part oil case which 1t
will be more convenient TO treat separately.
In the course of these discussions, much anxiety
has been expressed that Maine should be assured o!
some means of communication by the St Johns,
more especially for the conveyance Of her lumber.
This subject am very willing to consider, being
sensible Of the great Importance of it to that State,
and that the friendly and peaceful relat is between
neghboring countries cannnt be better secured than
by recprocally DIVIDING for all their wants and nte-
rests. Lumber must for many years be the principle
produce of the extensive valley of the Aroosook and
of the southern borders of the st. John and IT Is ev-
ident that this article of trade being worth any thing,
must mainly depend upon its having access to the
sea through that river. 1t is further evident that
there can be such access under any arrangement
otherwise than by the consent OF the province OF
New Brunswick 1t is my wish to seek an early OPP
Portunlty of considering, with some person well ac
qurinted with the commerce OF that country, what
can be done TO give it the greatest possible freedom
and extent, without rcnching too much on the fiscal
regulations Of the two countries. But, IN the mean
tme in order to meet at the urgent wants and
wishes Of Maine in this respect would engage that
on the final settlement Of these differences, all lumber
ami produce OF the forest OF the tributary waters OF
the St Johns shall be received freely without duty
and dealt with in every respect like the articles
Of New Brunswick | cannot now say positively
whether may be able TO go further, but this seems
to me what is principally required. Suggestions
md river of St Johns free to the two countries, but
think you will be sensible that this could not bt
done without some reciprocity for the trade OF ST
Johns in ports of the United States and that, in en-
deayorng TO regulate this, should be embarking
IN an intricate question, much and often discussed
between the two countries. 1t cannot also fan to &C:
eur to yOu that JOINT rights in the same harbors and
waters must be a fruitful of discussion, and
that it behooves to be careful not to the seeds
of future differences in the settlement Of those of
own day.
have now stated, as l was desired to do, my
views Of the terms on which, it appears to me, tn Il
tins settleme may be made II must be sufficient,
evident that have not treated the subject in the or
binary form of bargain, where the party making
the proposal leaves himself something 10 give up
The would not admit of this, even il l coulC
bring myself to abt 1t would have been useless
for me to ask what know could not be yielded ant
can uniegnedy say that, even If your vigilance
dd not forbid me to expect TO gain any undue advan
tage you, should have no wish to do The
treaty we have 10 make will be subjected to the
scrutiny of jealous and criticsing public, and i
would Ill answer its main purpose of producing ant
perpetuating harmony and good will, if its provi
slons were not considered by good and reasonable
men to make just and equitable settlement OF thi
long-continucd controversy.
Permit me- sir, to conclude with the assurance o
my distinguished consideration,
ASHBURTON.
Hon. DANIEL WEBSTER,
&C., &c, &c.
.Nr. Webster 10 Lord .3shburion