The daily Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1841-1845, 1842-11-19

'"o supJcct ana 10 submit 10 those governments the
ProPriey OF their cooperation, TO certain extent
and IN certain FORM in an endeayor to terminate
controversy already Of so long duration, and which
seems very likely 10 be still considerably further pro-
tracted before the desired end Of final adjustment
shall be attained unless shorter course Of arriving
at that end be adopted than such has heretofore
been pursued, and as the two Governments are still
pursuing.
Yet, without the concurrence of the two States
whose rights are more Immediately concerned, both
having an interest in the SOIL and one of them IN the
jurisdiction and government, the duty of this Gov
ernment viii be to adopt no new course, but, IN com
panee with treaty stipuations, and in furtherance
oil what has already been DONE 10 hasten the pending
negotiations as fast possible.
But the President thinks it highly desirable OBJ
Ject to prevent the delays incident to any
settlement of the question by these means Such
delays great and unavoidable Ii has been found
that an exploration and examination Of the several
lines constitute work Of three years The existing
commission for making such explorati n, under the
authority of the United States, has been occupied
two summers, and very considerable portion OF the
work remains still TO be done. Ii joint commission
should be appointed and should go through the same
work, and the commissioners should disagree, as is
very possible, and arbitration that account be
come Indispensable the arbitrator might find it ne
cessary 10 make exploration and survey them
selves, or cause the same TO be done by others OF
their own appointment If to these causes, operating
to postpone the final decision, be added the time
cessary to appoint arbraors, and for their prepare
ton to leave Europe for the service and
the various retaring incidents always attend
ing such operations, seven or eight years
constitute perhaps the shortest period within
which we can look for final result. In the mean
time, great expenses have been incurred, and fur
Their expenses cannot be avoided. II is well known
that the controversy has brought heavy charges upon
Maine herself to the proper settlement
OF which she cannot be expected TO be Indifferent The
exploration by the Government Of the United States
has already cost hundred thousand dollars and The
charge OF another summers work is in prospect.
lhese facts may be sufficient TO form probable es-
Innate Of the whole expense likely TO be Incurred be-
fore the controversy can be settled by arbitration
and our experience admonishes US that another
arbitration might possibly fail.
The opinion Of tins Government upon the Justice
and validity of the American claim has been express
cd at so many times, and in many forms, that re-
petition of that opinion is not necessary. Eut the
subject is subject in dispute. The Government
has agreed to make it matter of reference and arb-
traton and it must fulfil that agreement unless
Their mode Tor settling the controversy should be
sorted to, with the hope Of producing speedier de-
csIon. The President proposes then, that the Gov
erEments of Maine and Massachusetts should seve-
rally appoint a commissioner commissioners, en-
powered to confer with the authorities of this Gov
ernment upon conventional line, line by agree
ment, with It's terms, conditions, Considerations and
equivalents, with understanding that such line
Will be agreed upon without the assent of such
missiopers.
This mode Of proceeding, or some other which
shall express assent beforehand, Indispensable
If any negotiation for conventional line is to be had
since, II happily treaty should be the result of the
negotiation, il only be submitted to the Senate of
the United States for ratification.
II is subject Of deep and sincere regret to the
President that the British plenipolentary did not ar
rive in the country and make known his powers in
time to have made this communication before the
nual session of the Legislatures of the two States had
been brought TO close He perceives and laments
the inconvenience which may be experienced from
reassembllng those Legislatures. But the British mis-
sion Is special one 1t does not supersede the resi-
dent mission Of the British Government at Washing
ton and its stay in the United States expected
to be long. In addition to these considerations, it is
to be suggested that more than four mont of the
sion of Congress have already passed, and il is highly
desirable, if any treaty for conventional line should
be agreed on it should be concluded before the ses-
sion shall terminate not only because of the necessity
of the ratification of the Senate, but also because
is not impossible that msasu may be thought advi
sable, or become important, which only be ac-
complished by the authority of both Houses.
These Considerations, addition to the Importance
OF the subject, and firm conviction in the mind OF
the President that the interests of both countries as
well the interests of the States more immedi-
aely concerned, require prompt effort to bring this
dispute to an end constraih him to express earnest
hope that your excellency will the Legi-la-
ture of Maine, and submit the subject TO its grave
and candid deliberations.
| am Sc
DANIEL WEBSTER,
His Excellency JOHN FAIRFIELD,
Gore1,or Of Maine.