Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1842-09-16

Mr.. Rufus King observed that the difficulty in fixing
the Northwest angle Of Nova Scotia, "arses from
reference in the Tresty Of 1885, TO highlands which it
is now found TO have no definite existence. And no
suggests the appointment OF commission TO be jointly
appointed "to determine point most proper to be
substituted for the description in Article ILL., of the Treaty
in 1898" Again: Mr. President Jefferson, in mes
sage to Congress- the 18th October 1903 stated that
ga farther knowledge Of the ground in the Northeast
ern or Northwestern angles Of the IT, s. has evinced
The boundaries established by the Treaty of Paris,
between the British territory and ours, in thcse points
too imperfecty described To be susceptible of
ecu,ion" These opinions of two most distinguished
American statesmen gave rise 10 Convention of boun-
dary made in London BY Rufus King and Lord
| Hawkesbury, which from other circumstances, which
j, is necessary to refer to- not ratified by the
Senate.
might further refer you this subject to the
port of Judge Sullivan who acted commissioner
Of the U. s., for settling the controversy with Great
Britain, respecting the true river St. Crox who says
.sthe boundary between Nova Scotia and Canada was
described by the Kings proclamation in the mode
of ex preston that used in the treaty Of peace
Commissioners who appointed TO settle that line
have traversed the country in vain to find the high
lands designated as the boundary"
| With these known facts, how can IL possibly be
maintained that doubts about the bou ndary for
the first time in the year 1914.
| / need not pursue this subject farther. Indeed it
would have been useless TO treat of il at all with any
person having before him the records of the diplomatic
history of the two countries for the last half century.
My object in adverting TO it is TO correct an error
arising, am ready TO believe, not from any intention
TO misrepresent, but from want OF information, and
which seemed TO be sufficiently circulated 10 make
some efutaton useful toward promoting the desired
friendly and equitable settlement of this question
We believe the position maintained by us on the SUBJ
ect of this boundary be founded in Justice and equity
and &C deny that we have been determined in pre-
tensions by policy and experience. might, perhaps
fairly admit that those last mentioned considerations
have prompted, in some measure, our perseverance in
maintaining them. The territory in controversy is
nr that portion Of at least which is likely to come 10
Great Britain by any amicable settlement worthless
for any purpose of habtaton cultivation, probably
any tract of equal size the hsbiab.e GLOBE and If
were for the obvious circumstance OF It's connecting
the British North American provinces, believe might
venture to say that whatever might have been the
rit Of case should long since hive given up The
controversy, and willingly have made the sacrifice to
the wishes of country with which il is SO much our
interest," is desire, TO maintain the most perfect
harmony and good Will.
| trust that this sentiment must be manifest IN my
unIeserved communication with you this and on
all other subjects connected with my mission. If
have failed in this respect, shall have Ill obeyed the
instructions Of my Government and the earnest dictates
of INV personal inclination Permit me, Sir, to avail
myself of this my first opportunity of formally address.
ing you, 10 you untegnedly of my most dsiin.
guished consideration. ASHBUKION.
Hon. DANIEL WEBSTER, &C. &c.
Mr. WeJster to Lord .7shLuy,on.
DEPARTMENT OF STATE,
Washington, Jane II, 1s42.
Lord Ashburton having been charged by the Queens
Government, with full powers TO negotiate and settle
all matters of discussion between the United States
and England and having, his arrival at Washington,
announced, that in relation TO the question of the
North Eastern Boundary of the United States, he was
autlo lied 10 treat for conventional line a line "
agreement on such ard conditions and with
such mutual considerations and equivalents might
be thought just and equitable and that he ready
To enter upon negotiation for snch line,
SO soon as this Government should say that il
Go,iaon The Undersigned, Secretary Of Siate OF
The United States, has now the honor to acquant his
Iordshp by direction of the President, that the
dersirned is ready on behalf OF the Government OF
the Uni,ea States and duly authorized 10 proceed 10
he consideration of such conventional line, line by
agreement and will be happy 10 have an interview on
THIS subject ut his Lordships convenience.
The undersi med avaiis himself Of this occasion TO
lender 10 Lore Ashburton assurances OF his dstn-
guishcd consid' ration DANIEL "EbslE liz.
LORD AsuBgRrcN, &c, &c.
Lord .4shJurton 10 Mr. WeJster
Washington, June IL, 1S42.
The undersigned, Plenpo;entiary of Her Britannia
Majesty on an extraordinary and special mission 10 the
r. S Of America has the honor of acknowledging,
with NJ ch satisfaction, the communication received
10 day from Mr. Webster Secretary Of State OF the U.
S /, that he is ready on behalf OF the u 3, and duly
in relation TO the question of the North
stern boundary the U S., to proceed to the consde
ration Of conventional line or line by agreement on
such terms and conditions, and with such mutual con-
side rations ard equivalents as might be thought Just
and equitable And in reply to MIR. Websters invita-!
lion 10 the undersigned, TO fix time for their
ference upon this subject he brgs TO propose 10 call on
Mr. Webster at the Department OF State, to.morrowat
u o'clock for this purpose, should that time be per-
.cy convenient to Mr.. Webster.
The undersigned ava;ls himself Of this opportunity
10 assure Mr.. Webster Of his distinguished consIdera.
ton. AoHDOhio4'
Hon DANIEL WEBSTER, Sc, &c.
Mr. Wtbs.er to Lord .4sh5urton.
DEPARTMENT OF STATE,
Washington, June IL, 1912
The Secretary Of State will have great pleasure in
seeing Lord Ashburon at IL o'clock 10 morrow, as pro-
,osed by him.
Lord .2saJurtcn TO Mr.. Websier.
Washington, June 81, 1912.
Sir. The letter you did me the honor Of addressing
me- on The 18th instant, informed me that you
now pre pared and authorized to enter with me into
iisc Of that portion Of the difference between
,ur two countries, which relates TO the North Eastern
Doundary and we had the following day first fer
nal conference for this purpose, with view to consi
der i'm the first instance, the best mode OF proceeding
10 arrive at what is much desired by all pares-an
amicabe and at the same time equitable settlement OF
controversy which, with the best intentions, the au
thores Of the two countries for nearly hafa century,
have in vain endeavored to effect.
The result Of this conference has been, that have
been invited by you to state generally my view OF this
case and of the expectation Of my Government; and
although am aware, that in the ordinary practice of
diplomatic intercourse, should expose myself to some
disadvantage by doing nevertheless do not hesitate
10 comply promising only that the following observa
lions nre TO considered merely memoranda for dis
cussion, and formal propositions to have any
binding effect should negotiation have the unforu
nate fate Of the many which have preceded il, of end
ing in disappointment.
believe you are sufficiently aware of the circum-
stances which induced me personally to undertake this
mission II the part which, during long life, have
taken public affairs marked by any particular cha.
rac,er il has been earnest, perseverng desire TO
maintain pence, and to promote harmony between our