The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1842-05-24

We doughty Loco demagogues,
Slan-bangites and Butt-enders-
When old Jack DORIS case-knife you draw,
One thing you'd better see to-
That order and law, with their own huge paw,
Don't smash you like mosquito'
From the NJ Y. Herald.
IMPORTANT FROM MAINE-NORTH-EAS
ERN BOUNDARY
We have lust received accounts from Maine giving
us the favorable intelligence of the opening of the
Maine Legislature, Governor Fairfeld's Message,
and the first steps taken towards fair and honorable
adjustment of the Boundary Question.
A letter gives the following statement:
HALLowELL, May 10, 1912.
The Legislature Of Maine met yesterday The
members manifested good spirit. A committee of
nine on the part of the Senate, and thirteen on the
part of the House, were appointed to take into
sideration the Governors Message The committee
voted unanimously to choose Commission rs and by
vote of 10 to 3, adopted Resolve, offered by COL
John Otis of she Senate to give them full poacers.
The doings of the committee will be ratified by The
LEGISLATURE Four Commissioners to be desig
nated-two from each of the political parties. Epery
thing is It should BE-.
GOVERNORS MESSAGE.
To the Senate and House Of Representatives.
herewith Law before you official cOmmunica-
ton from the Hon. Daniel Webster, Secretary OF
State for the United States under date of the 18th of
April last relating to the Northeastern Boundary;
by which it will be perceived that 'Lord Ashburton,
a Minister Plenipotentiary and Special, from Great
Britain has arrived at the seat of government of the
United States charged with full powers from his
Sovereign to negotiate and settle the different mat
tiers in discussion between the two governments.
And that in regard the Boundary question: he has
officially announced to the government at Wasnlng,
ton, that he has authority to treat for conventional
line or line by agreement, on such terms and con-
ditions, and with such mutual considerations and
equivalents, as may be thought just and equitable;
and that he ready to enter upon negotiation for
conventional line, the General Govern
ment shall say it is authorized and ready its part
to commence such negotiation.
Under these circumstances the PRESIDENT of the Uni
ted States has invited the cooperation of the govern
ments of Maine and Massachusetts in endeavor to
terminate this long pending controversy.
The communication states further, "that, without
the concurrence of the two States whose rights
more Immediately concerned" the duty of the Gen.
eraI Government will be to adopt no new course but
And it is subsequently added that " the government
has agreed to make it 1.-THE Boundary question: matter
of reference rnd arbitration, and it must fulfil that
agreement unless another mode of settling the con
troversy should be resorted to with the hope OF pro-
ducing speedier decision
The question presented for your consideration is
not party question--but is, emphatically State
question-one in which the whole people are interest
ed and on which their opinions and wishes should be
truly reflected. The subject of the boundary has
e
from which party policy and party strfes should be
sedulousy exclu Ied and on which no other conten-
ton or rivalry should be witnessed than that which
naturally springs from an ardent zeal In the cause OF
the State That the question Immediately before you
is not free from embarrassment and difficulties, is
manifest and it is equally clear that calm, dispas
sionate consideration only, can lead to satisfactory
results.
When we regard the clearness of our title to the
territory n controversythe frivolous and unfounded
&c tho itch ole he
tous delay that has been designedly eectedthe fire.
quent invasions and occupation of territory-the
devastation of our forests-the arrest and imprison
ment of our citzens-there is danger that honest
Indignation may lead US to overlook many important
considerations necessary to discreet and sound de-
cison.
It is due, therefore, to the subject that we view it
in other lights. One alternative now contemplated
it seems, by the General Government is submission
of the question to another arbitration Against this
Maine has ever demonstrated, and believe will con-
tnue to demonstrate. We cannot perceive the differ
ence so far authority is concerned between doing
thing direct~ and indirectly If the General Go
vernent has no power to cede directly any portion to
this State neither has it the power to accomplish the
same things through the forms of arbitration But
right or wrong in position-successful or other
wise as we may be hereafter in maintaining tive
see, as matter of fact, that the General Govern
ment is determined to attempt the exercise OF such
power and thus once more leopard our territory I'M
That this should be seriously considered in coming to
decision is obvious.
The President then proposes it is stated, that the
Governments of Maine and Massachusetts should
severally appoint commissioner commissioners,
empowered to confer with the authorities of the Gen
era Government upon conventional line, or line by
agreement, with its terms conditions, considerations
and equivalents, with an understanding that no such
line will be agreed upon without the assent of such
commissioners.
1t further stated that in view of the fact, that the
itish mission sis special one, and its stay in the
United States is not expected to be long'-"that
more than four months Of the of Congress has
already passed its action, perhaps, being necessary,
if happily, a treaty should be concuded-"the mpor-
lance of the subject and ga firm con victon in the
mind of the President that the ntere of both
tries as well as the interests of the States
Immediately concerned, require prompt effort to
bring this dispute end constrain him to express
an earnest hope that the Executive of this State will
convene the Legislature and submit the subject to
their grave and candid deliberatioD."
With this request have deemed it my duty to COM
oily and now submit FOR your consideration the mat
tefs presented in the communication aforesaid.
This step has not been taken without mature delib
Grafton. The expense of extra ses>ion-the busy
season of the year-the danger OF divided and dis
tr,cted councis-as we'll other considerations bear
ing upon the point, have not been overlooked. But
weqhty a. they are il has nevertheless seemed to me-
that should not have been justified IN refusing 10 give
the people an opportunity, through then Representa-
ives to entertain and decide question OF So much
importance as the one now presented And Whatever
might hsve been my individual opinions as 10 inc uiu-
mate action that should be had the duty OF eonvsnng