Independent Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1842-1844, 1843-01-21

lne ~ extent oil Inc British CLAIM, or to
put Maine in possession by force-and
THAI, too, with the opinion and sympathy
of the world against US and our cause. In
his opinion, we would be bound to attempt
1t, in justice to Maine, should we refuse to
agree to what she has assented So much
fer the boundary question, as far as Maine
is concerned.
Having now shown Satisfactorily, he
hoped) that Maine has acted wisely for
herself IN asserting to the treaty, il remain
ed TO be considered whether we, the repre-.
sentatves of the Union on such questions,
would not als0do so in ratifying i.--so far at
least, as the boundary is involved. He
would add nothing to what had already
been said of the portion in which Maine
was Immediately interested. His remarks
would be confined 10 the remaining portion
of the boundary, extending from the north
western corner of that State to the Rocky
mountains.
Throughout this long extended line, ev-
cry question has been settled to our salts
faction. Our right has been acknowledge
ed to territory OF about one hundred
thousand acres of land, in NewHampshire,
which would have been lost by the award
of the King of Holland. A long gore Of
about the same amount, lying in Vermont
and New York, and which was lost under
the treaty of Gnent, would be reganed by
this. 1t includes Rouse's Point. Sugar
island, lying in the water conneXion be-
tween lakes Huron and Superior, and
heretofore in dispute, is acknowledged TO
be ours; it is large and valuable for soil
and position. So, also, is Isle Royale,
near the northcr shore of lake Superior,
acknowledged ours--a large island, and
valuable for its fisheries. And, also, a
large tract Of country to the north and west
of that lake, between Fond du Lac and the
river St. Lous on one side, and Pigeon RI
yer on the other--containing four millions
Of acres. 1t is said to be sterile; but cannot
well be more than that acquired by Great
Britain, lying west of the boundary
awarded by the King of Holland. In ad-
diion, all the islands in the river ST. Law
renee and the lakes which were divided in
running out the division line under pre-.
,vious treaties, are acquired. BY !, US under
this; and the channels and PISS gees are
opened to the common uses of our citizens
and the subjects Of Great Biia;n.
Such are tie provisions Of the treaty in
reference TO this long line boundary. Oar
gain-regarded in the most contracted point
of view, as mere equivalents for the sum
assumed 10 be paid by US 10 Maine and
Ma.sachuse Is for their assent TO the trea-
ty-is vastly greater than what we have
contracted 10 pay. Taking the whole
boundary question together. and summing
up the loss and gain of the whole, includ-
ing what affects Maine and Massachusetts;
and he could not doubt that,regarded mere =
ly as set offs, our gain greatly exceeded
our loss-vastly SO, compared to what 1t
would have been under the the award OF
the King of Holland, including HE equiv
alent which our Government was willing
to allow Maine for her assent. But it
would lie, indeed, to take very contract
ed view to regard it in that light. 1t would
be to overlook the vast importance Of per-
mauently establishing, between two such
powers line Of boundary Of several
thousand miles, aboun1ing in disputed
points of much difficulty and long standing
The treaty, he trusted would do muct
to lay the foundation of solid peace be-
tween the countries-a thing SO much 10 be
| desired.
1t is certainly much to be regretted, af
ter settling so large portion of the boun
dairy, that the part beyond the Rocky noun
;ains should remain unadj usted. Its set
Element would have contributed much tC
strengthen the foundation of durable
peace But would il be wise to reject the
treaty, because all has n II been doae thai
could be desired? He placed h On val
ne on our territory on the west Of those
mountains, and he'd our title to it TO bt
clear; but he would regard it as an act o
consummate folly, to stake our claim on ;
trial of strength at tbs time. The terrific
ry is now held by joint occupancy, unde
the treaty of Client; which either party
may terminate by giving to The other sill
months'notice. Ii we were to attempt t
assert our exclusive right of occupancy a
present, the certain loss of the terrltor!
must be the result; for the plain reason
that Great Britain could concentrate their
a much larger force, naval and mlitary,iI
a much shorter time, at far less expense
than we could. That will not be denied
but it will not always lie the case. Our pc
pulatipn is steadily--he might say rapid!
advancing across the Continent, TO thu
borders of the Pacific ocean. Judgln!
from past experience, the tide o. PopuIa
ton will sweep across the Rocky noun
tains, with resistIess force, at no dlstan
period; when what we claim will quletl,
fall into our hands, without expense o
bloodshed. Time is acting for US. Wait pa
| n -, claim urIl ho Ours. lint